Mini has unveiled the new Countryman Untamed Edition, its most rugged, off-road-ready SUV yet.
The third-generation Countryman is the first to gain such focus, with a raised ride height, tougher tyres and a host of new accessories aiming to broaden the brand’s appeal to more adventurous buyers.
Tapping into a strong US market trend, its collection of modest tweaks are likely to set the Countryman apart from its straighter-laced rivals in Europe.
A 15mm suspension lift combines with specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres to raise the ride height by up to 19mm, “significantly enhancing” off-road capability, according to Mini.
The steering, anti-lock braking and stability control systems have all been tweaked to help deliver “enhanced traction and confident handling across a wide range of surfaces”.
The full mechanical makeover is available across petrol and electric Countryman models in the US but exclusive to the EV in Europe, with ICE cars limited to more visual tweaks.
While the off-road tyres are standard in the US, they’re a £600 option in the UK, though every Untamed Edition gets a new 19in, five-spoke lightweight alloy design that mimics the tough steel wheels traditionally fitted to trail-ready 4x4s.
Untamed Editions are marked out by a new, vertically slatted front grille, a reshaped rear diffuser and a host of matt black body decals designed to protect the metalwork from stone chips.
A bright blue Untamed logo occupies the Countryman’s sizeable C-pillar and is repeated across a knitted seat trim that is “inspired by rock formations”, while the centre console cubby is redesigned with elasticated straps.
Mini has respectively collaborated with outdoor brands Autohome and Helinox to create a roof tent and camping furniture that complement the Untamed makeover.
