A luxury subcompact crossover is hardly the ideal starting point for an off-roader, but that hasn’t stopped MINI from trying with the new Countryman Untamed Edition, a slightly more rugged take on its biggest vehicle. More ground clearance, different rubber, and unique design elements are joined by a roof tent developed with AUTOHOME, and although the Untamed Edition is described as a concept, it’ll be available on the Countryman C, Countryman D, and Countryman S ALL4, along with the all-electric Countryman E and Countryman SE ALL4. That applies to North America, too, so let’s take a closer look.
MINI Countryman Untamed Edition Gets Loads of Changes
MINI
The new Countryman Untamed Edition stands apart from other variants with a new front grille featuring redesigned, upright elements. The grille surround also gets special treatment with an exclusive color called Dark Steel, which reappears on the MINI emblems, Countryman lettering, and other areas. Elsewhere, the side sills get a new look, and the underbody protection plates on the front and rear of the crossover have been redesigned. MINI has also added textured matte black film to the side sills, hood, and wheel arches, helping reduce damage from scratches. The same care hasn’t been taken with the Untamed Edition Spoke 19-inch alloy wheels, which, while styled after resilient steel wheels, are finished in a high-gloss black (with the center cap wordmark in Dark Steel) that will surely show blemishes after a trip or two on a gravel road. While we’re on the subject of finishes, the Untamed Edition gets special color options inspired by earthy tones: Hideaway Grey, Nomad Blue, and Frozen Nomad Blue, the first matte finish ever applied to a series-production MINI. Also available are Nanuq White and Midnight Black, while the roof can be had in either Glazed White or Jet Black. The finishing touch is an Untamed logo on the C-pillar.
MINI
More importantly, the Untamed Edition features a 15-millimeter lift and specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires that bring total ground clearance to 19 mm. In North America, this rubber will be standard, while Europe will get them as an option, and other regions will get access through MINI’s aftersales department. The automaker has recalibrated the anti-lock braking, dynamic stability control, and steering systems to suit the new tires, and with ALL4 all-wheel drive, the Untamed Edition should have no problems getting to a campsite. Finally, the roof can handle loads up to 165 pounds while driving and up to 661 lbs while stationary, and in the U.S., a factory trailer hitch enabling a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs will be standard.
MINI Countryman Untamed Interior and Availability
MINI
Inside, the Untamed Edition gives the Countryman Vescin Nightshade Blue sports seats with perforated fabric and knitted upholstery. Their design, including Cornflower Blue stitching and an Untamed logo, is said to be inspired by rock formations, and the knitted finish reappears on the dashboard and door panels in dark grey and blue. Interior accents are no longer Vibrant Silver, as usual, swapping the finish for more Dark Steel and Cornflower Blue, the latter appearing on a strap on the base of the steering wheel, its spokes, and other areas, including the redesigned center console storage cubby. Rubber all-weather floor mats and a cargo area mat, with more rock-inspired patterns, add to the rugged look.
MINI
Production is expected to begin in November, with a global market launch scheduled for early 2027. In the U.S., the Untamed Edition will be based on the Countryman S ALL4 and the Countryman SE ALL4, with pricing starting at $43,900 (excluding $1,350 for destination) for the gas model. The EV will be priced later. This means that, with MINI basing the special model on the Signature Plus trim and not the entry-level Oxford Edition, the Untamed Edition’s upgrades are priced at $1,600. Worth it? Well, MINI clearly seems to think a package like this is something its customers have been missing, and with off-roading and overlanding continuing to increase in popularity, perhaps this is the perfect time to jump on the trend.
MINI
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