The Mini Countryman Electric Car Lease gets a 2026 Update

The 2026 Update for the Mini Countryman Electric Car Lease

Sometimes you go backwards to go forwards. With the rapid evolution of EV technology - batteries, safety equipment and technological equipment - you do have to pause on occasions and consider whether or not the changes and revisions are beneficial or practical to our automotive ecosystems.

In China this exact exercise has just commenced, with the country electing to ban the “hidden door handles” option which many electric cars now utilise. As reported in the BBC the Chinese Government have made a safety decision to remove this feature further to some high profile issues, like the recent Xiaomi EV fatalities.

Made popular by the Tesla group, the ability to have hidden handles was very much a funky and unique option, with other brands adopting this flush-handle proposition. However, from 1 January 2027, the Chinese have confirmed that a mechanical release on both the interior and exterior of the vehicle is a minimum.

While this is only for vehicles being sold within China, this is very likely to mean that vehicles produced and sold by China will incur these new changes and updates. Not only China are reviewing this, with the US Government also looking into the electric-powered door handles further to reports of doors becoming stuck and windows having to be smashed to access the cabin. With driving safety paramount, aesthetic touches will have to take a back-seat as the various Governments review what electric car manufacturers feature on their new innovations.

Introducing the newly updated Mini Countryman Electric Car Lease

One car brand, Mini, are choosing to refresh their popular family vehicle - the Countryman EV - as we move into 2026. While the hatchback is the iconic small car / city car for many personal and business customers, the Countryman has become a more exciting and distinctive family SUV, combining the strong Mini features but bolstered by the space and practicality many UK families now require.

With the Oxford (UK) plant now producing home-grown talent for UK drivers, the Government has been offering financial subsidies to help grow the manufacturing elements and are now supporting the Countryman with the plug-in grant. As per the .Gov website  the Countryman EV will receive a whopping £3,750 support from the UK electric car fund to help the Mini brand ensure this is both affordable and successful.

As at February 2026 only 7 other vehicles are considered Band 1, which entitles them to receive this robust support. A further 36 vehicles are currently enjoying the lower Band 2 support which allows for a £1,500 contribution.

For 2026 (and beyond) UK leasing customers can choose between:

•  Countryman E Classic  - from £33,005 (or £36,505 for the ALL4) this entry model includes LED lights, 17” alloys, Mini interaction display (OLED unit), ambient lights, climate control, driving camera system, driving assistant, parking assistant (including sensors and camera), electronic tailgate, navigation, rain sensors and heated washer nozzles, heated door mirrors and velour floormats;     

•  Countryman E Monochrome  - from £33,005 the key features include the Blackyard Pack, HUD, wireless charging, sun protection glass and striking white / black design; 
•  Countryman E Exclusive   - from £35,505 (or £39,005 for the ALL4) this is very much about sophistication and premium materials with the heated steering wheel, knitted dashboard, Vescin artificial leather, skid plates and sports seats; and     
•  Countryman Sport E  - from £36,705 (or £40,205 for the ALL4) the race-inspired model includes black high-gloss designs, 19” alloys, JCW Black upholstery. 

The Mini are leading with packs - Level 1 / 2 / 3 - which you can add to the vehicles. The key features include:

•  Level 1 - adaptive headlights, comfort access, driving assistant plus, heated front seats, high beam assistant, folding door mirrors, HUD and Mini net;

• Level 2 - this adds the panoramic glass sunroof, auto dimming rear view mirror and sun protection glass; and
•  Level 3 - this adds 22kW AC, active seat for driver, electric memory seats, Harmon/Kardon sound, interior camera. 

Other key options include the towbar and the Mini decals. Choose between colours like the British Racing Green, Nanuq White, Melting Silver, Midnight Black, Smokey Green, Blazing Blue and Legend Grey. For more information, or to build your dream Countryman EV, just head to the  Mini  website. 

How does the standard Mini Countryman E perform?

This FWD SUV will have a 65.2 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 8.6 seconds, 106 mph top speeds and 150 kW (or 201 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 210 miles with warmer weather allowing for 285 miles – a 245 mile combined.

On charging, the 11kW AC max will allow 7 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 128 kW DC maximum allowing 26 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 460L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 152 mpg. You can tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 750kg  (Braked). It has no V2L or V2G capabilities. The Heat Pump is available and is standard on the vehicle;

How does the Mini Countryman 4WD SE ALL4 perform? 

This AWD SUV will have a 65.2 kWh usable battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 5.6 seconds, 112 mph top speeds and 230 kW (or 308 hp). Expect a combined winter range of 200 miles with warmer weather allowing for 275 miles - 235 mile combined.

On charging, the 11kW AC max will allow 7 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 128 kW DC maximum allowing 26 minute 10 – 80% times. A cargo volume of 460L is available with this car. It has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 152 mpg. You can tow 750kg (Unbraked) and 1200kg  (Braked). It has no V2L or V2G capabilities. The Heat Pump is available and is standard on the vehicle.  

Want to know more about going into the Mini Countryman SUV Electric?

Head to our dedicated Mini special offers section or speak to our experts directly on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]