- From April Fool’s Joke to Real Project
- Under the Hood: Strength and Off-Road Readiness
- Powertrain and Performance: Expected Electric Version
- Potential for Limited Production
- Mini’s Plans for a More Rugged Countryman
The Mini Countryman is typically known as a compact SUV designed primarily for urban driving and paved roads. However, thanks to off-road specialists Delta4x4 and the Dakar-winning rally team X-Raid, it has been reimagined into a much more extreme and powerful version, while maintaining its street-legal status. This radical transformation, currently presented as a digital concept, could become a limited production model if there is sufficient customer interest.
From April Fool’s Joke to Real Project
The idea of updating the Mini Countryman started as an April Fool’s joke but quickly evolved into a serious project. The most striking exterior change is the widened front and rear fenders, which add 200 mm (about 7.9 inches) to the vehicle’s width, giving it a more muscular and stable stance suitable for off-road conditions.
The vehicle is equipped with a “bull bar” protecting the front bumper from minor impacts, along with additional LED lights mounted on the grille and roof to illuminate dark and challenging terrain. The roof rack provides extra space for overlanding gear such as snow tracks, a full-size spare wheel, and extra fuel tanks.
On the rear side windows, Delta4x4 added Defender-style storage boxes, complemented by decorative straps on the hood and tailgate. The body is wrapped in matte gray paint with orange graphics, lending the car a sporty and modern appearance.
Under the Hood: Strength and Off-Road Readiness
The modified Mini Countryman rides on 18-inch Hanma alloy wheels from Delta4x4, wrapped in durable all-terrain tires supplied by Loder. The suspension has been specially tuned for off-road use, raising the ride height by 50 mm (about 2 inches), preparing the SUV for more than just light gravel roads.
Powertrain and Performance: Expected Electric Version
X-Raid has not announced any performance upgrades, but the digital renderings suggest the base vehicle is the fully electric Mini Countryman SE All4. This model features dual electric motors delivering all-wheel drive with 308 horsepower (230 kW) and is powered by a 66.5 kWh battery pack providing a range of approximately 341 kilometers (212 miles).
However, the modifications are likely compatible with any Countryman variant, including the hybrid model equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
Potential for Limited Production
Although still a concept, X-Raid and Delta4x4 have hinted at the possibility of producing a limited run if customer demand is strong enough. The team hopes this Dakar-inspired version will appeal to adventurous Mini Countryman owners seeking greater off-road capability.
The companies confirmed that this modified version remains street-legal, meaning it can be used for everyday driving as well as off-road adventures.
Mini’s Plans for a More Rugged Countryman
Previous reports indicate that Mini itself is working on a tougher, more rugged Countryman, though details remain scarce. It remains to be seen whether this bold concept will materialize into a market-ready model.
The Dakar-inspired Mini Countryman concept offers an exciting new vision for a compact SUV, combining aggressive off-road styling and advanced equipment while retaining street legality. If it moves into limited production, it will provide a unique option for adventure enthusiasts seeking a Mini with enhanced performance and versatility across diverse terrains.
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