Mini always aimed to make the Countryman one of the most nimble and peppy crossovers on the road, and the shift to electrification has only enhanced those characteristics. 308 hp is enough to help the Countryman SE scoot off the line, accompanied by some unique propulsion sounds in the speakers that change with the drive modes. These sounds can be turned off if you prefer a silent experience, but we felt that they add some drama to the acceleration. Speaking of driving modes, there are seven of them: Core, Green, Vivid, Balance, Timeless, Personal, and Go-Kart. Go-Kart is our personal favorite, dialing up the noise and sharpening the steering and throttle. We also love how the whole car – including the lights, screen style, and sound – all changes based on the drive modes.
Speaking of the steering, it’s less communicative than past Mini vehicles on account of the Countryman’s weight gain, but it’s still direct and fun to interact with. The ride is on the firmer side, but it’s not too uncomfortable to serve as a daily driver. It feels a bit like a marshmallow when compared to its BMW counterpart, the X2, which crashes over bumps like a race car. The low center of gravity contributes to the fun with just enough body lean through corners to make the Countryman a playful driving partner.