MINI has a longstanding partnership with the X-raid Team in the Dakar Rally and now their collaboration has expanded to road cars as well. The result is the MINI Countryman Powered by X-raid, a more rugged variant that benefits from chassis modifications derived directly from rally raid events. The first and most obvious upgrade X-raid made was to increase ground clearance, with the Countryman now riding 40 mm higher.
The off-road specialists also added sturdy
wheel rims and Cooper Discoverer AT3 tires with higher flanks to improve the
crossover’s behavior on challenging terrain. As a result of the higher ride
height, the fording depth and approach angle are significantly improved
compared to the standard Countryman. The wheels developed specially for
rallying provide effective protection against tire damage, with a robust rim
ring ensuring that it is not necessary to change the entire wheel if damage is
sustained on rocky ground. The feature also creates a powerful visual impact
and masks the high tire flanks.
No other details are offered, but the
photos reveal some decals on the doors, bonnet and tailgate, as well as a
lightweight aluminum roof rack. While the name may suggest otherwise, the MINI
Countryman Powered by X-raid features no powertrain modifications.
The model in the images is a Cooper S
Countryman, which means power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
petrol engine good for 189 HP at 5,000 rpm and 281 Nm of torque at 1,250 rpm. This variant can be had with the optional All4 AWD
system, further adding to the Countryman Powered by X-raid’s appeal.
