MINI has completed a long-distance road test of the all-electric Countryman SE ALL4. The route spanned from Munich, Germany, to the Westfjords of Iceland. This demonstration was designed to assess the vehicle’s touring and off-road capabilities in challenging conditions. The test covered approximately 2,300 kilometers of driving plus a two-day ferry crossing.
Highlights
- The MINI Countryman SE ALL4 features a dual-motor AWD system producing 230 kW (313 hp) and 494 Nm of torque.
- It has a WLTP-rated range of up to 432 km and a maximum DC charging capacity of 130 kW.
- The vehicle was modified with off-road tires and recovery gear to navigate Iceland’s rugged terrain, including Route 622.
- The test demonstrated the EV’s touring and semi-automated driving features during the long-distance transit.
Vehicle Specifications and Trip Preparation
The initial leg of the journey covered the distance from Munich via Hamburg to the port of Hirtshals in Denmark.
The Countryman SE ALL4 is equipped with two electric motors that provide a total output of 230 kW (313 hp) and 494 Nm of torque.
During motorway driving, the Driving Assistant Professional was utilized for semi-automated driving.
The vehicle has a WLTP-certified range of up to 432 kilometers. With a maximum charging capacity of 130 kW, charging stops took less than 30 minutes.
For the Iceland portion, the vehicle was fitted with off-road tires, a luggage rack with a spare wheel, sand plates, and a jack. MINI reported this equipment had a negligible impact on the vehicle’s range.
Navigating Iceland’s Rugged Terrain
The team arrived in Sedisfjödur, Iceland, after a two-day ferry crossing.
Initial conditions upon arrival were challenging, with light snowfall, low clouds, and temperatures below freezing.
The route through Iceland utilized the main Ring Road as well as more demanding F-roads and tracks in the Westfjords.
The constant daylight of the midsummer sun allowed the team to complete long driving stages, sometimes arriving at destinations after midnight.
Off-Road Performance Assessment
The final stage of the test involved Route 622, a notoriously difficult track in the Westfjords.
This route includes severe scree passages, water crossings, and narrow paths along steep cliffs.
The track’s condition was further compromised by recent rainfall, increasing its difficulty.
The vehicle’s electric all-wheel drive system managed varied surfaces, including turf, scree, and water crossings.
It was noted that the gentle, low-speed pace required for off-road driving resulted in low energy consumption, minimally impacting the electric range.
A final section of Route 622 was found to be impassable, as waves and weather had washed the track away.
Despite this, the test concluded that the all-electric MINI Countryman SE ALL4 is a capable vehicle for long-distance touring in challenging terrain.
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