MINI develops off-road Countryman and explores rear-wheel drive Cooper

MINI is preparing significant updates for its vehicle lineup, including a potential shift in drivetrain configuration for the Cooper and a new off-road variant of the Countryman.

Reports indicate the next generation of the MINI Cooper may transition from its traditional front-wheel drive to a rear-wheel drive setup. This change would involve the use of BMW’s Gen6 platform, which is designed specifically for electric vehicles with rear-wheel drive. While this shift could alter the model’s handling and help it compete with new electric compacts like the Renault 5, it marks a departure from the Cooper’s historical identity.

Separately, MINI has confirmed it is developing an off-road version of the Countryman. A camouflaged prototype has been undergoing rigorous testing in the Rocky Mountains to evaluate its performance on rugged terrain, steep mountain passes, and unpredictable weather conditions. This new version is expected to debut in certain markets, including the United States, in the near future.