This Is One MINI We Can Get Into
The street-legal modifications make the Countryman resemble its desert-conquering rally car stablemates more closely
- Delta4x4 and X-Raid have created a wide-body Mini Countryman with off-road upgrades.
- The rugged build is currently a concept, but the company is open to limited-series production.
- The study appears to be based on the EV version, but it’s likely to be compatible with ICE as well.
The Mini Countryman is typically thought of as a road-focused SUV, but thanks to off-road experts Delta4x4 and the Dakar-winning team X-Raid, it’s been reimagined into something far more extreme, yet still street-legal beast. This radical conversion, currently presented as a digital concept, could potentially be brought to life in limited numbers if enough interest is generated.
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The two companies recently showed a Mini Countryman X-Raid tuning package, which included a raft of upgrades like new wheels, tires, a suspension lift, and some eye-catching orange decals. These tweaks were only a warm-up, though, and they soon dove into creating a version inspired by X-Raid’s rally-winning desert warriors.
From April Fool’s Joke to Real Project
According to X-Raid, the idea started as an April Fool’s joke, but it quickly evolved into a real project. The highlight of the exterior are the front and rear fender extensions that add 200 mm (7.9 inches) of width to the compact SUV. A bull bar protects the front bumper from minor collisions, while extra LEDs on the grille and roof will turn night into day.
The roof rack provides extra space for overlanding equipment such as snow tracks, a full-size spare wheel, and a couple of tanks. Furthermore, Delta4x4 has added Defender-style storage compartments on the rear side windows, and decorative belts on the hood and tailgate. As a finishing touch, the body is wrapped in a matte gray shade with orange graphics.
Delta4x4 / Facebook
Underneath the Mini Countryman, things are looking even more serious. It now rolls on 18-inch Delta4x4 Hanma alloy wheels wrapped in heavy-duty all-terrain rubber by Loder. Combined with a rally-tuned suspension that adds an extra 50 mm (2 inches) of ground clearance, this SUV is ready for more than just the occasional gravel road.
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X-Raid hasn’t mentioned any performance upgrades, but judging by the rendering, the base model appears to be the fully electric Mini Countryman SE All4. This version comes with a dual-motor AWD setup that produces 308 hp (230 kW / 313 PS) and is powered by a 66.5 kWh battery, providing a range of 212 miles (341 km). That said, the modifications are likely compatible with any variant of the Countryman, including the hybrid turbocharged 2.0-liter engine version.
A Limited-Edition Possibility
While the vehicle is still a concept, X-Raid and Delta4x4 have hinted at the possibility of “small-scale production” if customer demand is high enough. Hopefully, the renders will resonate with the more adventurous kind of Mini Countryman owners, bringing the Dakar-inspired build on the road. Despite its wild stance, the company has confirmed that this is a “street-legal package”.
Earlier reports also suggest that Mini itself is also working on a more rugged version of the Countryman, though details about that are still vague at best. For now, we’ll have to wait and see if this wild rendition becomes a reality.
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