MINI is expanding its Countryman lineup in New Zealand with the introduction of the new MINI Countryman Untamed Edition. Available for both the MINI Countryman S ALL4 and the all-electric MINI Countryman SE ALL4, this edition combines intelligent ALL4 all-wheel drive with exclusive exterior and interior design elements that enhance the vehicle’s adventurous character.
According to Alexander Brockhoff, General Manager of MINI Australia & New Zealand, “New Zealand’s MINI drivers have always valued the freedom to express their individuality through their vehicle. The MINI Countryman Untamed Edition brings that spirit of customisation to life with distinctive design details and a character made for everything from the everyday commute to spontaneous weekend escapes.
Exterior Design Features
Front Grille and Body Structure
The Untamed Edition features a newly interpreted front grille with vertically oriented geometry that emphasises the upright front end and delivers a stronger, more confident appearance. The grille surround is finished in the exclusive accent colour Dark Steel, creating a technical design statement while reinforcing the premium character of the edition. Additional exterior enhancements include new side sill designs, redesigned front and rear underbody protection elements, and a newly sculpted rear diffuser that contribute to a more powerful overall appearance.
Protective Design Elements
Textured matt black protective films are applied to the wheel arches, side sills, and Power Dome.These elements serve a dual purpose: they protect the bodywork against stone chips while emphasising the edition’s robust visual character.The newly designed underbody protection elements are finished in Dark Steel, and an edition-specific Untamed logo featuring a stylised mountain motif appears on the C-pillar.
Wheel Design
The bespoke 19-inch “Untamed Edition Spoke” light-alloy wheel takes inspiration from the purposeful simplicity of classic utility wheels. Five strong spokes and technical fastening details give the vehicle a distinctive presence, while the centre cap carries the MINI wordmark in Dark Steel.
Colour Options
Exterior colours for the Untamed Edition draw inspiration from natural, earthy, and mineral tones. Customers can choose from exclusive finishes including Hideaway Grey, Nomad Blue, and Frozen Nomad Blue, alongside Nanuq White and Midnight Black. Frozen Nomad Blue represents a significant milestone as the first matt exterior paint finish introduced into MINI series production. Its matt surface changes the perception of the vehicle’s proportions, highlighting surfaces and contours more prominently while creating a particularly sculptural and premium appearance.Roof finishes are available in either Glazed White or Jet Black. All accent details (including MINI emblems, Countryman lettering, grille surround, and underbody protection elements) are finished in Dark Steel, creating a technical yet robust appearance through their metallic finish.
Interior Design and Features
Seating and Upholstery
The exclusive Vescin Nightshade Blue sports seats represent the centrepiece of the interior design. They combine premium perforated Vescin upholstery with knitted surfaces in the shoulder and headrest areas. The structured knit pattern is inspired by rock formations and is complemented by piping and decorative stitching in Cornflower Blue, with an integrated Untamed logo featuring a mountain panorama.
Dashboard and Interior Materials
Knitted surfaces continue across the dashboard and door panels in a specially developed Millennial Melange colour tone that combines dark grey shades with a rich blue base. This two-tone knitted structure has become a distinctive feature of the new MINI family and contributes to a refined, premium ambience. All interior accents have been changed from Vibrant Silver to Dark Steel, with additional Cornflower Blue accents found on the steering wheel strap, steering wheel spoke, and selected interior elements.
Practical Storage Solutions
The redesigned centre console storage box features a more robust geometry and, with its elastic retaining straps, consciously references premium outdoor equipment such as backpacks and climbing gear. Rubber floor mats and a matching luggage compartment mat further enhance the edition’s everyday practicality, with their three-dimensional pattern taking inspiration from natural rock formations.
Versatility and Functionality
The Untamed Edition builds on the versatility of the MINI Countryman with a distinctive design inspired by the outdoors. Generous interior space, flexible transport solutions, and the elevated seating position provide an ideal foundation for an active lifestyle, making the vehicle suitable for everything from weekday driving to weekend escapes and longer road trips.
Production and Market Launch
Production of the new MINI Countryman Untamed Edition will begin in November 2026 at BMW Group Plant Leipzig.The New Zealand market launch is scheduled for early 2027, with further local specification, pricing, and arrival timing to be announced closer to launch.
Tarmac Takeaway
The MINI Countryman Untamed Edition represents a deliberate approach to design that emphasises qualities already integral to the MINI Countryman’s DNA: robustness, versatility, and a spirit of exploration. By combining these characteristics with carefully selected colours, materials, and details while maintaining the unmistakable MINI character, the Untamed Edition offers New Zealand drivers a vehicle that accommodates both urban commuting and outdoor adventure.
