Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE, a plug-in hybrid that brings together the iconic MINI charm with a touch of eco-friendliness. If you're looking for a compact SUV that's fun to drive and easy on the environment, this could be the car for you. Let's break down everything you need to know, from its performance and interior to its tech features and overall value.

Overview of the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE

The 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE is essentially the plug-in hybrid variant of the regular Countryman. What does that mean for you? Well, you get the same quirky styling and agile handling that MINI is known for, but with the added benefit of electric power. This model year brought some minor updates, keeping it fresh in a competitive market. The main draw is, of course, its ability to run on electric power for shorter distances, which can save you money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint. It’s a win-win!

MINI has always been about standing out, and the Countryman SE is no exception. It's got those classic MINI design cues – the round headlights, the upright windshield, and the overall boxy shape. But it’s also got some unique touches that set it apart as a hybrid. You'll notice the charging port on the front fender, and there are some subtle “e” badges to let everyone know you're driving something special. Inside, the design is just as funky, with a large circular infotainment screen and toggle switches that give it a retro feel. It’s a car that makes a statement without being too over-the-top.

Under the hood, the Countryman SE combines a turbocharged three-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. This setup gives you a combined output of 221 horsepower, which is plenty of pep for everyday driving. The electric motor provides instant torque, so you get a nice burst of acceleration when you need it. And when you're cruising around town, you can switch to electric-only mode and enjoy a quiet, emissions-free ride. The battery range isn't huge – it's rated for about 17 miles – but it's enough for many people's daily commutes. Overall, the Countryman SE is a well-rounded package that offers a unique blend of style, performance, and efficiency.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance, the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE doesn't disappoint. The combination of a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and an electric motor delivers a combined output of 221 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. What does this mean on the road? It means you get brisk acceleration and plenty of power for merging onto the highway or passing other cars. The electric motor provides instant torque, so you feel a nice surge of power as soon as you hit the accelerator. It’s definitely more fun than your average hybrid!

The Countryman SE can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.5 seconds, which is pretty respectable for a plug-in hybrid SUV. But it's not just about straight-line speed. The car also handles well, thanks to MINI's signature go-kart-like handling. The steering is precise and responsive, and the suspension is tuned to provide a good balance of comfort and control. It’s a car that feels nimble and engaging, even on twisty roads. Plus, with all-wheel drive standard, you get added traction and stability in all kinds of weather conditions.

One of the cool things about the Countryman SE is that you can choose from different driving modes to suit your preferences. In Auto eDrive mode, the car automatically switches between electric and gasoline power to maximize efficiency. In Max eDrive mode, the car runs on electric power only, as long as there's enough charge in the battery. And in Save Battery mode, the car uses the gasoline engine to maintain the battery's charge level, so you can save the electric power for later. This flexibility allows you to tailor the driving experience to your specific needs and driving conditions. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or taking a road trip, the Countryman SE has you covered.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE, you'll find a cabin that's both stylish and functional. The design is classic MINI, with a large circular infotainment screen in the center of the dashboard and toggle switches that add a touch of retro flair. The materials are generally high quality, and the overall fit and finish are excellent. It’s a space that feels both premium and playful, which is exactly what you'd expect from a MINI.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, even on longer drives. They offer plenty of adjustment, so you can find the perfect driving position. The rear seats are also surprisingly spacious, with enough legroom and headroom for adults. And with the rear seats folded down, you get a decent amount of cargo space – enough for groceries, luggage, or even a weekend getaway. The Countryman SE is definitely more practical than you might think.

One of the standout features of the Countryman SE's interior is the infotainment system. The large circular screen is easy to read and the menus are intuitive to navigate. You can control the system using the rotary dial on the center console, or you can use the touchscreen. The system includes features like navigation, Apple CarPlay, and a premium sound system. It’s a tech-savvy cabin that keeps you connected and entertained on the road. Overall, the interior of the Countryman SE is a comfortable and stylish place to be.

Technology and Features

The 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE is packed with technology and features that enhance your driving experience. As mentioned earlier, the infotainment system is a highlight, with its large circular screen, intuitive menus, and features like navigation and Apple CarPlay. But there's more to this car than just a fancy infotainment system.

The Countryman SE comes standard with a range of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. These features help to keep you safe on the road by alerting you to potential hazards and even intervening to prevent accidents. You can also add optional features like adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and a head-up display. It’s a car that's designed to protect you and your passengers.

Other notable tech features include a digital instrument cluster, which provides a clear and concise display of important information like speed, battery charge, and driving mode. There's also a MINI Connected app, which allows you to remotely monitor and control various aspects of the car, such as locking and unlocking the doors, checking the battery charge, and even pre-conditioning the cabin. These features add convenience and peace of mind to your ownership experience. Overall, the Countryman SE is a technologically advanced car that offers a lot of value for the money.

Fuel Efficiency and Range

As a plug-in hybrid, fuel efficiency is one of the key selling points of the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE. The car combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and a battery pack, allowing you to drive on electric power for shorter distances and save money on gas. The EPA estimates that the Countryman SE gets 73 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) when running on both electric and gasoline power. When running on gasoline power alone, it gets 29 mpg combined.

The electric-only range is rated at about 17 miles, which may not seem like much, but it's enough for many people's daily commutes. If you have a short commute or mostly drive around town, you could potentially drive on electric power most of the time and rarely use the gasoline engine. This can save you a significant amount of money on gas over the long run. And when you do need to use the gasoline engine, the car is still relatively fuel-efficient.

Charging the battery is easy and convenient. You can plug the car into a standard household outlet, which will take about three hours to fully charge the battery. Or you can use a Level 2 charger, which will charge the battery in about two and a half hours. The Countryman SE also has regenerative braking, which captures energy during braking and deceleration and uses it to recharge the battery. This helps to extend the electric range and improve overall fuel efficiency. Overall, the Countryman SE is a fuel-efficient and eco-friendly car that can save you money and reduce your carbon footprint.

Pricing and Value

The pricing for the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE starts at around $41,500. Of course, the final price will depend on the options and packages you choose. While this may seem like a lot of money for a compact SUV, it's important to consider the value that you're getting. The Countryman SE is a plug-in hybrid, which means you'll save money on gas and potentially qualify for tax credits and rebates. It’s also a MINI, which means you're getting a stylish and fun-to-drive car with a premium interior and a lot of technology.

When you compare the Countryman SE to other plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market, it's actually quite competitive in terms of price. And when you factor in the MINI brand cachet and the car's unique personality, it becomes an even more attractive option. The Countryman SE is a car that stands out from the crowd and offers a driving experience that's unlike anything else. It’s a car that's worth the investment if you're looking for something special.

Of course, it's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices from different dealers. You may be able to find incentives or discounts that can lower the overall cost of the car. And don't forget to factor in the cost of charging equipment and electricity when calculating the total cost of ownership. But overall, the Countryman SE offers a good value proposition for buyers who are looking for a plug-in hybrid SUV that's fun, stylish, and eco-friendly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE is a compelling option for anyone looking for a plug-in hybrid SUV. It combines the iconic MINI styling and handling with the efficiency and eco-friendliness of a hybrid powertrain. It’s fun to drive, comfortable, and packed with technology. While the electric range may be limited, it's enough for many people's daily commutes, and the gasoline engine provides added flexibility for longer trips.

If you're in the market for a compact SUV that's a little bit different, the Countryman SE is definitely worth a look. It's a car that stands out from the crowd and offers a driving experience that's unlike anything else. It’s a car that makes a statement and shows that you care about the environment. So, what are you waiting for? Go check it out and see if it's the right car for you!