MINI May Be Creating An Journey-Centered Countryman

The third-generation Countryman continues to be a comparatively new product, having been round for less than a few years. That probably means we haven’t seen the whole lot MINI has deliberate for the U25 era. With manufacturing reportedly persevering with into the early 2030s, there’s loads of time for extra variants to increase the lineup.

Living proof, MINI not too long ago launched a Countryman Rugged Version in South Africa. Pictured on the backside, it’s largely a beauty package deal. Whereas it does get Normal Grabber AT3 all-terrain tires and some equipment, it stays very a lot the identical compact crossover beneath. A extra substantial particular model geared toward adventure-minded consumers is on the way in which, in keeping with the corporate’s Head of Design.

In an interview with Engine1Holger Hampf revealed plans for a brand new Countryman taste with a stronger off-road focus: “One factor that I can level out is the pattern of outside exercise and independence—freedom that the automotive has all the time given us. You’ll definitely see a few of that within the subsequent couple of years.”

Though the previous Head of BMW Group Designworks didn’t present particulars, it’s not arduous to think about what’s coming. Logic suggests the Countryman might spawn a particular version or trim degree that includes a raised suspension and extra physique cladding. These all-terrain tires talked about earlier are prone to be normal, together with all-wheel drive.

After all, we shouldn’t count on MINI to rework the Countryman right into a Jeep Wrangler rival. Even with improved functionality off the overwhelmed path, it most likely gained’t sort out actually demanding trails. In any case, it is a unibody crossover that may’t match the off-road prowess of a body-on-frame car.

Nonetheless, it’s encouraging to see MINI broadening its horizons by leaning into the off-road area. It wouldn’t be the primary Countryman modified to deal with harder terrain. Keep in mind the X-Raid? It was primarily based on the previous-generation mannequin and carried Dakar Rally vibes. These photos present a components that was later reused for a street-legal off-roader derived idea from the present U25.

It stays unclear whether or not MINI’s father or mother firm, BMW, will introduce an equal X1 able to get soiled. We do know that the BMW Group plans to debut a standalone mannequin, internally often called the “Rugged” venturein 2029. The corporate reportedly intends to place the three-row SUV, codenamed “G69,” in opposition to rivals such because the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. It might not be as hardcore as these two, but it surely ought to be extra succesful off-road than any BMW earlier than it.

The BMW Group could also be arriving late to the off-road social gathering, but it surely seems decided to make up for misplaced time.

Supply: Engine1

2026 MINI Countryman Rugged Version