Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE, a plug-in hybrid that brings a unique blend of British charm and eco-friendly driving to the compact SUV scene. If you're looking for a car that's fun to drive, stylish, and a little bit different, the Countryman SE might just be the perfect fit. Let's explore what makes this quirky hybrid tick, from its performance and fuel efficiency to its interior features and overall driving experience. Buckle up; it's going to be a fun ride!

Overview of the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE

The 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE stands out as a plug-in hybrid variant of the popular MINI Cooper Countryman. It combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor and battery pack, offering both spirited performance and the ability to drive on electric power alone for shorter distances. This makes it an appealing option for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint without sacrificing the fun-to-drive character that MINI is known for.

From the outside, the Countryman SE retains the classic MINI design cues, including its distinctive grille, round headlights, and playful proportions. However, unique badging and a charging port door set it apart from its gasoline-only counterparts. Inside, you'll find a well-appointed cabin with premium materials, comfortable seats, and a range of tech features designed to enhance the driving experience. The Countryman SE also offers decent cargo space for its class, making it practical for everyday use.

What really sets the Countryman SE apart is its plug-in hybrid powertrain. The combination of a turbocharged three-cylinder engine and an electric motor delivers a combined output of 221 horsepower, providing brisk acceleration and responsive handling. The electric motor can power the car on its own for an EPA-estimated range of 17 miles, allowing for emission-free commuting in urban environments. When the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine seamlessly kicks in, providing a total driving range of over 300 miles.

The 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE is a compelling choice for those who want a stylish, fun-to-drive, and eco-friendly compact SUV. Its blend of performance, efficiency, and practicality makes it a standout in its class. Whether you're zipping around town on electric power or embarking on a longer road trip, the Countryman SE offers a unique and rewarding driving experience.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

Let's get into the heart of the matter: how does the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE perform, and how efficient is it? Under the hood, you'll find a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine working in tandem with an electric motor. Together, they produce a combined 221 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provides plenty of pep for everyday driving, and the electric motor's instant torque makes for quick acceleration off the line. The Countryman SE can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.5 seconds, which is quite respectable for a plug-in hybrid SUV.

The electric motor is powered by a 7.6 kWh battery pack, which provides an EPA-estimated electric driving range of 17 miles. While this may not seem like much, it's enough for many people to complete their daily commute without using any gasoline. When the battery is depleted, the gasoline engine seamlessly takes over, and the Countryman SE operates as a conventional hybrid. The transition between electric and gasoline power is smooth and unobtrusive, so you may not even notice it.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE achieves an EPA-estimated 73 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) when running on electric power and 29 mpg combined when operating as a hybrid. These numbers are quite good for a compact SUV, and they can save you a significant amount of money on fuel costs over the long run. Of course, your actual fuel economy will vary depending on your driving habits and how often you charge the battery.

The Countryman SE also features all-wheel drive, which provides added traction and stability in all weather conditions. The all-wheel-drive system is electronically controlled and can distribute power between the front and rear wheels as needed. This gives the Countryman SE confident handling and makes it a fun car to drive on twisty roads.

Overall, the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE offers a compelling combination of performance and fuel efficiency. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain provides plenty of power for everyday driving, and its electric driving range allows for emission-free commuting. With its all-wheel-drive system and sporty handling, the Countryman SE is a fun and practical choice for those who want a green car that doesn't compromise on performance.

Interior Features and Technology

Stepping inside the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE, you're greeted with a cabin that's both stylish and functional. The design is unmistakably MINI, with a large circular infotainment display dominating the dashboard and toggle switches adding a touch of retro charm. The materials are generally high-quality, and the fit and finish are excellent.

The seats are comfortable and supportive, and they offer plenty of adjustability to accommodate drivers of all sizes. The rear seats are also spacious enough for adults, and the Countryman SE offers decent legroom and headroom for its class. The cargo area provides 17.6 cubic feet of space with the rear seats up, which is enough for groceries or a weekend getaway. Folding the rear seats down expands the cargo area to 47.6 cubic feet, providing ample room for larger items.

In terms of technology, the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE comes standard with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is easy to use and responsive. The system includes Apple CarPlay compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your iPhone with the car's display. Android Auto is not available, which may be a drawback for some users. The Countryman SE also comes standard with a six-speaker audio system, which delivers decent sound quality. A Harman Kardon premium audio system is available as an option for those who want a more immersive listening experience.

Other notable features include a panoramic sunroof, which lets in plenty of natural light, and a head-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield. The Countryman SE also comes standard with a range of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning.

Overall, the interior of the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE is a pleasant place to be. It's stylish, comfortable, and packed with technology. While the lack of Android Auto may be a disappointment for some, the Countryman SE offers a compelling package of features and amenities that make it a standout in its class.

Driving Experience

Alright, let's talk about what it's like to get behind the wheel of the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE. In a nutshell, it's fun! MINI has always been known for its sporty handling, and the Countryman SE doesn't disappoint. The steering is precise and responsive, and the car feels nimble and agile on the road. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, giving you confidence in all weather conditions.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers plenty of power for everyday driving. The electric motor provides instant torque, making for quick acceleration off the line. The gasoline engine kicks in seamlessly when you need more power, and the transition is smooth and unobtrusive. The Countryman SE is also surprisingly quiet, especially when running on electric power alone. This makes for a relaxing and enjoyable driving experience.

The suspension is firm but not harsh, providing a good balance between comfort and handling. The Countryman SE is comfortable enough for long trips, but it's also fun to drive on twisty roads. The car feels planted and stable, and it inspires confidence in corners. The brakes are strong and responsive, providing ample stopping power.

One of the things that sets the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE apart from other plug-in hybrids is its MINI driving modes. These modes allow you to customize the car's performance to suit your driving style. Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and stiffens the steering, while Green mode maximizes fuel efficiency. There's also a Mid mode, which provides a balance between performance and efficiency.

Overall, the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE is a blast to drive. It's sporty, fun, and engaging, and it's sure to put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a weekend road trip, the Countryman SE offers a driving experience that's both enjoyable and rewarding.

Conclusion

So, what's the final verdict on the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE? Well, if you're in the market for a compact SUV that's stylish, fun to drive, and eco-friendly, the Countryman SE is definitely worth considering. It offers a unique blend of performance, efficiency, and practicality that sets it apart from the competition. With its plug-in hybrid powertrain, you can enjoy emission-free driving for shorter distances and still have the flexibility of a gasoline engine for longer trips.

The Countryman SE isn't perfect, of course. Its electric driving range is relatively short, and the lack of Android Auto may be a drawback for some. But overall, the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE is a compelling package that offers a lot of value for the money. It's a car that's sure to turn heads wherever you go, and it's a car that's fun to drive every time you get behind the wheel.

If you're looking for a car that's a little bit different, a car that stands out from the crowd, the 2021 MINI Cooper Countryman SE might just be the perfect fit. It's a car that's sure to put a smile on your face, and it's a car that you'll be proud to own. So, go ahead and give it a test drive. You might just fall in love!