In a nutshell, the BMW Mini Countryman is comfortable, streamlined, simple and uncomplicated. It’s not like there are a lot of bells and whistles. At 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque (52 more hp and 89 more torque compared to the previous generation), on a 7-speed double clutch transmission, that’s enough pep to propel you around town.
The inside was plenty spacious for two people – a 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen, panoramic glass sunroof, heated seats in the front, sport leather, heated steering wheel, JCW sports seats, and Harman/Kardon surround sound system. Plus the price tag for the 2025 Smokey Green Countryman S we had out – $53,890, as tested. And for a lot of us, who live in big cities, that’s good enough. Based on that, the BMW Mini Countryman is a 7-out-of-10 recommendation.
Maneuverability
But here’s a difference-maker – the day I picked it up, in late December, Toronto was hit with a snowstorm. And the Countryman handled it great. Surprisingly good, actually, after walking up to it as the snow accumulated, and thinking there would be issues getting home. The media vehicle was equipped with 20-inch Windmill Spoke 2-tone wheels with all season tires. I didn’t take the highway home – instead a side street south into the city, with plenty of stops and starts. The Mini has a low center of gravity, which helps with stability and balance. In snowy or icy conditions, this means the car is less likely to slide around, providing better control, especially when cornering.
Front-wheel drive cars typically perform better in snow compared to rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles because the weight of the engine is over the drive wheels, which helps improve traction. The cool factor around its compact size gave away to its maneuverability level, navigating the snow-covered roads.
Many BMW Minis are equipped with advanced traction control systems, which help maintain grip on slippery surfaces by automatically adjusting engine power or braking force when the wheels start to slip. The Mini is relatively light, which means less weight is exerted on the tires, allowing for better traction on slippery surfaces compared to heavier cars that might have more difficulty staying grounded in snow.
I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
But I love writing about cars – check that, luxury cars, a level of superior, engineering sophistication, high performance and style, that transports you not just from one destination to another but also out of whatever you are going through on a particular day, whatever mood you are in, all to another head space. It’s complete and total exhilaration, head to toe.
Check out my stories, and email me direct at mkeast@regardingluxury.com
