Munich/ Island. For nature lovers, Iceland, is a true
dream destination – and the easiest way to explore it is by car. Even
though much has changed in the land of geysers, volcanoes, glaciers
and endless mountain ranges, Iceland is always good for an adventure
or two – and so is the MINI Countryman SE ALL4.
There are just
under 2,700 kilometres as the crow flies between Munich and Reykjavik
in the south of Iceland – and a few more to the Westfjords. By road,
it is around 2,300 kilometres plus a two-day ferry crossing from
Hirtshals in Denmark to Sedisfjödur.
The MINI Countryman SE ALL4 is off-road ready.
Apart from the road network in the capital Reykjavik, there is
hardly much more tarmac than the Ring Road, which is the easiest way
to explore the island. The MINI Countryman SE ALL4 is therefore more
rugged than the family SUV is normally known for when it leaves
Munich: off-road tyres, luggage rack with spare wheel on the roof,
sand plates, spade and jack are all part of the sensible equipment
package if you want to experience sights such as waterfalls, geysers
and fjords.
Two electric motors for powerful all-wheel drive.
With its electric range of up to 432 kilometres according to the
WLTP test cycle, the powerful MINI Countryman sets off on the first
leg of its journey, which takes it via Hamburg to Denmark to the port
of Hirtshals. The off-road tyres specially suited to the challenges of
the island and the extensive roof structure hardly reduce the range of
the MINI Countryman SE ALL4. With a maximum charging capacity of 130
kW, less than 30 minutes remain for route preparation during
stopovers. On the way along German motorways, the MINI Countryman SE
ALL4 initially demonstrates its touring qualities: Two electric motors
with a total output of 230 kW/313 hp and a torque of 494 Nm provide a
powerful drive. The Driving Assistant Professional enables
semi-automated driving for relaxed journeys and arrivals. Additional
space in the redesigned interior gives the driver and front passenger
more room in the shoulder and elbow area.
Rough North Sea and long days in Iceland.
During the ferry crossing from Hirtshals in Denmark to
Sedisfjödur in Iceland, the North Sea is unusually rough with a
considerable storm and waves of over eight metres. The weather on
arrival in Iceland is worse than expected: light snowfall, low clouds
and temperatures below freezing. However, after the start of the stage
on the way inland, the already impressive landscapes of lava rock
become increasingly worth seeing. The never-ending midsummer sun wins
the battle against the night – and so the Countryman reaches the hotel
shortly after midnight in bright sunshine after a long first stage on
Iceland’s mainland.
MINI Countryman: Charisma defies mud and dust.
Early the next morning, at around five o’clock, the MINI
Countryman SE ALL4, which has long since been heavily soiled, sets off
on the challenging final stage of Route 622 – one of the most
demanding and dangerous tracks in the Westfjords with a particularly
spectacular scree passage by the water, which can only be driven
through at low tide.
With its ‘Blazing Blue’ paintwork,
bronze-coloured elements thanks to the Favoured Trim, all terrain
tyres and roof rack, the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 causes quite a stir
and is a real talking point on the road. Dust and mud on the rough
routes cannot diminish its radiance along the journey.
Relaxed and electric on Iceland’s rugged coastline.
The all-electric MINI Countryman masters green meadows, gloomy
scree or narrow paths with cliff overhangs and water crossings with
ease. A gentle off-road pace hardly reduces the electric range. Here
and there it touches down, scraping the turf, while the views of the
sea and the steeply sloping coastline become increasingly spectacular.
The MINI Countryman is tenacious, confident and fully electric as it
battles its way along the narrow and challenging Route 622, the
conditions of which have been made even more difficult by the rainfall
of recent weeks.
The MINI Countryman knows adventure.
Coming from the south, nothing works just before the beach
section of Route 622: where waves and weather have torn everything
away, the notorious track is no longer passable by any vehicle. Even
spades, sand trays and jacks can’t help. And yet, between Munich and
Iceland, the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 proves that it rightly bears its
name – even fully electrically.
In case of queries, please contact:
Corporate Communications
Julian Kisch, Spokesperson, Product Communications
MINI
Phone: +49-151-601-38072
E-mail: julian.kisch@mini.com
Micaela Sandstede, Head of Communications
MINI
Phone: +49-176-601-61611
E-mail: micaela.sandstede@bmw.de
MINI Countryman SE ALL4 (electricity consumption combined: 18.5 –
16.8 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km;
CO2-class: A; Range in km according to WLTP: 399 – 432).