Rugged new SUV on its way to South Africa – What to expect

MINI has announced that its rugged 4×4 Countryman S Untamed Edition is heading to South Africa next year.

The Countryman is already the brand’s largest model, before adding the rugged, adventure-focused crossover.

“Today, our customers are looking for a vehicle that supports them in everyday life just as confidently as it does on spontaneous getaways and longer journeys,” said Jean-Philippe Parain, Head of the MINI Brand.

“That is exactly what inspired the Untamed Edition. It combines the hallmark Mini driving experience with even greater freedom to explore new places and discover more along the way.”

Holger Hampf, Head of MINI Design, added that the Untamed Edition highlights qualities already part of the Mini Countryman’s DNA, including robustness, versatility and a spirit of exploration.

“Our goal was to emphasise these characteristics through carefully selected colours, materials and details, while remaining true to the unmistakable MINI character,” he said.

Production of the new Countryman Untamed Edition will begin in November 2026 at the BMW Group Plant in Leipzig.

In South Africa, the Untamed Edition will be available on the MINI Countryman S ALL4 and is expected to launch at the start of the second quarter of 2027. Pricing and local specifications are yet to be confirmed.

What we know so far

MINI has redesigned the Untamed Edition’s front grille with vertically oriented geometry and new angular inserts, and finished it in the exclusive accent colour Dark Steel.

The special edition model also features new side sill designs and a newly sculpted rear diffuser with rear underbody protection elements.

Setting the Untamed Edition apart from the rest of the Countryman S ALL4 range is a set of newly developed Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres mounted on exclusive 19-inch light-alloy wheels.

These were designed with the rugged functionality of classic off-road steel wheels in mind, featuring five spokes and technical fastening details, while the wheel centre cap carries the “MINI” wordmark in Dark Steel.

To accommodate these, MINI lifted the suspension by 15mm, which also increases the off-roader’s ground clearance by up to 19mm, though this will not be available locally.

That said, local models will feature textured decals applied above the wheel arches and side sills, and on the Power Dome to help protect the bodywork.

As an adventure-focused offering, the Untamed Edition features newly designed underbody protection elements finished in Dark Steel, as well as an edition-specific “Untamed” logo on the C-pillar.

The range’s exterior colours were developed specifically for the Untamed Edition, and include Hideaway Grey, Nomad Blue, matte Frozen Nomad Blue, Nanuq White and Midnight Black.

Inside, the cabin features exclusive Vescin Nightshade Blue sports seats combining perforated Vescin upholstery with knitted surfaces on the shoulder and headrest areas featuring the Untamed logo.

The dashboard and door panels, finished in the specially developed Millennial Melange colour tone, create a two-tone knitted structure, and all interior accents have been changed from Vibrant Silver to Dark Steel.

The multi-function steering wheel features Cornflower Blue accents, while the redesigned centre console storage box features elastic retaining straps inspired by outdoor equipment such as backpacks and climbing gear.

Completing the interior’s adventure-inspired finish is a set of matching rubber floor and luggage compartment mats.

Performance

The Untamed Edition benefits from being a Countryman S ALL4, with a powerful 2.0-litre turbo-petrol plant making 150kW and 300Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The 4×4 crossover SUV features the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system and averages a fuel consumption of 6.5l/100km.

MINI has specifically calibrated the model’s ABS, DSC and steering systems to accommodate the revised suspension setup and the all-terrain tyres.

As a result, the Untamed Edition can tow up to 2,000kg with a standard tow bar, while it also boasts a roof load capacity of up to 75kg while driving and up to 300kg total.

MINI Countryman S ALL4 Untamed Edition