MINI Countryman Untamed Edition: A Lifted Crossover for Dirt Roads, Not Rock Crawls

MINI named a small crossover "Untamed," then put the traction control switch inside a touchscreen menu. That's one way to keep a wild streak polite. The 2027 Countryman Untamed Edition is on the way, and early drives say it's a fun, capable little dirt-road tool with clear limits.

What MINI changed

The Untamed is a trim for the Countryman S and the electric SE, with a reported premium of €4,700. The name has been used before, since an Untamed Countryman appeared in 2022. This version adds more aggressive rubber, more clearance and exclusive colors.

• Lift: A different damper assembly raises ride height by 0.6 inch. Ground clearance is 8.8 inches, about 0.8 inch more than a standard Countryman S.
• Tires: Exclusive 19-inch wheels wear Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tires.
• Angles: Reshaped front and rear overhangs help approach and departure angles, which is how steep a slope you can tackle before the bumpers dig in.
• Looks: A slatted grille, dark gray trim, and textured protective wrap on the hood, wheel arches and sills.
• The catch: The taller setup means the optional adaptive dampers can't be fitted.

The skid plate mystery

Reports disagree on underbody protection. One lists it as part of the package. Another says the rocker trim only hints at a skid plate and none is fitted, though MINI representatives reportedly said adding one would be fairly simple. That same report warns the electric model's floor-mounted battery could be costly to repair if damaged. Check your market's equipment list before you get attached to the idea.

Power and parts: the numbers vary

Powertrain details differ by report. One first drive describes a mild hybrid Countryman S with 160 kW (218 PS). Another describes a North American Countryman S All4 with a 241-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four. Both use a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. Regional availability is also muddled, so treat the lineup as something to confirm locally.

How it handled the trail

Reviewers drove it near Lake Tahoe, including the Twin Peaks Trail at about 6,900 feet. Keep in mind the test cars were pre-production units.

One reviewer found the Untamed handled rutted ground with less scraping than expected, though steeper climbs needed a running start. On the Twin Peaks climb, loose sand caused wheelspin, and deep grooves called for care with the front bumper. The driver had to turn off stability and traction control through the touchscreen and use Low mode to hold lower gears, a process the reviewer called cumbersome. On pavement, that report says the tires add noise and the ride is firm.

What it means for you

The Untamed suits buyers who want a small crossover for campsite roads, trailheads and light dirt tracks. Serious rock crawling is outside its brief. It has no low-range gearing and no dedicated off-road driving mode, so it can't stand in for a true 4x4.

Before ordering, confirm whether a skid plate comes in your market and what adding one would cost, especially on the electric SE. Also note that adaptive dampers are off the table with this trim.

Think of it as a Countryman with better boots. It'll get you to the trailhead, and the touchscreen can wait until you're back on the pavement.

Sources: gtspirit.com, caranddriver.com, guideautoweb.com. Photo by Jakob P. on Unsplash.