"Statistics don't count for everything, and raw data doesn’t really capture how pleasant the SE All4 is to spend time in and drive. It’s relaxing, fun and, yes, just the right side of cheesy. It's an immensely likeable, well-resolved electric SUV that captures the spirit of the Mini brand and is both pleasant to drive and spend time in. A bit of charm can get you a long way."

"Much like with the JCW, we don’t expect the dual-motor version to be the sweet spot of the new electric MINI Countryman’s line-up. But the signs are promising because while the Cooper SE is eye-wateringly expensive and undoubtedly faster than it needs to be, it does lots of the basics really well – practicality, comfort, agility – while still retaining that sense of fun that appeals to regular MINI customers. It may be the largest MINI ever, but in many ways, this Countryman is also one of the most convincing of the modern era."

"An impressive debut for the electric Mini Countryman. It’s a still a bit weird looking from the outside, the interior colour combos won’t be for everyone and the inevitable button cull hasn’t done the ease of control of some features any favours. But for the money you’re getting a top-quality electric driving experience, solid build quality and plenty of space. Hard to ignore, for sure."

"Now, having driven the battery-powered Countryman Electric ALL4 SE, we can compare the two – and make a choice. On paper, the performance figures are tantalisingly similar and compelling. Both share almost all the same of interior trim and electronic kit. And both provide a zesty fun-filled go-kart like drive. In a 0-to-62mph sprint, the sprightly 296hp JCW wins by a mere 0.2 seconds, managing it in 5.4 seconds against the almost equally lightning fast 5.6 seconds acceleration of the 302hp all-electric Countryman SE. Both are all-wheel drive and zippy both on bends and on the straight."

"The MINI Countryman may have grown up as a result of its transition to electric power, but it still fizzes with the same youthful joy that emanates from other models in the brand’s range. Despite weighing roughly two-tonnes, the Countryman feels as zippy as ever to drive, while also maintaining refined and comfortable road manners. Some may call them a gimmick, but our inner seven-year old cannot help but adore the Countryman’s configurable ‘Experience Modes’, which ultimately make other so-called ‘family’ SUVs feel boring in comparison. We wish it had just a bit more range and there are more spacious options out there, but few models can excite several family generations in such varying ways quite like the electric Countryman."

"The interior and technology available are ahead of many competitors and helps it to offer a sense of fun and character that is often lost with electric SUVs. Though fairly expensive, and there are caveats over ride quality, this new Countryman is one of the better cars in its class, and ideal for those who don’t want to let the switch to electric spoil their fun."

"Clearly, a two-tonne Mini almost-SUV isn’t going to handle like a go-kart, but the Countryman SE All4 is surprisingly entertaining to drive all the same. More importantly, it’s good to use and efficient the rest of the time. Which is more relevant in the real world. But it’s the interior that’s the USP here, an area of increasing importance as the shift to electrification gathers pace. The Countryman’s cabin is roomy, imaginatively designed, packed with tech, but also blessedly easy to use. All in all, it’s a highly likeable, desirable car."

"Provided you don’t frequently need to venture too far away from a charging point, the Mini Countryman Electric makes a good case as an upmarket family SUV that you can plug in."