New Mini Cooper hatch and Countryman SUV revealed for 2024 with electric power for both

Mini has taken the covers off not one, but two completely new models in the shapes of the 2024 Cooper hatchback and Countryman SUV. Making their world debuts at this week’s Munich motor show, both cars will be available from launch with fully-electric power.

New Mini Cooper hatch

Starting with the three-door hatchback, it’s now badged the Cooper, rather than that being a trim level, and the fifth-generation model features a minimalist design that is a modern evolution of the retro-inspired looks that are so familiar from previous BMW-era Minis. According to Mini head of design, Oliver Heilmer, it’s called “Charismatic Simplicity”, and the idea behind it is that “each new Mini model has a strong, individual character and is characterised by a clear, reduced design language intuitively focused on the essentials of the brand.”

For the new Cooper hatch, this means a particularly smooth appearance, with LED daytime running light rings for the headlamps and an outline for the grille that’s similar to that of the most recent facelift for the Mini Mk4. Further back, there are flush doorhandles and the wheelarch extensions seen on previous generations have been removed altogether, while the glass area is narrower than ever. Black window pillars mean the Mini Cooper retains the familiar floating roof design.

At the back, the controversial Union Flag-style lights have been ditched for a more stylistic appearance, with triangular clusters that are connected by a black bar. Four trim levels – Essential, Classic, Favoured and John Cooper Works – add tweaks to the exterior design accordingly.

Circular touchscreen and nod to circular economy

Inside, the uncluttered cabin features a large circular OLED touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, with a handful of physical controls in a pod below – a nod to the design of the original 1959 Mini. There’s plenty of additional tech, though, with a multifunction steering wheel and a head-up display for the driver. Customisable LED interior lighting offers a range of colours and moods at night.

As part of the BMW Group’s sustainability objectives including ‘circularity’, the new Cooper hatch features recycled materials, including recycled polyester for the fabric used on the seats, dashtop and doors.

Mini hasn’t released dimensions for the new hatch, but there’s boot space of 200 litres on offer, which rises to 800 litres with the back seats folded. In comparison, the Mk4 hatch has a 211-litre boot, which expands to 731 litres, which suggests the new Mini Cooper will have more rear passenger space than before – at the expense of luggage room.

Electric-only power at launch

The new Cooper hatch is all-electric and is available in two guises: E and SE. Power for the Cooper E comes from an electric motor with 181bhp and 214lb ft of torque that drives the front wheels. This is good for a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds. The Cooper SE increases power to 215bhp and it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds.

There are two battery sizes, with the Cooper E featuring a 40.7kWh pack and the Cooper SE coming with a 54.2kWh version. Mini quotes WLTP-tested ranges of 190 and 250 miles, respectively. Faster DC charging is offered on the Cooper SE at 95kW, compared with 75kW for the Cooper E, but that means both batteries can be taken from 10-80 per cent capacity in half an hour.

New Mini Countryman SUV

The latest Countryman breaks new ground for Mini’s SUV. Not only is it bigger than ever, but it also comes with all-electric drive for the first time.

The new Countryman measures 4,433mm long (so it’s five inches longer than its predecessor), plus it’s 1,843mm wide, 1,656mm tall and has a 2,692mm wheelbase, making it the biggest production ‘Mini’ yet. In fact, its enlarged dimensions mean there’s room for a new smaller Mini SUV to slot into the range beneath the Countryman at a later date.

Electric options at launch

While the previous generation introduced a plug-in hybrid powertrain, this time Mini will offer the Countryman with electric power for the first time. As with the Cooper, there are E and SE variants, with the latter featuring All4 four-wheel drive. The Countryman E uses a 201bhp electric motor that offers a range of up to 287 miles, while the Countryman SE All4 has twin electric motors for 308bhp and can officially travel up to 269 miles on a charge. There are 0-62mph times of 8.6 seconds and 5.6 seconds for the E and SE, respectively.

Three petrol models have been detailed, starting with the 167bhp, front-wheel-drive Countryman C. The 215bhp Countryman S All4 and the 296bhp JCW variant both come with all-wheel drive as standard.

Bigger dimensions mean more interior space

The Countryman’s growth spurt sees the design become more SUV-like than ever. The slab sides and chunky angles set it apart from the Cooper hatch, while the round headlights are replaced by a more angular design. The traditional floating roof is present, while a longer rear overhang creates more boot space. A blank tailgate with the number plate set into the rear bumper is a fresh look for Mini’s SUV.

Inside, the Countryman isn’t quite as minimal as the Cooper hatch, but it still features the large circular central display. Again, recycled materials are used for the fabrics, while the cabin offers a new level of versatility. The back row slides back and forth by 130mm to make more legroom or boot space, and the seat backs can be reclined by up to 12 degrees, too. There’s 25mm more shoulder room in the rear than before according to Mini, while the boot offers 460 litres of space. Fold the seats and there’s a total of 1,450 litres on offer – these figures are up by 10 litres and 60 litres on the outgoing car.

Both the Countryman and Cooper hatch will use Mini’s latest Operating System 9 infotainment software, so will offer greater levels of connectivity and personalisation than ever. This includes a “Hey Mini” voice control system, plus tailored navigation instructions, including route guidance with charging factored in.

UK prices and launch dates confirmed

The Mini Cooper E will cost from £30,000 on the road, while the Cooper SE starts at £34,500. Customer deliveries begin in “spring 2024” and it is expected that petrol versions of the Mini Cooper – built on different underpinnings to the electric variants – will be unveiled in time.

Prices for the new Countryman start at £28,500 with petrol power, rising to £41,500 for the entry-level electric model. February 2024 is the date for first deliveries.

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