New York City is known for many things: its iconic skyline, its cultural diversity, its vibrant nightlife, and its notorious traffic. With more than 8 million people living in the five boroughs, getting around the city can be challenging, especially for those who care about the environment and their carbon footprint.
That's why the new all-electric MINI Countryman E is a game-changer for urban mobility in the Big Apple. The latest model from the British brand combines an electrified go-kart feeling with a reduced ecological impact and continues the success story of the largest MINI model. It offers more space, more range, and more fun than ever before, making it the perfect companion for exploring the city and beyond.
The MINI Countryman E made its U.S. debut in New York during Climate Week NYC, the largest annual climate event of its kind. The occasion was a panel discussion titled "Driving Forward: The Transformation of Future Mobility", hosted by URBAN-X, the startup accelerator founded by MINI. The event brought together experts from different fields to discuss the current challenges and possible solutions for transforming urban mobility in the future.
The panelists included Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design; Micah Kotch, Managing Director of URBAN-X; Sarah Kaufman, Associate Director of NYU Rudin Center for Transportation; and Kyle Conner, Editor-at-Large of The Drive and Founder of Human Driving Association. Horatiu Boeriu, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of BMWBLOG moderated the discussion.
The panelists shared their insights on topics such as the role of design in shaping mobility, the impact of technology on transportation, the importance of user experience and behavior change, and the vision for a more sustainable and enjoyable future of mobility.
One of the main themes that emerged from the conversation was the need for a holistic approach to mobility that considers not only the technical aspects but also the emotional and social aspects. As Heilmer said, "Mobility is not only about getting from A to B but also about how you feel while doing it." He added that design plays a crucial role in creating products that are not only functional but also desirable and meaningful for people.
Another key point that was raised was the potential of electrification to revolutionize mobility and reduce emissions. Conner, who is an avid advocate for human driving and electric vehicles, praised the MINI Countryman E for its performance and efficiency. He said that electric vehicles offer a superior driving experience compared to internal combustion engines, as they are smoother, quieter, and more responsive. He also highlighted the benefits of electric vehicles for urban environments, such as lower noise pollution, better air quality, and lower maintenance costs.
However, electrification alone is not enough to solve the mobility challenges of today and tomorrow. The panelists agreed that there is a need for more innovation and collaboration across different sectors and disciplines to create solutions that are tailored to the needs and preferences of different users and contexts. Kotch, who leads URBAN-X, a platform that supports startups that are developing solutions for urban challenges, said that there is a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs to create new products and services that improve mobility and quality of life in cities. He mentioned some examples of startups that have participated in URBAN-X's program, such as Revel, which offers electric moped sharing; Circuit, which provides free electric shuttle service; and Numina, which uses computer vision to measure street activity.
The panelists also discussed the importance of user experience and behavior change in shaping the future of mobility. Kaufman, who studies how people use transportation systems and how they can be improved, said that there is a need for more research and data on how people travel and what motivates them to choose different modes of transportation. She said that understanding user behavior can help design better policies and incentives that encourage people to adopt more sustainable and efficient modes of transportation. She also stressed the need for more education and awareness on the benefits of electric vehicles and other alternatives to car ownership.
The panel concluded with a positive outlook on the future of mobility in New York and beyond. The panelists agreed that there is a lot of potential for innovation and improvement in mobility, especially with the advent of new technologies such as electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, smart infrastructure, and digital platforms. They also expressed their optimism that people will embrace these changes and adopt new ways of moving around that are more enjoyable, convenient, and eco-friendly.
The event was followed by a showcase of the new all-electric MINI Countryman E at Newlab in Brooklyn Navy Yard. The attendees had a chance to see the new model up close and learn more about its features and specifications. The new MINI Countryman E enables locally emission-free electric mobility with driving pleasure typical of the brand. It has a distinctive design, advanced drive technology, and an immersive digital experience.
The new MINI Countryman E is available in two variants: the base E model, which has a single 201-horsepower electric motor on the front axle, and the SE ALL4 model, which has dual motors and all-wheel drive, delivering 308 horsepower. The base E model has a range of up to 240 miles on a single charge, while the SE ALL4 model has a range of up to 225 miles. Both models support fast charging at up to 130 kW, allowing them to recharge from 10% to 80% capacity in under 30 minutes.
The new MINI Countryman E also boasts a spacious and stylish interior, with surfaces made of recycled polyester and light alloy cast wheels made of up to 70% secondary aluminum. It also features a circular 9.4-inch OLED display that provides access to most of the functions, as well as a head-up display that projects relevant information onto the windshield. The new MINI Countryman E also comes with a range of driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and park assist.
The new MINI Countryman E is an important step for MINI on the way to becoming an all-electric brand by 2030. It combines locally emission-free electromobility with the greatest possible environmental compatibility, including in production. It also offers a unique driving experience that is fun, agile, and dynamic.
The new MINI Countryman E is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in fall 2024. It will compete with other electric SUVs, such as the Kia Niro EV and the Tesla Model Y, but it will stand out with its distinctive design, personality, and heritage. The new MINI Countryman E is not just a car but a lifestyle statement that reflects the values and aspirations of its drivers.
The new MINI Countryman E is driving forward the future of mobility in New York and beyond. It is a car that is made for the city but also for adventure. It is a car that is electric but also emotional. It is a car that is sustainable but also fun. It is a car that is MINI, but also a maxi. @via Panorica.
