Why Mini doesn’t want to do like Tesla and Renault with its new electric Countryman

After its reveal last September, the electric Mini Countryman finally reveals its prices. And good news, the SUV is eligible for the ecological bonus, but not in all its versions. We take stock below.

Although some manufacturers, such as Volkswagen or Renault, already have a very wide range of electric cars, this is not necessarily the case for everyone. And this even if they will all have to stop selling thermal cars from 2035. Mini, for example, is currently not the most advanced brand on the subject. But there is progress.

A reasonable price

In fact, it has been selling its Cooper SE for several years, which was renewed in September. At the same time, the British firm also lifted the veil on its new Countryman, which is available for the first time an electric motor. But at that time, he had not yet said the slightest word about his prices, which is now done, while orders are officially open.

On his websitethe manufacturer now indicates the price of its new electric SUV, which starts from 44,000 euros in its standard E version, with 204 horsepower, with the Essential finish. The latter already displays a very rich equipment, which includes among other things the OLED touch screen with integrated navigation, the reversing camera, dual-zone automatic air conditioning or even lane keeping assistance.

And good news, it is eligible for the ecological bonus, recently increased to 4,000 euros, which gives a entry level at only 40,000 euros. Enough to compete with the Tesla Model Y and its 42,990 euros (bonus not deducted). If the Classic version is also eligible for a boost from the State, with a price of 46,420 euros, this is not the case for the rest of the range. Because for the record, only cars costing less than 47,000 euros are entitled to this aid.

So the Favorite version starts from 50,070 euros, while the JCW version is priced from 52,080 euros. Contacted by us, the manufacturer tells us that in this case, it is up to the dealer to offer a discount to customers so that the vehicle is eligible for the ecological bonus. This will be at the discretion of the seller, also depending on the policy of the dealership where the purchase will be made.

Two versions in the catalog

But that’s not all, because a second version is offered in the catalog of the manufacturer, which is part of the BMW group. And for good reason, customers can also opt for the SE ALL4 version, which has all-wheel drive and increases its power to 313 horsepower. Both variants share the same 64.7 kWh battery. The latter allows you to display a range of between 433 and 462 kilometers depending on the WLTP cycle.

Enough to reassure motorists, who want to have the greatest possible value. The range of the SE version starts from 49,500 euros and is therefore not eligible for the ecological bonus, unless the dealer agree to make a small discount. The Classic version is priced from 51,920 euros while the Favored starts at 55,570 euros. Finally, the JCW finish costs 57,580 euros.

Mini did not want to do like Renault, which uses a little sleight of hand to make all versions of its Scénic eligible for state aid. The French firm in fact transforms its finishes into option packs, since the latter are not taken into account in the calculation of the bonus.

A strategy also adopted by Tesla. A few months ago, we were able to get on board the electric SUV, which notably features a brand new driving position. Mini did not wish to adopt this strategy, for the sake of harmonization of the brand’s different European markets.

It’s a shame, however, that the sliding bench seat is not offered on the electric version, which should have many competitors. Starting with the Peugeot e-3008 as well as the Renault Scénic E-Tech, among others, not to mention the new BYD Seal U that we recently tested.