US Launch Event

  • Thread starter Thread starter Puppethead
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Puppethead

Puppethead

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I just got an invite to a launch event at my dealer for the U25 Countryman on May 5th.

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The Countryman has never suited me personally, but it would be a chance to see the new interior materials and infotainment system.
 
teslarati97 said:
I got an invite for next week for the U25 ICE - not going because it's during the weekday.
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I didn't think there was going to be an ICE version. Maybe it's the same for me? I took the "next-gen tech" language to mean EV, but maybe that's my bias.

Going to the link @Qisl provided sure enough there are ICE variants at the bottom of the page, and they're available this spring as opposed to fall for the EV.
 
Puppethead said:
I didn't think there was going to be an ICE version. Maybe it's the same for me? I took the "next-gen tech" language to mean EV, but maybe that's my bias.

Going to the link @Qisl provided sure enough there are ICE variants at the bottom of the page, and they're available this spring as opposed to fall for the EV.
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The base 3 cylinder U25 Countryman C is not coming stateside, but the ICE Countryman S and JCW will be available for sure.

Regardless of powertrain, it would be nice to see the interior in person!
 
I plan to attend a local event during the first week of May. The new Countryman (SE) may be too big to suit my tastes but it could satisfy household needs - recently retired and now a grandparent.
 
goaheadbackup said:
I plan to attend a local event during the first week of May. The new Countryman (SE) may be too big to suit my tastes but it could satisfy household needs - recently retired and now a grandparent.
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I'm keenly awaiting the Aceman, which is the replacement for the Clubman. Problem with the Aceman is it's on the J01 platform and made in China currently, so like the new Cooper it won't be coming to the US anytime soon.
 
I've decided to attend, I guess I like all things MINI to just ignore :). And as I noted, it'll be a good opportunity to see the new interior design components.
 
Qisl said:
I'm glad to see that MINI isn't following the lead of other EV makers where the roof is glass and doesn't open.
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Of course, the moonroof on the J01 does not open. That's a bummer for me because I frequently open the moonroof on my SE during the warmer months and appreciate the clever design carried over with the rest of the thoughtful features of the F56. I hope my SE lasts forever.
 
Well some say it looks better in person. That plastic trim is going to be a pain to keep clean...I never realized there were more textures!

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I was able to attend a new generation Countryman launch event at my area dealership this week. The event was well attended and nicely presented by MINI personnel and local staff. I have been very curious about the U25, especially its size – outside and inside. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the vehicle. While it is large by MINI standards (and tall), it is smaller than the BMW X1 with better visibility forward and to the rear. The driving position is quite good with a nicely sculpted and fairly low dashboard. The OLED display is stunning and responsive. Most surfaces were covered in fabric or soft-touch materials. The build quality is typical MINI. Oddly, the center arm rest does not offer storage.

Three of the models offered for review were in Iconic trim with the sport Vescin seats. A JCW was also available. At 6 feet, my frame was quite comfortable in the driver and passenger positions. Slipping into the rear seat was not a chore (although a door that opens a little wider would be helpful) and the leg room was very good. I found the head room to be excellent. The boot – with the seats in position – is generous. Overall, the U25 seems to succeed at providing very good useable space and comfort without feeling bloated.

While I do not plan to replace our household’s excellent 2022 SE, I will consider replacing an ICE vehicle with the Countryman electric. I was told that orders may begin as early as July for fall deliveries. So far, European reviewers have complimented the SE driving experience. I’ll likely test drive an ICE version to gauge size and outward visibility – but it is the appeal of an electric drivetrain that may win my dollars.
 
goaheadbackup said:
The OLED display is stunning and responsive.
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Nice review.

Several of the reviews of the U25 that I've see on YouTube said that the OLED display was slow. Your comment makes me wonder if the reviewers' vehicles had some sort of debug mode on that slowed down the display.
 
Qisl said:
Nice review.

Several of the reviews of the U25 that I've see on YouTube said that the OLED display was slow. Your comment makes me wonder if the reviewers' vehicles had some sort of debug mode on that slowed down the display.
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I thought the touch-screen response seemed slow in this video, but acceptable in this video. There's no excuse for a sluggish touch-screen in a 2025 vehicle--especially one that piles almost every function onto that screen.
 
insightman said:
I thought the touch-screen response seemed slow in this video, but acceptable in this video. There's no excuse for a sluggish touch-screen in a 2025 vehicle--especially one that piles almost every function onto that screen.
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I tried the OLED screen in two of the four available vehicles. They seemed responsive to me but "responsive" can be somewhat subjective. I had certainly not stepped out of a vehicle with a cutting-edge, highly rated screen – I attended the event in my 2022 SE. Others at the event seemed to appreciate the vivid display and didn't seem unhappy with its performance. Stop by a dealer and check out the ICE Countryman as we wait for the EV.
 
goaheadbackup said:
I tried the OLED screen in two of the four available vehicles. They seemed responsive to me but "responsive" can be somewhat subjective.
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I went to the launch event at my dealer today (I'll post details soon), and the OLED display was quite responsive. I talked to the MINI rep presenting the vehicles and he did confirm that earlier versions were slow, but they've been making lots of software improvements.
 
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