Pros: Spacious, modern tech, all-wheel-drive
Cons: Complex infotainment, road noise, price
The Mini Countryman U25 parked at the MINI showroom at Ekamai road was celebrating the 25th anniversary of Mini operations in the country by Millennium Auto.
Once hailed as the largest MINI showroom in the world, the MINI Countryman and its price tag of Bt2.599-2.799 million, has long trod the line between charm and capability, offering a cheeky alternative to the more sober compact SUV segment. But with the third-generation Countryman, codename U25, MINI no longer skirts the edge — it lunges forward, bringing with it an assertive new presence and serious hardware beneath the flair. It’s the largest MINI ever built, but rest assured: it hasn’t forgotten how to have fun.
Dimensions with Direction
Park the U25 beside its F60 predecessor, and the growth spurt is unmistakable. At 4,433mm in length, 1,843mm in width and standing a substantial 1,656mm tall, the new Countryman has muscled up in every dimension. Its wheelbase stretches to 2,692mm — only 22mm more than before, yet cleverly leveraged to extract greater cabin space and improve stance. It sits on 19-inch Kaleido Spoke wheels in the Hightrim variant (tested here), shod in Michelin e-Primacy 245/45R19 rubber that prioritises efficiency without compromising grip.
One could argue the Countryman now nudges into BMW X3 territory from the BMW X2 — and they might be right. The proportions are nearly there, but this MINI still carves out its niche by doing what MINIs do best: distilling premium motoring into a compact, quirky, and highly engaging package.
Exterior: Familiar yet new
The Slate Blue paintwork on our test car — a new shade for the model — shimmers with subdued sophistication, contrasted neatly by the Jet Black roof and mirror caps. MINI’s LED headlights, complete with automatic high-beam assist, bring clarity and class, while roof rails suggest genuine versatility. Despite the growth, the car retains its upright posture and squared-off haunches — a visual nod to its urban roots and rally-inspired DNA.
Cabin: Digital and Delightful
Step inside and the evolution is just as evident. The Hightrim’s cabin is a study in modern MINI minimalism, elevated by a panoramic glass roof and wrapped in a blend of Vintage Brown and Dark Petrol Vescin leather. A new round OLED display — cleverly housed in a floating circular hub — dominates the centre console, serving as the digital heart of the cockpit. It integrates MINI Connected with effortless grace, while the Harman Kardon sound system ensures the atmosphere matches the aesthetic.
The Classic model, by contrast, sticks to a fabric-and-leather mix in black and blue, but both variants offer solid ergonomic fundamentals: a wireless phone charger, adjustable rear seating, and a satisfying sports steering wheel. In true MINI fashion, toggles remain tactile, and the interface is delightfully intuitive—more Apple than Android, in all the right ways.
Dynamically Sporty
Powering the Countryman S ALL4 is a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with MINI’s all-wheel-drive system. While not a full JCW firecracker, it’s brisk enough to entertain, and rides with a tautness that belies its increased footprint. Body roll is admirably suppressed, and while the 19-inch wheels do transmit sharp bumps, the overall ride remains composed. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) work in tandem to keep things secure, without feeling intrusive.
The Countryman doesn’t merely scale up — it matures. The steering retains MINI’s signature quickness, yet now feels better damped and more refined at speed. On a twisty B-road, it still dances with surprising poise for something this size.
Verdict: The Most Grown-Up MINI
The U25 Countryman S ALL4 is MINI’s boldest stride yet into the premium crossover arena. It’s larger, more refined, and richer in features — but crucially, it hasn’t abandoned the brand’s cheeky, driver-centric essence. For those seeking character in a class often defined by conformity, the new Countryman is bigger, bolder with lots of personality.
