TESTED 24.5.24, BERKSHIRE ON SALE NOW - MINI COUNTRYMAN SE

Flagship version of the larger and pricier third-generation SUV arrives in the UK

- JACK WARRICK

Like it or loathe it, it's the norm nowadays for cars to increase dramatically in size between generations, and that's exactly what has happened with the Mini Countryman. It's now the largest Mini ever built. And that's not all. The most powerful Mini yet? Check. The fastest Mini yet? Also check.

Some might argue that its size goes against everything the Mini brand represents, but that's not what we're here to discuss - and it shouldn't come into the argument of whether this all-new, all-electric Countryman is a good product.

Speaking of which, here we're testing the range-topping SE All4, which has a 65kWh battery and an electric motor on each axle, giving it four-wheel drive, 308bhp and 364lb ft of torque. It's the same system offered by BMW's iX1 and iX2 electric SUVs, with which the Countryman shares its platform.

Driving the SE is a pleasing experience, and it stands out against many of its rivals in terms of dynamics and performance. After all, 308bhp is as much as the Audi S3 has and nothing to be sniffed at. It means this car can hit 0-62mph in 5.6sec - far quicker than the single-motor, front-wheel-drive Countryman E (8.6sec).