Mini has launched two electric versions of its all-new generation Countryman that will sit above a fresh pair of petrol versions and are slated for release in Australia in Q3 this year.

Chasing Car’s contributor Dan Gardner heads to Portugal to drive the most futuristic - and largest - Mini electric to date, which will be priced in Australia from around $65K for the base Countryman E.

The high-grade Countryman SE version on test here will be priced at $75,990, or around $82K on road.

With a claimed 433 kilometres of range (WLTP) from its 64.7kWh battery, 230kW and 494Nm of dual-motor ‘ALL4’ drive, and wild styling inside and out, the new flagship Countryman looks to up the Mini EV game on many levels.

Is the new electric Mini a significant leap over the likable if range-limited first generation? And what’s it like to drive? Let’s find out.

Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:23 - New-gen Countryman SE
0:44 - Funky interior
1:15 - Materials
1:49 - Circular media system
2:47 - Smartphone app
3:30 - 230kW/494Nm dual-motor outputs
3:52 - Interesting noises
4:42 - ‘Go-kart’ mode
5:34 - Against BMW iX2?
5:53 - Chassis
6:20 - ‘Balance’ mode
6:41 - Big size and roominess
7:03 - Negatives
7:27 - Battery and charging
7:55 - Performance
8:18 - Myriad configurations
9:26 - Spoilt for choice
9:44 - Verdict

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