Next-Gen Mini Countryman Will Use BMW's Neue Klasse Platform

Not a month has passed since the all-new Mini Countryman was unveiled, yet a new rumor regarding its next-gen iteration has already surfaced. According to user "ynguldyn" on the Bimmerpost forum - who accurately predicted many new models, including the 3.0 CSL, the next Countryman will be underpinned by parent company BMW's Neue Klasse platform. Yes, the same Neue Klasse platform that lies beneath the skin of the Vision Neue Klasse concept.

If true, the Mini Countryman may only be available with an all-electric powertrain. Considering Mini's timeline to go fully electric by 2030, we could see this alleged Neue Klasse-based Countryman sometime in 2028. Ynguldyn claims the current U25 Countryman will end production in June of 2028, after which it will be replaced by the NE5-generation Countryman. In the chassis code, N represents its Neue Klasse underpinnings.

The poster, who, again, we must reiterate, has a penchant for getting accurate early information, claims that it will be a reskinned version of the forthcoming BMW X1, which will be dubbed the NB5 and enter production in November 2027. Production of the NE5 Countryman will occur alongside this and start simultaneously.

As a dedicated electric platform, the Neue Klasse will likely reshape the Countryman for optimal placement and balance of EV componentry. We could also see a more aerodynamic shape to improve range over the current boxy look. After all, the lower the drag coefficient, the more miles an EV can cover.

However, the design is expected to remain unmistakably Mini following the brand's statement that it does not want its models to become identical to BMW cars to avoid potential cannibalization of markets.

When Mini revealed the new Countryman, two electric variants were included. The single-motor Countryman E produces 201 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque while the SE ALL4 trim boasts a dual-motor powertrain delivering 308 hp and 364 lb-ft. Neue Klasse could provide even healthier outputs than these thanks to next-gen EV tech.

Expect much more Neue Klasse-related news like this in the future, as the platform will become the foundation of BMW's entire product portfolio. While the next-gen 3 Series is expected to be among the first models to use it, the next-generation BMW X3 and the iX3 are expected to follow shortly thereafter.