MINI Countryman C launched in India as locally assembled SUV at ₹47.5 lakh

The MINI Countryman C has been launched in India at an ex-showroom price of ₹47.5 lakh. The latest generation of the SUV is being locally assembled at BMW Group’s Chennai plant and is available for booking across MINI dealerships, with deliveries starting immediately.

The Countryman C is now assembled in India as part of BMW Group’s localisation strategy at its Chennai facility. The model is offered in a single “Favoured Pack” variant and is positioned in the premium compact SUV segment. Local assembly is expected to support broader market availability in the luxury SUV space, where the Countryman C will compete with models such as the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Thomas Dose, Managing Director, BMW Group Plant Chennai, said the introduction of the new variant represents an operational milestone for the brand as the model will be assembled in India through the completely knocked down (CKD) route. CKD vehicles are imported as parts and components and assembled locally. According to Dose, local assembly enables the company to position the Countryman C more competitively than the higher-performance Countryman John Cooper Works (JCW) All4 variant.

Powertrain and platform updates

The premium SUV continues with MINI’s compact SUV positioning but introduces a larger footprint and revised packaging. It is powered by a 1.5-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine that produces 156 hp and 240 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed Steptronic Sport dual-clutch transmission. The company has also outlined a three-year assured buyback value of up to 66% and monthly ownership plans starting at ₹56,990 with zero down payment.

The Countryman C is underpinned by BMW Group’s UKL2 platform, which it shares with the BMW X1. Floridian Kuenstner, Vice-President, MINI, Region China, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa, BMW Group, said the front-wheel-drive architecture forms the basis of the model's positioning in the premium compact SUV segment. He added that the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine channels power to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The launch also expands MINI’s locally assembled portfolio in India, where BMW Group manufactures vehicles at its Chennai facility.

“The localisation of the model in India strengthens the company’s production footprint and forms part of its broader portfolio strategy for the market. The vehicle is intended for buyers who require everyday usability in a premium compact SUV format while remaining within the MINI product identity framework,” he added.

Safety and equipment

According to the company, the MINI Countryman C has secured a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Standard safety features include multiple airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, tyre pressure monitoring and Parking Assistant Plus with a 360-degree camera. The model also incorporates Level 1 advanced driver assistance features.

The cabin features a 240 mm circular OLED touchscreen running MINI Operating System 9, along with connected features such as MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant, Digital Key Plus, head-up display and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The SUV also features a panoramic sunroof, adaptive LED headlamps and a head-up display. Other equipment includes Park Assistant Plus with a 360-degree camera and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Practicality updates include a boot space of 505 litres, expandable to 1,450 litres with folded rear seats, along with sliding and reclining rear seat functionality. BMW Group India is also offering the model with a standard two-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, roadside assistance coverage and optional service packages extending up to 10 years. (With inputs from PTI)