Mini Countryman Untamed confirmed for Australia

The 2027 Mini Countryman Untamed Edition will arrive in Australia in early 2027 with a choice of petrol S ALL4 and electric SE ALL4 powertrains, bringing with it a tougher new look and unique exterior and interior detailing.

But it’ll be missing several mechanical upgrades developed for the overseas-specification Untamed, including a 15mm suspension lift, Mini-specific Pirelli all-terrain tyres and an Autohome roof tent.

Australia will also continue with 1500kg (S) or 1200kg (SE) towing capacity for the Untamed, despite the petrol version being upgraded to 2000kg braked towing in some other markets.

Even so, the Untamed will add desirable rugged visual cues to the Countryman line-up as a point of difference to traditional rivals including the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Globally, the Countryman Untamed is Mini’s most concerted attempt yet to push its SUV line-up beyond its current road-focused dynamic brief.

Selected overseas versions get a lifted suspension promising up to 19mm of additional ground clearance, along with improved approach, departure and breakover angles.

Plus, Mini worked with Pirelli to develop an Untamed-specific All Terrain Plus tyre, complemented by bespoke ABS, stability control, steering and ALL4 all-wheel drive system calibration for greater traction on loose surfaces.

But without those hardware changes, Australian examples of the Untamed will instead concentrate on the visual side, with ground clearance remaining at 171mm for the local specification.

There are bespoke 19-inch Untamed five-spoke alloy wheels, redesigned front and rear underbody protection elements, textured protective films across the side sills, bonnet and wheel arches, a new ‘Power Dome’ and ‘Dark Steel’ exterior detailing.

Inside, the cabin scores Nightshade Blue Vesin sports seats with new knitted sections, ‘Millennial Melange’ dashboard and door trim, rubber mats and a redesigned centre-console storage box inspired by outdoor equipment.

Under the bonnet, the petrol-powered S ALL4 Untamed uses BMW’s B48 mild-hybrid 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, producing 160kW/330Nm.

Meanwhile, the electric SE variant uses a dual-motor powertrain producing 230kW/494Nm. Mini Australia’s decision to avoid knobbly tyres means range is likely to remain at 467km (WLTP).

The closest concept to the Untamed is arguably Volvo’s smaller EX30 Cross Country, which does offer a raised suspension, tougher design and additional cladding.

The Untamed goes into production next month at BMW’s plant in Leipzig ahead of an Australian launch in early 2027. Local pricing is expected to be announced in the coming months.

So far, the unanswered question is why Australia misses the hardware that turns the Untamed from a rugged-looking special edition into a genuinely more capable car overseas – and carsales has put the question to Mini.

Still, the Untamed reveals Mini’s appetite to push its SUV line-up into more adventurous territory and may provide a clue about more hardcore variants appearing in future.

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