By James Stinson
MINI is giving its biggest model a more adventurous edge with the new Countryman Untamed Edition, combining tougher styling with a handful of changes designed to make it more useful when the tarmac runs out.
Available with petrol and electric powertrains, the special edition brings distinctive colours, additional body protection and the option of all-terrain tyres, while retaining the Countryman’s family-friendly interior and everyday practicality.
Sitting at the top end of the MINI family in terms of size and versatility, the Countryman has increasingly moved beyond the traditional small-car territory associated with the brand. The Untamed Edition takes that further, targeting drivers who want something capable of coping with outdoor pursuits and rougher surfaces without sacrificing the comfort of an everyday family SUV.
Ready for rougher roads
The most meaningful changes are reserved for the S and SE versions, which can be specified with specially developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres.
The electric Countryman SE also gains an additional 15mm of ride height, increasing ground clearance, while ALL4 all-wheel drive features on relevant models.
That does not suddenly turn the Countryman into a hardcore off-roader, but the changes should provide a little more reassurance for drivers regularly tackling muddy tracks, campsites or rough rural roads.
The visual treatment is suitably chunky. There’s a redesigned vertical grille, Dark Steel detailing and additional protection for the front and rear of the car, wheelarches and side sills.
Exclusive 19-inch Untamed Edition Spoke alloy wheels complete the transformation and have been designed to recall the simple, functional appearance of traditional off-road steel wheels.
A more adventurous look
Buyers can choose edition-specific Nomad Blue or Hideaway Grey paint, alongside Nanuq White and Midnight Black.
For those wanting something more distinctive, a matt Frozen Nomad Blue finish will be available for orders from January 2027. Significantly, it will be the first factory-applied matt paint finish offered by MINI.
The outdoor theme continues inside. JCW sports seats upholstered in Vescin Nightshade Blue are standard, joined by Dark Steel trim and contrasting blue detailing.
There are some more practical additions too. Rubber floor and boot mats should prove particularly useful after muddy walks, cycling trips or weekends spent camping.
The Countryman remains a useful load-lugger, with an optional towbar allowing towing of up to 2,000kg. MINI is leaning heavily into the lifestyle side of the Untamed idea too, offering a purpose-built roof tent developed with Italian specialist AUTOHOME, featuring weather-resistant materials, a panoramic opening and gas-strut assistance, alongside lightweight HELINOX camping chairs and tables.
Petrol or electric
Importantly, Untamed is not restricted to one powertrain. The Edition will be available in the UK in Countryman C, S, E and SE forms, giving buyers the choice of petrol or fully electric power.
That broad line-up should make it easier for buyers to choose the level of performance and drivetrain that best suits their needs without missing out on the special edition treatment.
Prices for the Countryman Untamed Edition start at £33,595 on the road. Orders are open now, with the first customer deliveries expected in early 2027.
Ultimately, Untamed is more lifestyle-focused special edition than serious off-road transformation. But that is probably the point. The combination of tougher tyres, extra protection, useful practical touches and distinctive styling gives the Countryman a little more ability away from smooth roads without compromising the qualities buyers need for the school run or daily commute.
For Countryman owners whose weekends involve rather more mud than motorway, it could prove an appealing combination.
