Days after Mini India commenced bookings for the new Cooper S and the all-electric Countryman E, the company has now announced that these models will be launched in India on July 24, 2024. While the fourth-generation Mini Cooper S will replace the outgoing model (Rs 42.70 lakh, ex-showroom), the launch of the Countryman E will mark the arrival of the third-generation, all-electric model, and for the first time, the electrified Countryman will be offered in the country. Mini currently retails the petrol-powered Countryman in our market at a starting price of Rs 48.10 lakh (ex-showroom). The all-electric version, on the other hand, will likely carry a higher price tag.
Revealed in September 2023 alongside the new Countryman E, the updated Mini Cooper S features larger wheels and a longer wheelbase, set in contrast to the car's short overhangs and a short bonnet. The front fascia of the hatch is characterised by a new octagonal grille, circular LED headlamps, as well as adjustable light signatures in tune with a minimalist exterior design.
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In profile, the latest iteration of the Cooper S gets newly designed diamond-cut alloy wheels, while the door handles are flush. At the rear are triangular LED tail lamps with adjustable OLED tech and a 'Union Jack' motif. Based on the BMW iX1, the new Countryman E shares its exterior bits with the Cooper S, namely an octagonal grille, configurable LED daytime running lamps (offering up to 3 lighting signatures), and revised headlights & tail lamps. Other bits include the reworked C-pillar treatment as well as 20-inch wheels.
New Mini Cooper S, Countryman: Interior, Features
On the inside, the new Mini Cooper S and Countryman get a curved dashboard with textile surfaces, along with a round (9.45-inch) OLED touchscreen displaying information related to travel, navigation, and battery status. Beneath the touchscreen is a host of toggle switches for engine start/stop and gear selector.
The vehicles additionally feature adjustable seats (with a massage function), connected car tech, fisheye in-car camera, and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems). The Countryman gets up to Level 2 ADAS tech, making it the first Mini to do so. Both Minis offer no conventional instrument cluster like before.
New Mini Cooper S, Countryman: Powertrain
Under the hood, the new Mini Cooper S will likely get the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine as the outgoing version. This engine makes 201bhp and 300Nm of peak torque. The power is transmitted to the front wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. According to Mini, the Cooper S can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.
Coming to the Countryman E, the model will arrive in an all-electric avatar. Upon arrival, the India-spec car is expected to be equipped with a front-mounted electric motor, rear-wheel-drive arrangement. Overseas, this setup makes 201bhp of power and 250Nm of peak torque, resulting in a claimed 0 to 100km/h time of 8.6 seconds. The top speed is marked at 170km/h, while the range figure stands at 462km on the WLTP cycle.
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The upcoming Mini Cooper S and Countryman E are expected to arrive as completely built units on the market. The Mini Cooper S with a petrol powertrain goes on sale first, with the all-electric Cooper EV to follow at a later date. As for the Countryman, expect Mini to offer a rear-wheel-drive setup.
In terms of market competition, the Mini Cooper S will face competition from the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, BMW 2 Series, and Audi Q3, while the electric Countryman E will go against the Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW iX1, Kia EV6, and Volvo XC40 Recharge.
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