2026 MINI Countryman EV Range Jumps Past 500 km

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MINI has made it official. Starting with March 2026 production, the MINI Countryman EV range increases significantly, pushing the Countryman E past the 500 km WLTP mark while further improving the already strong Countryman SE ALL4.

And if this sounds familiar, it should. MotoringFile first reported on this upgrade months ago, outlining MINI’s plans to quietly but significantly improve EV efficiency through rolling technical updates rather than waiting for a full Life Cycle Impulse. Today’s announcement confirms exactly that strategy.

A Rolling Update, Not an LCI

This is not a facelift, refresh, or mid-cycle redesign. Instead, it is part of BMW Group’s broader shift toward continuous improvement through hardware and software evolution. MINI will increasingly deploy these kinds of rolling updates across its lineup, especially in EVs where efficiency gains can be unlocked without touching the exterior or interior design.

Today’s announcement validates that reporting point by point.

What’s Changed and Why It Matters

The headline number is range. The MINI Countryman E now delivers up to 501 kilometers WLTP, while the Countryman SE ALL4 reaches up to 467 kilometers WLTP. Those are meaningful gains for a vehicle that already balanced size, usability, and electric performance better than most compact SUVs.

The improvements come from several key technical updates working together:

• A new silicon carbide inverter that significantly improves energy conversion efficiency and reduces power losses
• An increase in usable battery capacity, with the high-voltage system now offering 65.2 kWh net
• Friction-reduced wheel bearings on the front axle to lower rolling resistance
• Continued aerodynamic optimization, including a drag coefficient of just 0.26

None of these changes alter how the Countryman looks or feels day to day. But together, they deliver more real-world range and fewer charging stops, especially on longer highway drives.

Comparing Current WLTP Range to the 2026 Update

Before the 2026 rolling tech update, the all-electric MINI Countryman lineup already offered respectable WLTP figures, with the single-motor Countryman E rated around 462 kilometers WLTP and the dual-motor Countryman SE ALL4 coming in around 433 kilometers WLTP in European spec.  These figures gave the Countryman EV a competitive stance among compact electric SUVs by balancing usable range with its relatively modest 66.5 kWh battery pack. Compared with those benchmarks, the updated 2026 Countryman E’s 501 km WLTP and SE ALL4’s 467 km WLTP are meaningful increases that push the model’s real-world touring potential even further without resorting to a larger battery.

How WLTP Might Translate to EPA Range for the U.S.

WLTP numbers tend to be more optimistic than EPA ratings in the U.S., often translating to roughly 10 – 15 percent lower when switched to the stricter EPA cycle. Using that typical delta, the updated Countryman E’s 501 km WLTP could equate to roughly 260 – 280 miles EPA. The Countryman SE ALL4’s 467 km WLTP would likely align with around 240 – 260 miles EPA. That would represent a noticeable improvement over today’s U.S. Countryman SE’s EPA range, which sits around 204 – 212 miles depending on wheel size.  With this increase, the 2026 model could be substantially more compelling for American buyers who prioritize longer range and fewer charging stops.

Charging and Everyday Use Still Lead the Segment

Despite the larger usable battery, charging performance remains unchanged in the best way possible. DC fast charging still takes the battery from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes, preserving the Countryman SE’s strength as a genuinely easy EV to live with.

For owners, this means more freedom without added complexity. More range, same usability, same design. It is exactly the kind of upgrade EV buyers want and one that rewards MINI for focusing on efficiency rather than chasing headline power numbers.

What This Signals for MINI’s Future

Just as important as the range increase itself is what it represents. MINI is clearly embracing a future where vehicles evolve continuously. Hardware, software, and efficiency improvements will arrive when ready, not when a model-year calendar demands it.

As we’ve said before, this is how EV development should work. Quiet, incremental improvements that make ownership better without forcing buyers to wait years for an LCI badge.

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