Road Tripping the 2025 Electric MINI Countryman SE: A Real-World Winter Test

DimON · December 30, 2024

Electric vehicles (EVs) are often hailed as the future of motoring, but how well do they fare during winter road trips? In our latest video, we take the 2025 Electric MINI Countryman SE on an extended journey to test the practicality of MINI’s newest electric crossover. Can it handle long distances, public charging stations, and icy conditions without leaving us stranded?

The video delves into the experience of road-tripping with the electric Countryman SE. We cover first impressions—how the Countryman SE feels from the driver’s seat and how its electric powertrain performs in real-world conditions.

Of course, no road trip is without its hiccups, and the Countryman SE isn’t immune. We highlight some quirks of MINI’s new OS9 infotainment system and the sluggish start-up routine, which felt unusual compared to other Countryman models we’ve tested. This may be due to the nature of this particular car being a fleet vehicle.

We also put the Countryman SE’s high-speed charging to the test and explore how it fits into the road trip experience. Fortunately, the high-speed charging worked well—because our home charger didn’t quite meet expectations.

Despite a few challenges, we loved the experience and found the Countryman SE to be the most comfortable and quiet MINI we’ve ever driven. Considering the needs of most Countryman owners, we can’t help but think the electric model we tested could be the ideal choice for many.

A Closer Look at the 2025 MINI Countryman SE

The 2025 MINI Countryman SE represents a significant step forward for the brand as it expands its electric lineup. The new SE builds upon the success of the Cooper SE hatch but with greater practicality and range – two crucial factors for crossover buyers. The Countryman SE boasts a dual-motor setup, offering all-wheel drive and up to 313 horsepower. This powertrain allows for a 0-60 mph time of just 5.6 seconds, making it the most powerful Countryman to date.

Range is always a sticking point for EVs, and the Countryman SE has MINI’s longest range to date. In our experience we’ve seen the range span from around 185 miles in the below freezing temps up to 235+ in summer temperatures. Fast-charging capabilities up to 150 kW allow the battery to go from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes at DC fast chargers.

The new MINI Countryman’s design attempts to retain the charm and quirkiness that the brand is known for while integrating sleeker, more modern aesthetics. The exterior features larger proportions compared to the outgoing Countryman, resulting in more interior space for passengers and cargo. Inside, the circular OLED display remains a centerpiece, housing MINI’s new OS9 infotainment system – though, as our video shows, the software might still need some fine-tuning to match the vehicle’s otherwise premium feel.

Ultimately, this video serves as a real-world case study for those considering the switch to electric. The Countryman SE is fun to drive, packed with MINI personality, and capable of handling the winter road-trip. But as with any EV, preparation is key. If you’re thinking of making the leap, our journey offers a valuable glimpse into the highs and lows of life with an electric MINI.