I just got an invite to a launch event at my dealer for the U25 Countryman on May 5th. The Countryman has never suited me personally, but it would be a chance to see the new interior materials and infotainment system.
Reservations are open: https://www.miniusa.com/future-models/all-electric-countryman.html What fun: I'll get to watch a new build this year!
I didn't think there was going to be an ICE version. Maybe it's the same for me? I took the "next-gen tech" language to mean EV, but maybe that's my bias. Going to the link @Qisl provided sure enough there are ICE variants at the bottom of the page, and they're available this spring as opposed to fall for the EV.
The base 3 cylinder U25 Countryman C is not coming stateside, but the ICE Countryman S and JCW will be available for sure. Regardless of powertrain, it would be nice to see the interior in person!
I plan to attend a local event during the first week of May. The new Countryman (SE) may be too big to suit my tastes but it could satisfy household needs - recently retired and now a grandparent.
I'm keenly awaiting the Aceman, which is the replacement for the Clubman. Problem with the Aceman is it's on the J01 platform and made in China currently, so like the new Cooper it won't be coming to the US anytime soon.
I've decided to attend, I guess I like all things MINI to just ignore . And as I noted, it'll be a good opportunity to see the new interior design components.
The configurator is online for our UK peers: https://www.mini.co.uk/en_GB/home/range/all-electric-mini-countryman.html. Useful for seeing whether the moonroof opens (it does). I'm glad to see that MINI isn't following the lead of other EV makers where the roof is glass and doesn't open.
Of course, the moonroof on the J01 does not open. That's a bummer for me because I frequently open the moonroof on my SE during the warmer months and appreciate the clever design carried over with the rest of the thoughtful features of the F56. I hope my SE lasts forever.
I haven't received mail from my dealer for the countryman launch. However, you can now register for such an event here: https://minicountrymantour.miniusaevents.com/
Glass install more expensive than simply stamping the roof. 4000 passengers through my ID 4 this year and one of the first things they say is they love the massive glass roof. btw..great looking Hotel room
Well some say it looks better in person. That plastic trim is going to be a pain to keep clean...I never realized there were more textures!