2026 MINI Countryman EV Refresh – First Technical Details

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If you’ve been following MotoringFile, you’ll know we’ve been tracking MINI’s next round of updates closely. Now, our sources have shared the first details on the all-electric MINI Countryman’s upcoming refresh, set to begin with March 2026 production. While the changes won’t deliver major hardware overhauls, they signal a shift in strategy — moving MINI toward a more fluid, ongoing cycle of improvements rather than the traditional mid-cycle “Life Cycle Impulse” approach.

Subtle Battery Updates, Modest Gains

According to early production data, the refreshed U25 Countryman EV will feature a slightly revised battery pack with a net capacity increase of less than 0.5 kWh. In other words, it’s nearly the same pack. Most other specifications remain unchanged, which suggests MINI is leaning on software-based improvements to deliver any noticeable gains.

That could mean a small bump in range or improved charging performance — potentially tied to more efficient energy management. But for now, sources tell us not to expect major changes in output, charging speed, or performance.

A Shift in MINI’s Refresh Strategy

This early update represents a meaningful departure from MINI’s traditional product cadence. Rather than saving all updates for a mid-cycle refresh, MINI appears to be adopting BMW’s evolving approach of introducing smaller, rolling enhancements throughout the model’s life. It’s a strategy designed to keep the lineup feeling fresher for longer — especially as EV technology evolves rapidly.

Range Expectations

We had expected these updates to follow BMW’s lead from the i4 and iX updates earlier this year, we might still see some incremental efficiency gains. Those BMW models delivered between 5 and 10 percent more range through a mix of refined software and drivetrain optimization. Could these minor hardware changes allow the Countryman EV to follow a similar path? It might be a tall task given these changes but BMW has gotten increasingly sophisticated at finding more efficiency out of similar hardware.

What Comes Next

BMW’s own roadmap for both the combination and EV X1 and X2 includes a larger update in mid-2027, adding features like the new Panoramic Vision display. MINI, however, is charting its own course. Sources indicate the brand won’t bring that display tech to the Countryman, instead focusing its resources on a broader, more design-driven LCI expected in late 2027 or early 2028 to both the combustion and EV U25.

When that full update arrives, expect it to deliver the kind of deeper visual and interior refresh along with possible refinements to drivetrains and digital interfaces. Until then, the March 2026 update looks to be more about refinement than reinvention.

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