BMW-owned British luxury car brand Mini has finally started the production of its Countryman SUV ending all speculations.
The new SUV is expected to be launched in India next year. Marking a key milestone for the premium automaker with the announcement around the production, the newest version of the Mini Countryman is being produced at its Leipzig plant in Germany.
Notably, apart from the Mini Countryman SUV, the BMW 1 series and BMW 2 series are also being manufactured at the plant. The Countryman SUV’s third generation iteration was uncovered earlier this year, following which the production has now commenced.
According to the latest developments, the Mini Countryman SUV will go on sale across the country sometime next year and it is also expected to arrive in India replacing the existing model. Currently, the Countryman is available at a starting price of Rs 53.5 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.
If reports are to be believed, the German automobile car maker is looking forward to catching the attention of new customers with the third third-generation Countryman SUV and also hopes to retain the existing customers by offering them something more practical.
Mini’s third-generation Countryman SUV: Features
Speaking about the features of the third-generation Countryman SUV, the car is expected to come with an overall increased size than its predecessor. It gets an updated dashboard with an identical touchscreen display, similar to the Cooper hatchback. Apart from that, there are three interior trims and eight Mini Experience modes on offer. It will also offer Level 2 autonomous driver assistance systems.
The SUV’s exterior design will also have a progression, with a new octagonal front grille and updated headlamps and taillights, according to reports. Among other features, it also comes with a spacious cabin, bigger cup holders, extra cargo space, and a more comfortable rear backrest.
The third-gen Countryman SUV will also have three different turbocharged petroleum engines and two electric powertrains on offer. Focusing on electric enthusiasts, two versions will be available including a dual motor AWD with a powerful 308 horses and 250 Nm of torque and single motor RWD with 201 hp.
On the other hand, for the ICE variants, the SUV will have choices between two engines including a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine that powers the front wheels and a 2.0 litre turbocharged that powers all four wheels.