Next MINI Countryman EV to Offer More Range, Tech, and Rear-Wheel Drive

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The future of the MINI Countryman EV just got a lot more interesting. While the current U25 Countryman launched less than a year ago, we’ve confirmed that the next-generation Countryman EV will move to BMW’s Neue Klasse (NK) platform. It’s set to arrive much sooner than expected — bringing more range, advanced tech, and a major shift how it applies its power.

Neue Klasse: A Leap Forward in MINI’s EV Evolution

There’s a good reason for MINI to be aggressive with its timing of the new Countryman EV. While the U25 EV was just released in 2024, MINI wants to take advantage of the huge technical improvements that BMW has on the horizon.

The new iX3 gives us a preview of the technical layout of the next Countryman EV but don’t worry, it’s modular design allows for smaller footprints.

As we’ve reported before, BMW’s Gen6 EV architecture — the foundation of the Neue Klasse — represents nothing less than a quantum leap in battery technology, efficiency, and performance for MINI. Faster charging, 30 percent more range, and significant gains in power density are all part of the package. For MINI, this shift isn’t just about keeping pace with rivals; it’s about possibly becoming a market leader in the small premium EV segment.

The move also signals the beginning of a fundamental change we detailed earlier this year: horsepower may still matter, but processing power is quickly becoming just as important. The Neue Klasse and its Gen6 platform will bring MINI a completely new electrical and digital backbone, unlocking advanced driver assistance, next-generation interfaces, and entirely new connected services. But it also unlocks something particularly special for MINIs— the promise of more natural driving characteristics.

And here’s how the NK platform will impact the future Countryman’s driving dynamics

A Platform Designed for MINI’s Future

Even more intriguing for MINI enthusiasts is how the NK platform could change driving MINI’s classic front-wheel drive experience. As we explored, Neue Klasse is designed around rear-wheel drive, with optional all-wheel drive configurations. For MINI, that could mean a fundamental rethink of how the Countryman EV behaves on the road. Imagine a MINI crossover with sharper turn-in, more playful handling balance, and torque delivery that feels closer to classic BMW DNA than the pulling sensation that front-wheel drive delivers. Even in all-wheel drive mode, the current Countryman is still fundamentally a front-wheel drive car and behaves like it when pushed. That’s certainly not a bad thing, but those who are used to driving rear-wheel drive-biased cars with near 50/50 weight distribution will welcome the change to a drivetrain strategy that’s more at home in high-performance scenarios.

Timing: Sooner Than Expected

Here’s where things get really interesting. The next Countryman EV (internal code NB5) is scheduled to go into production in November 2028 and run until October 2036.

But don’t expect a radical redesign given the U25 was just that. Instead we think MINI will use an evolutionary strategy outside with some major new tech inside. More on that soon.

Our Take

This move could be nothing short of transformative for MINI. The current Countryman EV was always meant to be a bridge — a way to get an electric MINI crossover to market quickly. The Neue Klasse-based Countryman EV, however, is the real deal. With Gen6 batteries, RWD biased dynamics, and an entirely new digital backbone, it has the potential to be not just the most advanced MINI ever, but also the most fun.

What’s remarkable is just how soon it’s all happening. For MINI fans who want a true next-generation EV experience, the wait may be shorter than anyone expected.

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