How the 2025 Countryman Breaks the Mold
Story by Julius Fredrick // Images Provided
Originally produced in 1959 by the British Motor Company, the MINI marque ushered in a revolution in space and fuel efficiency. Forty-one years later, the brand was acquired by BMW—in time, marrying MINI’s iconic look with the peerless performance of German engineering. The 2025 MINI Countryman is the latest, and perhaps the greatest, result of the merger.
The largest of the MINI fleet to date, the 2025 Countryman is both longer and taller than it’s predecessors, toeing the line between cross-over and full-size SUV. With a higher clearance rate and the sole model to support all-wheel-drive (AWD), the Countryman sheds some of its urban-cruiser identity to accentuate a more adventurous side of MINI—as comfortable to maneuver over woodland roads as it is to parallel park.
“Everybody knows the MINI as the urban, zip-around car. Now, this is the MINI that takes you out on all of your adventures. It’s a blast to drive.”
— DAVID ARBAUGH
Though Arbaugh didn’t necessarily envision selling MINIs growing up, an episode of MTV Cribs featuring Good Charlotte drummer Dean Butterworth loading up his drum kit in a Cooper made for a lasting impression.
“I was probably 15, 16-years-old at the time, and my first car was on my mind. I was like, ‘Man, that’d be super cool to get a MINI, but I don’t even know if it was back in the United States then. It’s always been a car that’s intrigued me,” Arbaugh recalled.
This rock-n-roll, off-the-beaten-path image came into clear focus years later when Arbaugh landed an opportunity to put the Countryman to the test in 2017.
“When they launched this new version of the Countryman, I went out to Palm Springs, California, for a launch event for a week. We drove up into the mountains and there was snow on the ground, and it was super cool,” Arbaugh said. “One of the things we did was an off road course and a comparison between the Subaru Crosstrek and the Countryman, and just really kind of beat up both cars on a course that they made.
“The biggest thing that stood out to me, was when you drove the MINI with confidence, it did what you wanted to do. And when you got into the Subaru, [which] has more of a quote unquote off-the-beaten-path reputation, it sounded like it was about to break. [The difference] was unreal.”
At time of writing, a standard edition of the 2025 Countryman has yet to be unveiled. However, the current ‘S ALL4’ and ‘John Cooper Works’ editions certainly offer some extra sizzle under the hood. With bold trim options, the latter more than doubles the horsepower (312) and halves acceleration (0-60 in 5.4 seconds) for a marginal dip in overall fuel economy. For those looking for a burst of speed and style, the John Cooper Works Countryman packs a wallop of high-octane British charm.
“It’s a BMW engine, and the reliability is second-to-none. It’s great from a owner’s perspective,” Arbaugh said. “And from a sales perspective, it’s a great thing to sit across from someone and honestly be able to tell them, ‘You’re looking at getting one of the most reliable cars on the road.’”
Beyond top-tier performance and the iconic exterior, the 2025 Countryman boasts a slew of updated tech and ergonomic features. A roomier interior and ample storage nooks ensures a comfortable, elegant ride—even for backseat drivers.
“That’s what sets it apart, is the size, right?” Arbaugh added. “People get into that iconic British, quirky, fun car that is a MINI but then still have room for the whole family; the dogs, the luggage in the back, grocery shopping […] My top sales person, Dean, drives a MINI and he absolutely loves it, and he’s like 6’5”. It’s a very practical vehicle.”
However, the most prominent new feature is the large, customizable OLED screen that dominates the dashboard. A modernized callback to the classic MINI speedometer, the 2025 Countryman’s boasts far more than a dial and needle. Powered by the ‘MINI OS 9’ operating system, a variety of “experience modes” provide vibrant, individualized experiences and a host of digital features behind the wheel. This even includes an optional voice-controlled virtual assistant named “SPIKE,” a stylized bulldog that’s certain to obey commands.
“It’s a big leap forward for the brand,” said Arbaugh of the upgraded tech.
While the classic two-door hardtop and the MINI convertible fulfill a niche dictated by aesthetic and legacy, the Countryman’s broader utility offers prospective owners an opportunity to drive in timeless style regardless of daily demands, such as school pick-ups or long-haul roadtrips.
Indeed, the Countryman is a fitting title—not only for its post-war British roots, but for the breadth of terrain and possibilities it’s capable of handling. Coupled with ONYX Automotive’s perks and dedication to customer satisfaction, Countryman drivers enjoy a royal pedigree.
“It performs as good as any car in that class can. Put it up against a Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek and it’s just miles ahead as far as performance and tech,” Arbaugh said.
All things considered, there’s at least a few things a Midwesterner can easily appreciate about British culture: cool accents, fish n’ chips, pub crawls, and if brave enough, Chef Gordon Ramsay. And between the iconic design, revamped performance, and overall practicality, there’s yet another crown jewel to admire from this side of the pond: the 2025 MINI Countryman.
“It’s going to put a smile on your face,” Arbaugh affirmed.
For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com/dealers/mini-of-omaha/.
