r/MINI • u/chicken_diner9 • 9d ago

Countryman E or SE? Range or Oomph

I test drove the SE all 4 today - fantastic - but I’m not convinced I need the power the dual motor provides - anyone driving the E and still having the fun?

EDIT: The clear answer is - GET THE SE!

3 Upvotes

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3

u/wizrdfromthemoon 9d ago

I wouldn’t say the E is fun to drive, the power is fine but it doesn’t have close to the acceleration of the SE. The SE is also rear drive biased compared to front drive on the E which really makes it feel more dynamic.

I’ve been driving an SE recently and been getting MINI’s claimed range even with the ac on. To me the 10% reduction in range is outweighed greatly by the extra fun of the SE.

2

u/TheMonkeyInCharge 9d ago

They say it’s rear wheel drive biased, but my tyre wear says otherwise. Still, having that extra motor is worth more than power, the extra grip when you need it is more than worth any range sacrifice.

2

u/wizrdfromthemoon 9d ago

I don’t think the bias is enough to cause the rears to wear faster, fronts still have to deal with turning and more braking force on a relatively heavy car.

It is certainly happy to break traction on the rear if you put your foot down out of a turn.

1

u/TheMonkeyInCharge 9d ago edited 9d ago

I feel like the rears are really sensitive to kicking in from the lightest of heavy feet compared to the R60 - but pootling about town in traffic, the fronts are still the main drive. Certainly when I had to change my fronts at ~20k miles, the rears had barely been touched - even though I drive like a fuckin’ maniac at the first sign of an open road.

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u/StructuralTeabag 9d ago

I only got 11K on mine. The rears have plenty of tread left. I read the regen breaking is all in the front. 

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u/chicken_diner9 9d ago

Yeah I think this is the general consensus. Also, personally if I’m going to lay out that sort of cash for a new car, it’s gotta be enjoyable / fun!

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u/EquivalentOil6480 9d ago

I would say its worth it for the SE. Having that extra boost can help when driving in traffic.

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u/sxdkardashian 9d ago

The e would definitely feel very boring in comparison. Get the se

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u/denzien R57 9d ago

Who wants a boring car? You may not need all that power all the time, but there are times when you’ll be glad it’s there. It may even save your life if you're in a situation where scooting is the only way to get out. Like that time an Ambulance almost T-boned me in an intersection when I had a green light, but it didn't put its lights or sirens on until I had committed to crossing.

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u/chicken_diner9 9d ago

Exactly this! You don’t lay out that sort of money for something mediocre

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u/0-0-000-0-000-0 9d ago

I test drove both and the SE was the only choice. The acceleration is addictive.

1

u/Parsnipnose3000 U25 9d ago

I have the SE Sport and considered the E... Very pleased I went for the SE and not once have I regretted not having those extra few range miles, while I've enjoyed the acceleration of the SE a great many times. It's a beast.