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The Concept CLA-Class EV is an electric-first clean-sheet design that’s about the same length as the current CLA sedan. Its rear-mounted motor, two-speed transmission, and 800-volt architecture should deliver better efficiency than current EVs, enabling some 400 miles of range. Many trickle-down features from the Vision EQXX concept are present, including the cabin-spanning MBUX Superscreen.Mercedes-Benz took the wraps off the Concept CLA-Class electric vehicle in Munich today. The existing product nomenclature and remarks characterizing it as “close to production” suggest that elements seen here will appear in the upcoming full redesign of the CLA. Production of the new electric luxury car will commence in late 2024, according to representatives, which suggests the final product will be the 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA in the U.S. market. Three other spinoffs will follow: a wagon variant we likely won’t get, and a pair of SUVs that may become the GLA and GLB replacements.Full Details and SpecsThe concept is an “electric first” clean-sheet design utilizing the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) that was conceived to support entry-level EVs, and it does appear exactly as you might expect a next-generation CLA-class to look, albeit with numerous concept-car flourishes. Its approximate 185-inch length (no specific dimensions were given, but the designer admitted to that much) is about the same as the current CLA, which measures 184.6 inches. The concept features a broad stance and six-spoke 21-inch wheels, shod with 255/35R-21 front and 285/30R-21 rear tires. Design highlights include a beautifully sculpted shark nose with a prominent undercut, and smooth flanks with a flowing Coke-bottle shape. Its hood is also quite long for an EV, and that’s because they plan to offer ICE engines, too.Power DetailsThe EV will be offered in single-motor rear-drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive variants, but Mercedes was not ready to tell us if the ICE cars will be front-drivers like the current CLA or use rear drive like the EV concept. In the Concept CLA Class that was shown, power comes from a single rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor that makes 235-hp, using MB.EDU (Mercedes-Benz Electric Drive Unit) technology from the Vision EQXX concept that requires “close to zero percent” rare-earth materials. Eschewing the usual direct-drive setup, its output flows through a two-speed transmission that enables better efficiency over a wider range of speeds. The motor and battery also employ 800-volt architecture in another major nod toward efficiency. The concept also features a next-generation heat pump that not only conveys powertrain heat to the cabin, it also extracts heat from the outside air like a household heat-pump, even in winter.Impressive-Seeming RangeThe few performance specs that were revealed underscore the payoff: an estimated range of 750 km and consumption pegged at an ultra-low 12 kWh per 100 kilometers on Europe’s WLTP test cycle. In more familiar EPA terms, our translation suggests 400 miles of range and efficiency approaching 150 MPGe. What’s more, the 800-volt architecture allows DC fast-charging at 250 kW, which could allow some 200 miles of range (in U.S. reckoning) to be added in 15 minutes. Mercedes did not share the battery size, but the same calculations used to make the above estimates suggest that 90.0 kWh of usable capacity is likely. The tracks with the car’s proportions, which features a wide stance, a longer wheelbase, and shorter overhangs than the current CLA but is still a compact machine compared to, say, a Lucid Air.As it turns out, two different lithium-ion battery chemistries will be offered. The pricier option, which no doubt produces the long range of the concept, features anodes with silicon-oxide content that improve energy density. The entry-level version will use lithium-iron phosphate, a less costly option that will likely result in a battery with a lower kWh rating and less range. Still, with some 400 miles at the top end, it’s likely to be a compelling number.That SuperscreenAn EQXX-inspired MBUX Superscreen dominates the interior because it is the de facto dashboard that spans the entire cabin. The instruments and infotainment sub-screens occupy their usual places, but the panel continues uninterrupted to the passenger side, where your companion can theoretically (specific US features aren’t yet clear) watch movies, control the audio system, export navigation routes to the driver, and more. It’s powered by MB.OS chip-to-cloud architecture that knits all of the electronic features of the car together, creating what Mercedes says will be a unique user interface and user experience. We’re dubious, because the concept had few physical controls and the system only operated in a demo mode that made it impossible to evaluate. But there’s no avoiding the MB.OS chip itself, because it is housed on the floor beneath the Superscreen in a luminous water-cooled housing that looks like a Flux Capacitor from Back to the Future. Yeah, that probably won’t happen.Dan Edmunds|Car and DriverDan Edmunds|Car and DriverOther interior features of the concept are also unlikely to see the light of day, such as the starry-night roof that’s engraved with hundreds of three-pointed stars. That roof also lacks any kind of obvious tint, and there’s no structural crossmember aft of the windshield header. The one-piece four-place bucket seats are also unlikely, and there’s more silver-hued leather on the floor (and firewall!) than we’ve seen in our entire lives. But it’s easy to see past all that and imagine a more production-ready configuration, with a tinted glass roof bolstered by an additional crossmember, along with conventional-looking seats and trim. More physical switchgear would be appreciated, too.That may be why we especially like the large protruding rotary climate dials near either end of the Superscreen, which you grasp and rotate to adjust the temperature, with the readout embedded in their centers. But the air doesn’t emerge from them; it passes out through slots embedded in a secondary dash behind the floating screen. Those vents are slotted to mimic the lamella structures on the undersides of mushrooms, and that design theme permeates the interior. Lamella-inspired ribbing makes up the speaker grilles, the cupholder lining, the horn button detailing, and the anti-skid basement floor below the floating console.Level 3 Automation Ready?There is one other unique design feature that has a strong chance of making it to production, and that is the subtle transverse blister atop the roof just above the windshield. This rounded hump houses sensors that Mercedes says will enable Level 3 automated driving at some point during the car’s production life. That capability won’t be introduced at launch, but the presence of the sensors and the OTA updatability of the MB.OS-powered control software make it likely that the next CLA will be, as one representative put it, “Level 3-ready.” More details pertaining to the actual CLA production car will arrive in the coming months, but if you subtract the most fanciful design details, you’re still left with a stunning-looking CLA concept with impressive mechanicals that enable stellar consumption, range, and charging capabilities. What do you lose with the entry-level battery? How much power will the AWD version make? What about the gas engine versions? More to the point: what will it cost? That information is months away, but the CLA class does occupy the lower rungs of Mercedes-Benz’s price ladder. Mercedes is moving their EV offerings into much-appreciated territory.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Technical EditorDan Edmunds was born into the world of automobiles, but not how you might think. His father was a retired racing driver who opened Autoresearch, a race-car-building shop, where Dan cut his teeth as a metal fabricator. Engineering school followed, then SCCA Showroom Stock racing, and that combination landed him suspension development jobs at two different automakers. His writing career began when he was picked up by Edmunds.com (no relation) to build a testing department. More

The vintage-look Atari 2600 Plus is a throwback to the golden age of video gaming.The console comes bundled with 10 games, but it is backward compatible with hundreds of Atari system titles.Our best pick: Travel back in time to a simpler age of racing games with a vintage copy of Pole Position.With the film Gran Turismo in theaters, and blockbuster racing sims hugely popular at present, digital racing has never been hotter. There are online racing leagues and in-person tournaments for very real cash prizes. Even the pros use racing sims to hone their skills. But sometimes you want to leave all that complexity behind, and go back to the wood-paneled basement of your youth, when your worries were as limited as the pixels on your screen. Thanks to Atari, you kind of can. Preorder NowDeep Silver Atari 2600+Preorder NowDeep Silver Atari 2600+Just released and shipping in November, the Atari 2600 Plus aims to take console gaming back to basics. It comes preloaded with 10 classic games, but that’s not the good part—the 2600+ is backward compatible with nearly all 2600 and 7800 Atari cartridge games. Quick! Scurry up to your attic and dig through those old cardboard boxes to find your old games. It’s time for some Pole Position.The BackstoryPole Position is the great-grandfather of the Gran Turismo series of games. In arcade cabinet form, it raked in a total of $9.5 million in quarters every week of 1983, from gamers racing a tiny digital F1 car around a simple model of Fuji raceway. The Atari cartridge version sold in the hundreds of thousands, and if you don’t happen to have one squirreled away, you can likely find one on eBay.Pole Position was developed by Namco, an early Japanese distributor for California-based Atari. The game was launched just two years after Namco’s iconic video game hit, 1980’s Pac-Man, and it’s considered one of (if not the) most influential racing game ever made. It wasn’t the first, but Pole Position was the one that set the foundations for all subsequent racing video games. Its impact continues to echo down the years. For a brief period, you could even play Pole Position on the screen of your Tesla. That Easter Egg was rolled out in a software update in August of 2018. Unfortunately, the rights to the classic game were not properly secured. If a video game company goes out of business, some old games can become what’s called “abandonware,” in which case they’re fair game. Namco is still around as a software company, though heavily restructured, and thus Pole Position was not up for grabs.Atari ManiaBut you can still get your mitts on it. The 2600+ costs a reasonable $129.99 and comes with a free-of-charge dose of nostalgia. The retro-look switchgear and wood trim is pure early 1980s, but the console can hook up to nearly any modern TV, with widescreen modes and HDMI and USB-C connection ports.Related StoriesNext, Find the GameIf you snap one up, then you’re really going to want to look for—in that dusty cardboard box or on eBay—Pole Position II. A nearly identical sequel to the original released just one year later, Pole Position II is essentially the same basic game as its predecessor, but it offers three additional circuits to race on. As an Atari 7800 cartridge, it has been third-party tested and confirmed to work on the 2600+. The original Pole Position has also been confirmed to work, but you might as well have a few more tracks to drive.Atari ManiaPreorders for the 2600+ are open now, and the consoles will start shipping in November. If you need to take a break from the overwhelming complexity of modern racing games, or just want to relive part of your childhood, then you better snap one up fast. You’re going to want to take pole position on this one.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Contributing EditorBrendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki’s half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. More

BMW has unveiled its Vision Neue Klasse concept car at the IAA Mobility auto show in its hometown of Munich, Germany.The retro-future concept car previews an upcoming electric sports sedan that we expect to see morph into a 3-series as early as the 2026 model year. Its styling pays homage to the iconic BMW Neue Klasse, which itself marked a key transformative period for the company when it launched in 1962.The original Neue Klasse saved BMW’s bacon back in the 1960s, and it also evolved into the famed 2002, which was so good that it led Car and Driver’sDavid E. Davis Jr. to proclaim it “One of modern civilization’s all-time best ways to get somewhere sitting down.” Today, the brand is far stronger then it was back then, but this vision for its electrified future marks the start of a similarly transformative period for the company—hence the revival of the Neue Klasse name.play iconThe triangle icon that indicates to playThe concept car shown here—perhaps we should call it the Neue Neue Klasse?—is electric and showcases future tech in a retro-modern wrapper. Not only do we expect that the Vision Neue Klasse concept previews a future 3-series sedan, the next generation of which is expected to debut in 2025 as a 2026 model, but we also see it as a new design language for the entire BMW brand. Retro-Futuristic ExteriorThe forward-slanted nose and exaggerated kidney-shaped faux grilles are the most dramatic parts of the Neue Klasse concept’s front end, and its homage to the 2002 is unmistakable. But it’s no simple rehashing of that 1960s classic, as the concept car features a digital grille with lights that gently pulse as though the car is breathing. Narrow roof pillars and large windows make the small car’s greenhouse look much larger, and its simple profile is almost devoid of character lines. The result is a flat look, with a single crease low on the doors that serves to draw a connection to the front and rear wheels. A Look Back at the Original Neue KlasseSpeaking of windows, a thin strip of e-Ink display—like what you’d see on an eReader tablet—stretches across the bottom of the two side windows. It lights up as you approach the car and serves as a touch-sensitive door handle. The car’s taillamps feature 3-D-printed elements arranged in a cascading design that create a sense of depth while bright red LEDs illuminate them from behind. A set of 21-inch wheels was carefully designed for maximum aerodynamics without looking like they are, and a pair of rear-facing cameras on thin stalks stand in for traditional exterior mirrors—a feature we expect won’t make the jump to production. Klasse CabinStepping inside the Neue Klasse concept reveals a futuristic, digital-centric design. A large black panel that runs the width of the dashboard along the base of the windshield illuminates with BMW’s next-generation iDrive interface. Called Panoramic Vision, the black panel actually serves as a projection screen for the infotainment system, and it looks quite slick. A trapezoidal center display is still within reach of the driver’s right hand, but key information can be moved up to the panoramic screen for easier viewing while on the go. As if this wasn’t enough displays, the Neue Klasse concept also offers a head-up display. Although this system seems like it would be specific to the concept car, BMW says buyers can expect to see this feature in the production version.A quartet of midcentury-modern bucket seats gives the interior a vintage touch, and BMW has chosen yellow corduroy upholstery, which gives the otherwise white interior some warmth. A floating center console divides the cabin, and the multi-function steering wheel features not only a flat bottom but also a flat top and sides, creating a sort of square look. Next-Gen EV Platform The Neue Klasse serves as the debut of BMW’s next-generation EV platform, which is said to be an 800-volt system and uses a new battery design with 20 percent higher energy density. Combined with improvements in aerodynamics, higher-efficiency electric motors, and better thermal management, BMW says, the range can be increased by up to 30 percent compared with the company’s current EV drivetrain. While it will be primarily produced in Hungary, BMW is said to be exploring split production volumes with its plant in the United States to better take advantage of federal EV incentives here. Furthermore, a new battery factory is planned in South Carolina. The company also says its production facilities won’t use any fossil fuels but will focus on using a greater amount of recycled materials in the process. Whether or not the revived Neue Klasse will soon turn out to be the new best way to get somewhere sitting down remains to be seen, but we are looking forward to finding out.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Managing Editor, Buyer’s GuideDrew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held a wide variety of consumer-focused positions throughout his career, ranging from financial counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of becoming a Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream that was realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He’s a born-and-raised Michigander and learned to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and luxury SUVs.       More

The International Scout was introduced in 1961 as the first competitor to the Willy Jeep.Like the Jeep, the Scout had a removable roof, a fold-down windshield, and four-wheel drive.This first-generation Scout, which is both impressively restored and unmodified, provides a rare look at one of the earliest SUVs.Car and DriverVolkswagen is planning to resurrect the Scout nameplate for a lineup of battery-powered SUVs and pickups, and while we have yet to see what they’ll look like, VW would be hard-pressed to capture the purity and charm of the first-generation International Harvester Scout. Unfortunately, the harsh duty cycle of most off-roaders, combined with the original Scout’s extreme propensity to rust, means that an OG Scout is a rare sight today. That’s what makes this 1964 example all the more striking. Up for auction on Bring a Trailer, which like Car and Driver is part of Hearst Autos, it has been restored to a stock appearance—rather than a modern, bro-dozer reinterpretation—and serves as a reminder of how basic 4x4s were at the dawn of the SUV age.Bring a TrailerCheck out the interior: vinyl bench seat, metal dash, metal door panels, fabric check-straps for the doors, and manual everything, although there is glovebox—plus a heater and a defroster. Bring a TrailerThis Scout is powered by a 152-cubic-inch inline-four (actually half of the I-H 304-cubic-inch V-8) fed by a single-barrel carb and paired with a three-speed manual gearbox. The part-time four-wheel-drive system has manual locking front hubs, and this Scout rolls on 15-inch black steelies.Bring a TrailerLater Scouts would grow larger, (somewhat) more mechanically sophisticated, and (a bit) more comfortable. The second-gen Scout 800 arrived in 1965 and the Scout II in 1971. With vintage SUVs of all stripes seeing keen collector interest, Scouts are being restored and typically upfitted mechanically for greater capability or just a more extroverted look. It’s interesting, though, to see the one in its original form, the result of a design brief “to replace the horse.”Related StoriesThe auction ends September 7.Deputy Editor, Reviews and FeaturesJoe Lorio has been obsessed with cars since his Matchbox days, and he got his first subscription to Car and Driver at age 11. Joe started his career at Automobile Magazine under David E. Davis Jr., and his work has also appeared on websites including Amazon Autos, Autoblog, AutoTrader, Hagerty, Hemmings, KBB, and TrueCar. More

The Nissan Altima and Nissan Versa could be discontinued after the 2025 model year, per a report by Automotive News.A Nissan spokesperson told Car and Driver the company will continue to “invest in the sedan segment” but wouldn’t confirm plans to stop producing either model. AN’s report also suggested Nissan has plans for a new electric sedan that’ll debut in 2026; the company’s spokesperson declined to comment on future products.The Nissan Altima, which was first introduced for the 1992 model year, is likely heading for the junkyard in the sky. The same fate could await the Nissan Versa, which first went on sale in the summer of 2006. The affordable compact car and familiar family sedan will be discontinued following the 2025 model year, according to Automotive News, which recently published a report about every automaker’s future product plans.Andi Hedrick|Car and DriverCar and Driver reached out to Nissan to confirm the Automotive News report, and a spokesperson responded with this statement: “We are continuing to invest in the sedan segment to offer our customers great-looking cars equipped with convenient, entertaining and safety-enhancing technologies. As we accelerate towards realizing Nissan’s Ambition 2030 vision we have many exciting plans in development, but we don’t have anything to share at this time.”Read the StoryILLUSTRATION BY BEN SUMMERELL-YOUDE/FOX SYNDICATION|Car and DriverWhile the spokesperson also wouldn’t comment on future products, the company’s own statements have fueled speculation that appears to be corroborated by the AN story, which suggested that Nissan has plans to introduce a new electric sedan in 2026. For example, last year, when the automaker confirmed that the Maxima would end production after the 2023 model year, in an official statement to Car and Driver said it’s “prioritizing electric vehicles” and advised us to “stay tuned for future Nissan Maxima news.” Could the EV sedan that’s rumored in the AN report be the next Maxima? It looks like we’ll have to wait and see.Recently Axed NissansThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

For Howdy Doody, a nine-year-old Watusi bull, going for a ride with his owner in their 1996 Ford Crown Victoria isn’t a big deal. He just calls shotgun, climbs in, and assumes his position across from Lee Meyer, owner of both car and cattle. They were cruising through the town of Norfolk, Nebraska, on Wednesday when some busybody took issue with a giant bull sticking out the front of a car and called the cops. The police dispatch reads, “Vehicle with a cow inside.” Since that probably doesn’t much narrow it down in Nebraska, the following line clarifies, “Vehicle is a white car appears to have been modified.” Yes, it certainly has.Norfolk Police DepartmentHow does one transport a one-ton bovine in an automobile, you ask? Well, lending new meaning to “bull riding” and really shutting up everyone who told him he should buy a truck, Meyer reinforced the frame and suspension on his 1996 Ford Crown Victoria to support its beefy passenger. He also removed the passenger-side windshield and roof—Watusi bull horns grow laterally and can be eight feet across, which poses a problem given that the 1996 Crown Victoria only offers 60.8 inches of front shoulder room. But with the Crown Vic rendered semi–al fresco in a job so clean it looks like it came that way from the factory, Howdy Doody fit just fine. This content is imported from youTube. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.The Norfolk police didn’t entirely disagree, declining to ticket Meyer—this was, legally speaking, his first rodeo—but telling him to steer clear of town unless he wanted to start some serious beef. The pair were told to giddyup on back to Neligh, where they live, a not inconsiderable 35 miles further down Highway 275. Meyer told the New York Times that he uses a trailer for trips longer than 40 miles, and that Howdy Doody has been riding in the car for seven years and never has any problem with it. Often, Meyer stops to buy Howdy Doody ice cream, a prompting his wife, Rhonda, to say, “He’s the most spoiled steer in northeast Nebraska.” We applaud her for not making assumptions about the other quadrants of Nebraska, where maybe there’s a Belted Galloway just sitting on the couch drinking beer and not lifting a hoof to help out. Meyer and his bovine buddy made it home fine, although, as a video from News Channel Nebraska Northeast shows, not completely without incident. Eschewing Nebraska’s fine highway rest stops, Howdy Doody lived up to his name and rendered the Crown Vic’s rear quarter-panel ready for a serious detailing. But when you drive around with a bull in your car, you’ve gotta be prepared to deal with a little BS.More from EzraSenior EditorEzra Dyer is a Car and Driver senior editor and columnist. He’s now based in North Carolina but still remembers how to turn right. He owns a 2009 GEM e4 and once drove 206 mph. Those facts are mutually exclusive. More

Mini’s next-generation Countryman SUV debuts as an electric crossover with a range of up to 240 miles per charge. The new Countryman Electric wears a sharper exterior design, more minimalistic interior styling, and drops “Cooper” from its name. While a gasoline-powered version is said to be on the way. Mini is focusing first on the launch of the electrified model.Debuting alongside a redesigned Cooper hatchback, the 2025 Countryman SUV marks a turning point for the Mini brand. Not only is it the first time that the company has released EV models ahead of their gasoline-powered counterparts, but it’s also the start of a model year where every Mini model is essentially all new. Not to mention it’s the first time the model will not wear the Cooper name, with the company opting this time around to simply call it the Mini Countryman. That simplification is part of a larger minimalist strategy with the revitalized Mini lineup, as both the Countryman and Cooper—the brand’s two core models—have received design makeovers that are less visually cluttered than before.Mechanical Minutiae A longer wheelbase and larger exterior dimensions stretch the definition of what we’d consider Mini, but the Countryman isn’t jumping up into the mid-size-SUV class. Two models will be offered—although we aren’t sure if both will make the trip across the Atlantic to our shores—with the front-wheel-drive E model coming with a 201-hp electric motor and the all-wheel-drive SE All4 version coming with two motors that combine for 308 horsepower. As before, the Countryman remains primarily an on-road vehicle, although, with more ground clearance than its Cooper sibling, it’s the one to choose if you do need to traverse anything more than a dirt road. With the more potent powertrain, Mini says the Countryman SE will hit 62 mph in 5.6 seconds but its range estimate is an estimated 225 miles per charge. The E is pokier, with a 62-mph time of 8.6 seconds, but its range is slightly higher at an estimated 240 miles. More on Mini’s Fresh New LineupRange Is Just OkayIf those range times don’t seem particularly impressive, it’s because they aren’t. Rivals that are already on the market can offer even more driving per charge. The Kia Niro EV, another high-style small SUV, offers an estimated range of 253 miles per charge, and the Tesla Model Y offers up to 330 miles of range.At a preview event in Germany, Mini told Car and Driver that the SE All4 model will come with a 64.7-kWh battery pack that will be able to accept DC fast-charging at up to 130 KW. The Countryman Electric will also be able to charge on a home AC connection too, at speeds up to 22 KW.Details on the gasoline-powered Countryman haven’t been announced yet, but we suspect it’ll receive the same powertrain options as the previous-generation Countryman. That would mean a 134-hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine or an 189-hp turbo four on the S trim. The plug-in-hybrid variant isn’t likely to return given the availability of the Countryman Electric.Fashion Forward The Countryman’s revised styling is both fresh and instantly recognizable as a Mini, with a bold frame around the front grille, trapezoidal headlamps, and taillamps sporting the Union Jack flag. The S E trim shown in the photos here combines pale green paint with rose gold accents for a pleasing, upscale effect. A floating roof design mimics that of the Cooper hatchback, but a chunky-looking C-pillar dips down almost to the lower window line and sports a bold All4 logo on the show car. Body surfacing is more sharply creased than before, and there are more rugged design cues such as faux skid plates on the lower parts of the front and rear bumpers. Big chrome letters spell out Countryman across the rear liftgate, which is a holdover from the previous model, but the font size and spacing emphasize the new Countryman’s width. Big wheels with rose gold spokes complete the look, and overall, the new styling is more upscale than the previous generation model.The cabin design mimics that of the Cooper, with a minimalistic take on Mini’s traditional styling. The focal point of the interior design is sure to be the large, round display screen that serves as both infotainment and gauge display. Like the Cooper, the Countryman benefits from Mini’s new software interface and provides a ton of opportunity for personalization.A bank of toggle switches remain on the dashboard, but they’ve been simplified, and the dashboard itself is adorned with a fabric trim panel that is backlit at night by ambient lighting elements. Those elements, by the way, can change color and shape depending on which drive mode is selected.More fabric trim pieces can be found on the Countryman’s door panels, and in the show car the doors feature a pattern of gold fabric that blends with teal in a sort of ombre pattern that looks quite nice, especially offset against rose gold metal accents. Mini says more sustainable materials have been utilized this time around, including recycled polyester for interior upholstery and carpets. Furthermore, the electric motors that power the Countryman use no rare-earth minerals.On-Sale Dates Still ApproximateMini hasn’t announced when the Countryman Electric will officially go on sale in the U.S. but we suspect it’ll launch here in 2024 as a 2025 model. The first models could reach Mini dealerships as early as next spring. The gasoline-powered Countryman, as well as the new Cooper hatchback, should go on sale around the same time. A third model, the upcoming Aceman electric crossover, will join the lineup as well. Mini says the Aceman will debut in April 2024, and we suspect it will get the same electric powertrains as the Countryman. This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Managing Editor, Buyer’s GuideDrew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held a wide variety of consumer-focused positions throughout his career, ranging from financial counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of becoming a Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream that was realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He’s a born-and-raised Michigander and learned to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and luxury SUVs.       More

Mini has unveiled the revamped Cooper Electric at the 2023 IAA auto show in Munich, Germany. The two-door hatchback is new for the 2025 model year and features updated styling, a more premium interior, and a larger battery pack than the previous-generation model.A gasoline-powered variant is expected to debut later wearing the same look but with a turbocharged engine under the hood.Fresh-faced and with improved eco-friendly street cred, the 2025 Mini Cooper Electric hatchback has debuted with more power, more range, and more dazzle. Unveiled alongside the Mini Countryman Electric, the two new models mark the start of a new generation for the brand. The hatchback’s styling is distinctively Mini, but with clean lines and neater proportions. The real improvements are just beneath the surface. Its interior is layered with upgrades too, and the mechanicals underneath promise to make it more competitive in the EV marketplace.Cheerful CabinWhile we don’t expect to see much more passenger space than the current-generation Cooper, the new car features a more premium interior. A simplified design removes clutter from the center console and dashboard, while richer materials are used throughout for a more upscale ambiance. Mega Details on the New Mini CooperThe centerpiece of the Cooper Electric’s cabin is a large, circular display screen, which runs Mini’s next-generation infotainment interface. This OLED panel provides crisp graphics and a customizable appearance. For example, users can upload their own photos to the system to create unique backgrounds.A fabric-lined dashboard hides LEDs that provide ambient lighting that change based on which drive mode the car is in. Of course, Mini’s signature toggle switches remain on the dashboard, but these too have been pared down with simplicity in mind. Overall, the interior is a nicer place to spend time, a good thing considering drivers will likely need to utilize public charging infrastructure. And if you’re sitting inside waiting for the car to charge, the Cooper Electric can entertain you with downloadable video games to play using that center-mounted display.Mended Mechanicals The Cooper Electric will be offered in two strengths: E and SE, with the entry-level version getting a 181-hp electric motor and the upgraded model getting juiced to 215 horsepower. Both are front-wheel drive and it’s not clear yet whether the U.S. market will get both, or just the more powerful SE. We’ve had a chance to drive a prototype, and the Cooper’s playful handling is retained in the new model. Mini says the E is capable of hitting 62 mph in 7.3 seconds and the SE will complete the same task in 6.7, but we managed a 6.1-second run to 60 mph in the current model—which makes 181 horsepower—so we think both of those estimates are conservative.Our biggest gripe about the current Cooper Electric is its disappointing driving range, which comes in at an EPA-rated 114 miles per charge. This new version benefits from far larger battery packs. The current Cooper SE that’s sold in the U.S. has a 28.9-kWh battery pack, but the new version gets a 58.4-kWh unit. That should boost the driving range to about 200 miles per charge, which is still less than other EVs such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and the Tesla Model 3, but brings the Mini closer to contention.While Mini is focusing first on launching the EV variant of its new Cooper hatchback, the company told Car and Driver that gasoline-powered models will continue to be part of the portfolio. Mini has even confirmed plans for a revived John Cooper Works performance edition. We expect the turbocharged three- and four-cylinder engines used in the current generation car to carry over to the redesigned 2025 models, but we’ll find out more closer to the car’s launch in North America. That timing, we suspect, could be as early as next spring.Managing Editor, Buyer’s GuideDrew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held a wide variety of consumer-focused positions throughout his career, ranging from financial counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of becoming a Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream that was realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He’s a born-and-raised Michigander and learned to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and luxury SUVs.       More