The BMW Group is continuing its electrification offensive with the announcement of a fully electric MINI Countryman. The new model will be built at the BMW Group Plant Leipzig in Germany and is scheduled to go on sale in 2023.
The MINI Countryman will be the first fully electric all-wheel drive model in the brand’s lineup. The Countryman SE ALL4 will be powered by a 64.7 kWh battery and a combined 313bhp through two electric motors that will provide a range of over 270 miles on a single charge. There is also the introduction of the front-wheel drive 191bhp Countryman E, using the same battery pack.
The MINI Countryman will be based on the same platform as the BMW iX3, which is also built at the BMW Group Plant Leipzig. The iX3 is the first fully electric SUV from BMW and has been well-received by customers and the motoring press.
BMW is investing heavily in electrification and plans to have at least 25 fully electric models on the market by 2025. The company is also working to expand its production capacity for electric vehicles.
The launch of the fully electric Mini Countryman is a major milestone in the BMW Group’s electrification strategy. The model is expected to be a popular choice with customers who are looking for a ‘lifestyle’ electric baby SUV.
BMW Group Plant Leipzig to Become Centre of Excellence for Electric Vehicles
The BMW Group Plant Leipzig is to become a centre of excellence for electric vehicles. The plant, which currently builds the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and the BMW X1, will be expanded to accommodate the production of the new Countryman.
The expansion of Leipzig will create around 1,000 new jobs. The plant will also be equipped with a new battery production line to keep up with the electrification offensive.
BMW is investing a total of €100 million in the expansion of the plant. The investment is part of the group’s electrification strategy, that aim of having at least 25 fully electric models on the market by 2025.
No word yet on a John Cooper Works model.
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