Mini Cooper Electric vs. Mini Countryman Electric: which is better?
Find out which of Mini's new electric cars is best for you
)
Discover the differences between the Cooper Electric vs. Countryman Electric
Mini has now electrified its two most popular models, so you can have a silent-driving, eco-friendly version of your favourite model without sacrificing style.
It’s rare electric versions of petrol cars look the same, but Mini knows what its buyers want.
Torn between the two? Here’s a comparison review to help you decide which to go for.
)
Mini Cooper Electric overview
The Mini Cooper Electric isn't new, it’s been around since 2019.
The refreshed 2024 Mini Cooper just gives it an updated look, a swanky new interior and better range.
Mini Countryman Electric overview
Unlike its smaller relative, the 2024 Mini Countryman Electric is a new concept – following on from the plug-in hybrid Countryman launched in 2017.
Based on the petrol car, this electric one offers a respectable range and an instant shove of torque you just didn't get with the ‘standard’ car.
Does the Mini Cooper Electric or Countryman Electric have better style?
)
This is totally subjective. If you like a small hatchback, you’re probably going to prefer the Cooper, but if you like an SUV, you’re going to like the Countryman.
There are some distinct styling cues that might help you decide, though. The Mini Cooper Electric (and we mean this in the nicest way possible) has a face like a fish. But we think this is a vast improvement over the older model.
This is clearly Mini’s new design language because the updated Countryman shares some of those sharper lines.
Speaking of which, the Countryman has received one of the biggest glow-ups of the year. A wider stance and similar front grille to the Cooper make it a far more handsome beast.
The redesigned rear may not be for everyone, but we think it’s funky.
Which drives better: Cooper Electric or Countryman Electric?
)
Being totally different cars designed for opposite things, they drive in very different ways.
For example, the Mini Cooper Electric has a much firmer ride with agile steering, whereas the Countryman Electric sits higher and has slightly softer (but still very firm) suspension.
The sporty Cooper SE we drove had a 49.2kWh battery with 218hp, offering a 0-62mph sprint in just 6.7 seconds.
On the other hand, the Countryman SE ALL4 we tested had a larger 64.7kWh battery with 304hp and a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds – less important in a family SUV but still useful to know for those tricky junctions and overtakes.
What are the interiors like of the Mini Cooper Electric vs. Countryman Electric?
)
Sit in either driving seat, and you’ll struggle to see the difference between the Cooper and Countryman.
Both now come with Mini’s world-first circular touchscreen infotainment system that measures 240mm across and is a refreshing change from boring rectangular ones.
Unlike the old car, the OLED screen actually fills the whole circle instead of a square in the middle, making it much easier to use.
They also both get the same steering wheel, which is technically three-spoked, but the bottom spoke is a fabric strap – a new design cue Mini is using.
If you want comfort, you’re in luck because both cars have similar seats that offer plenty of back protection and are bolstered to your liking.
The only major difference is storage space. Both have small Mini-branded compartments between the two front seats. The Cooper’s is narrow and long, while the Countryman’s is cube-like and deeper.
Mini Cooper Electric vs. Countryman Electric: size comparison
If you’ve ever seen a Cooper and Countryman side-by-side, you’ll know how much the size varies.
2024 Mini Cooper dimensions
Length: 3876mm
Width: 1744mm
Height: 1432mm
2024 Mini Countryman dimensions
Length: 4433mm
Width: 1843mm
Height: 1656mm
Cooper Electric vs. Countryman Electric: which has more boot space?
)
There’s an obvious size difference between these two Minis, so a boot space comparison may not be all that fair, but it’s important information to know when deciding which to buy.
Mini Cooper Electric boot space: 211 litres
Mini Countryman Electric boot space: 460 litres
This is a massive jump up, but once again proves how practical the Countryman is for families.
Which model is more reliable – the Cooper Electric or the Countryman Electric?
Being electric, both cars are very reliable because they have fewer moving parts that could go wrong.
Although they haven’t been out long enough to test their overall dependability, we’d be surprised if anything major crops up looking at Minis from recent years.
They’re safe cars too, with the previous models scoring highly in their Euro NCAP safety tests. These new versions haven’t been tested yet, but we’d imagine they’re the same, if not better.
Used Mini Cooper Electric vs. used Mini Countryman Electric: which should you buy?
If you still haven’t decided which electric Mini is for you, maybe a couple of pointers will help.
You should buy a used Mini Cooper Electric if...
> you want a nippy hatchback
> you don’t need loads of boot space
> you love tech
You should buy a used Mini Countryman Electric if...
> boot space is important to you
> you need the added cabin space for your family
> you prefer a higher seating position