A MINI hits the open road: the new Countryman Untamed

There are cars for which even a dirt track counts as an adventure. And others that merely smile indulgently at the thought.

The new MINI Countryman Untamed Edition clearly aims to belong to the second category.

To this end, the largest MINI is getting a small but thoroughly serious outdoor upgrade. Up to 19 millimetres more ground clearance, Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres, retuned chassis components and – depending on the model – the intelligent ALL4 all-wheel-drive system are designed to ensure that it’s not just about the rugged looks.

Although that certainly forms part of the package.

A touch more country in the Countryman

MINI has given the Untamed Edition a redesigned radiator grille, underbody protection elements in Dark Steel and textured protective films on the wheel arches, side skirts and power dome. Added to this are 19-inch wheels, whose design is – of all things – inspired by classic off-road steel rims. That, in turn, is rather appealing at a time when wheel designs otherwise tend to look as though someone has accidentally moved all the sliders in the CAD programme at once.

The colour palette, too, stays pleasantly away from the world of city boulevards and rooftop bars. Hideaway Grey, Nomad Blue and Frozen Nomad Blue are the names of the new shades. The latter is even a minor first: with Frozen Nomad Blue, MINI is introducing a matt exterior paint finish into series production for the first time.

It suits the car perfectly.

After all, the edition isn’t called ‘Well Behaved’.

Sleeping space included

With this in mind, there’s no need for an exclusive hotel on this road trip. That’s because a suitable roof tent has been developed in collaboration with the Italian specialist AUTOHOME. Gas springs open it in a matter of seconds; the hard shell is handcrafted in Italy; and inside there are panoramic openings that bring more than five stars into this mobile sleeping quarters.

HELINOX, for its part, is contributing its own MINI camping collection featuring folding chairs and camping tables. That settles the question of what to do if, after leaving the tarmac, you eventually lose the desire to carry on driving: just stay put.

Very sensible.

15 millimetres can make all the difference

The technical modifications are equally well thought out: raising the chassis by 15 millimetres provides – depending on the market and engine variant – up to 19 millimetres of additional ground clearance. Approach and departure angles have also been improved, whilst the ABS, DSC and steering have been tuned to the new chassis parameters and all-terrain tyres.

In Europe, however, the raised suspension is reserved for the fully electric Countryman variants. The Pirelli all-terrain tyres are available as an option here.

For those who prefer to tow something rather than use a roof tent: with the optional tow bar, a towing capacity of up to two tonnes is possible. The roof can carry up to 75 kilograms whilst driving and up to 300 kilograms when stationary.

Outdoor can also be indoors

Inside, the theme continues in a delightfully understated manner. The sports seats are upholstered in Vescin in Nightshade Blue, knitted panels feature a texture inspired by rock formations, Cornflower Blue adds accents, and Dark Steel replaces the silver-coloured details usually found here. Even the storage compartment in the centre console has been redesigned and fitted with elastic straps reminiscent of rucksacks and climbing gear. Meanwhile, rubber mats for the footwell and boot protect the interior from the less Instagram-worthy souvenirs of a trip into the great outdoors.

Untamed. But please, with heated seats.

At launch, the Untamed Edition will be available – depending on the market – for the Countryman C, Countryman D, Countryman S ALL4 and the electric variants, the Countryman E and Countryman SE ALL4.

Production will begin in November 2026 at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig. In Germany, the Untamed package costs an additional 4,700 euros, with the market launch scheduled for early 2027.