The German-made MINI Countryman has been available with an electric powertrain in the U.S. since the launch of the third-generation model in 2024.
At the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, I had a chance to get up close with the local-spec MINI Countryman Electric in the John Cooper Works style. Here are some interesting observations I made:
Design
The MINI Countryman Electric in John Cooper Works style features a unique front- and rear-end design. At the front, it receives an exclusive octagonal grille panel with a pattern of elongated rhombuses inspired by a checkered flag, along with a redesigned surround.
The octagonal grille and the MINI emblem are finished in gloss black, and the former also features the John Cooper Works logo and branding. Two trapezoidal recessed sections flank the emblem. The lower grille also has a unique design, incorporating prominent vertical slats.
The redesigned bumper features tall outer air inlets that appear largely decorative. A gloss-black front spoiler lip runs across the bottom and rises into blade-like corner elements.
On the sides, the example I saw was equipped with 19-inch black alloy wheels that are available on other styles as well. MINI offers a unique 20-inch two-tone alloy wheel option in other markets, but not in the U.S.
That said, there is a JCW logo on the rear quarter glass to distinguish the John Cooper Works style from the other styles. The lower-body cladding throughout the side profile is finished in gloss black for further exclusivity.
At the rear, the bumper has a slightly different design and is finished in gloss black. The same finish is seen on the brand logo and model inscription as well.
Interior
The interior of the MINI Countryman Electric in John Cooper Works style is finished in black and features champagne accents. The steering wheel features the John Cooper Works logo and branding, as well as red stitching.
As in other styles, a 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen combines the functions of the infotainment system and instrument cluster. Retro-style physical controls for the parking brake, gear selector, vehicle start/stop, drive mode, and speaker volume remind us of the classic MINI.
Experience in the MINI Countryman Electric
I spent time in the all-electric MINI Countryman John Cooper Works style, and its cabin prioritizes sportiness over the softer luxury offered by something like the BMW iX1. It also feels surprisingly spacious for a MINI.
The front seat provides adequate back and under-thigh support, while upper-back and shoulder support are acceptable even for someone with a broader frame like me. The side bolsters did not bother me much, but the bolstering built into the seat base felt noticeably tight and slightly uncomfortable. The fixed headrest cannot be adjusted, although its position still worked reasonably well.
With the seat set to my usual driving position for a 6-foot frame, I had around 4 inches of headroom. The pedal box is well arranged, and the pedals look suitably sporty, although I felt the dead pedal could have been slightly larger.
Outward visibility is fine, and the cabin materials feel creative and durable. The two-material steering wheel has perforated sections and a distinctive fabric strap connecting its lower spoke.
Gloss-black trim is used sparingly, largely around the drive selector, which is a good move. Textile-like dashboard trim and carbon-fiber-inspired detailing create an interesting contrast. The large circular display handles infotainment, temperature, fan speed, and most other functions, so nearly everything requires touchscreen interaction.
The vertically mounted, joystick-style air vents are satisfying to operate and provide strong airflow. The car also has a head-up display, while the steering column is manually adjustable.
Rear-seat entry requires me to watch my head despite this being an SUV. With the front seat set for a 6-footer, my knees were nearly touching the seatback. I also sat with my knees slightly raised because of the battery beneath the floor. The floor is not flat, making three-abreast seating difficult.
Rear headroom was much better at roughly 4 inches. Large windows and the expansive glass roof bring plenty of light into the cabin. Rear passengers also get air vents, two USB ports, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders.
Specifications
The third-gen MINI Countryman is based on the new multi-energy FAAR platform, an updated version of the second-gen model’s UKL platform. This isn’t a skateboard designed only for electric vehicles.
The MINI Countryman Electric in John Cooper Works style is available in the SE ALL4 variant in the U.S., which has two electric motors, including a high-output unit at the front and a low-output unit at the rear.
The two motors produce 308 hp and 364 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Countryman Electric to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 112 mph.
A 64.7 kWh battery pack powers the two motors, and it supports charging at up to 130 kW, with a 10-80% charging session taking as little as 29 minutes.
The EPA-estimated range should be slightly lower than the 216-mile figure for the configurations with 18-inch wheels, which are not available with the John Cooper Works style. We expect it to be approximately 210 miles.
Price
In the U.S. market, the MINI Countryman Electric in John Cooper Works style costs USD 49,350 (excl. a USD 1,350 destination and handling fee).
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
