MINI has unveiled a new Countryman Untamed Edition for the United States. It is a more outdoors-focused version of the compact SUV, with standard all-wheel drive, a 15 mm suspension lift, 19-inch wheels and Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres. The edition will be sold as the petrol-powered Countryman S ALL4 and the electric Countryman SE ALL4. Production is scheduled to start in November 2026, with US customer deliveries expected in early 2027. MINI has not confirmed a European or Romanian launch.
A technical change, not only a visual package
The Untamed Edition changes the hardware beneath the Countryman. Its suspension is 15 mm taller, while the combination of its wheel and tyre package can increase total ground clearance by up to 19 mm, depending on the powertrain. MINI has recalibrated the anti-lock brakes, stability control, steering and chassis for the different suspension and tyres.
The aim is to improve the approach and breakover angles on loose surfaces. That does not make the Countryman a dedicated off-road vehicle. MINI has not announced a wading depth, a full underbody protection rating or a new off-road homologation. The Untamed Edition remains a compact SUV intended to use public roads, with extra capability on gravel, light mud and uneven tracks.
Image from the Motor1 article; credit MINI/Motor1, with reuse rights not independently confirmed.
The 19-inch Untamed Edition Spoke wheels use a five-spoke design inspired by traditional steel off-road wheels. They are finished with Dark Steel details and fitted with Pirelli all-terrain tyres. Those tyres should offer a different balance from road-focused rubber, with more confidence on loose surfaces but potentially more noise and different wet-road behaviour on tarmac.
Petrol and electric power
The US version will be available in two forms. The Countryman S ALL4 uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine, while the Countryman SE ALL4 uses two electric motors. MINI USA lists the 2027 S ALL4 with 241 hp and the SE ALL4 with a combined 308 hp. The Untamed Edition has standard ALL4 all-wheel drive in both versions.
The electric version is not automatically a longer-range model because of its special-edition name. The lift, wheels and all-terrain tyres can affect consumption, but the official sources checked for this article do not publish a separate EPA range figure for the Untamed Edition. It would therefore be misleading to assign the regular SE ALL4’s range without a market-specific specification sheet.
The petrol and electric versions also suit different use cases. The S ALL4 can be refuelled quickly and offers a familiar powertrain for longer trips, while the SE ALL4 provides the immediate response and quiet operation associated with electric propulsion. In both cases, the extra clearance is useful only within the limits of the tyres, drivetrain, body protection and driver judgement.
Towing and roof equipment
MINI quotes a maximum towing capacity of about 1,588 kg for the US-spec models. The dynamic roof-load limit is about 75 kg, while the stationary roof-load limit is about 300 kg. These are different measurements. A roof tent or other equipment must be checked against the dynamic limit while driving, and the vehicle’s axle and gross-weight limits still apply.
The US cars come with a factory trailer hitch. MINI also highlights a roof tent developed with Italian specialist AutoHome. Gas struts help the tent open, while weather-resistant materials, panoramic openings and a glass-fibre-reinforced construction are designed for outdoor use. The accessory does not remove the need to calculate the mass of the tent, passengers, luggage and roof mounting system.
Second image from the Motor1 article; credit MINI/Motor1, with reuse rights not independently confirmed.
MINI has also worked with outdoor-equipment company Helinox on matching folding chairs and tables. These accessories support the lifestyle brief, but they are separate products and should not be confused with standard vehicle equipment unless included in a confirmed local build sheet.
Darker exterior details
The front grille uses angular inserts and a Dark Steel surround. The lower protection elements, rear diffuser and suggested underbody protection have been redesigned. Matte-black protective film covers parts of the wheel arches, side sills and bonnet to help reduce stone-chip damage. An Untamed logo with a mountain motif appears on the C-pillar.
The announced colours are Hideaway Grey, Nomad Blue and Frozen Nomad Blue. MINI describes the latter as its first matte exterior finish on a production model. Colour names, availability and the exact protective film specification may change between the US and European markets.
An interior for outdoor use
Inside, the Untamed Edition uses Vescin Nightshade Blue sports seats with perforated upholstery and knitted sections around the shoulders and headrests. The pattern is inspired by rock formations, with Cornflower Blue stitching and piping for contrast. The dashboard and door panels use knitted surfaces in a Millennial Melange colour scheme, while Dark Steel replaces the usual Vibrant Silver trim.
The centre-console storage box has been redesigned with elastic straps inspired by backpacks and climbing equipment. Rubber all-weather floor mats and a matching cargo-area mat should be easier to clean after a muddy trip. These details do not increase the Countryman’s basic dimensions, but they address a practical problem for owners who use the SUV outside the city.
What it means for Europe
The Untamed Edition is currently a US-market announcement. MINI has not published a European price, Romanian availability date or a local specification with the same towing and roof-load figures. Power outputs, battery details, equipment and legal limits can vary between markets, so the US information should not be copied into a Romanian order sheet.
For a Romanian buyer, the edition would be relevant if it became available with the same hardware. Standard ALL4, added clearance, all-terrain tyres and a factory tow hitch could suit camping, trailers and maintained forest roads. It should not be presented as a replacement for a purpose-built off-roader or used beyond the limits of its ground clearance and tyres.
Production starts in November 2026 and first US deliveries are expected in early 2027. Until MINI confirms a European programme, the sensible conclusion is limited: Untamed gives the Countryman a more useful outdoor specification and a distinct interior, while leaving the final market, price and range questions unanswered.
