The best electric MINI yet? New MINI Countryman vs Volvo EX30 | Electrifying
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- #minicountryman #volvoex30 #electriccars
Sometimes it can be tricky to keep up. We remember when MINIs were small cars and Volvos were huge. But in this video we are testing a Volvo EX30 that’s smaller than a not so mini MINI Countryman.
That may seem topsy turvy, but these two are both around the same price and are bound to be on your shopping list if you want a small electric family car and are keen for something a little more ‘premium’ than the average small SUV.
First, some background. The new Countryman is the largest MINI ever made. At more than 4.4 metres long, it’s bigger than well known family cars like the Nissan Qashqai. It’s almost one and a half original classic Minis long! Now that might upset some of the purists out there, but it does mean that someone with a growing family can still have a MINI. And there’s a lot about them to like.
The Countryman has a 64.6 kWh usable battery, which gives a range of 256 miles - that’s about 3.5/m per kWh. Which is ok, but not outstanding. Charging peaks at 130 kW on a DC point, which MINI says will get you a 10-80% rapid charge in under 30 minutes. AC charging is at 11kW unless you tick the options boxes again and upgrade to 22kW.
The Volvo also comes 64kWh but it can squeeze an extra 23 miles out of it to give a 279 mile range. Peak DC rapid-charging rates top out at 153kW, so a bit quicker than the MINI. It also gets a 22kW AC capability as standard to the top-spec Ultra too.
But which is the one to go for and which is the better car? Join Ginny and Nicky as they pitch the MINI Countryman and the Volvo EX30 head-to-head for the first time. Do you agree with their verdict? Let us know in the comments below.
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The EX30 for me every day.
Just to point out a few oddities in the video…
The EX30 does have Apple CarPlay (it was added a month ago) and there were a lot of strong opinions on the optional decor which is one of 3 different available options…
Apple car play available now in the update of september
I so love Mini. Have a Countryman on lease & it's going back the end of the month. Going to miss it!!
BOTH of YOU are my favorite, Great video 🤩
I've looked at a lot of reviews on the mini countryman and by far this review is brilliant simples 🌈
With the Mini, I thought of the Kia EV3. We need these cars under the magic £40,000 to avoid the UK luxury car tax.
Exactly, no private buyer will stomach paying £600 ved!
@@chrisbaker4849that’s why I chose the Countryman electric. The girls are right. Fantastic car to drive.
When I was ordering my 2024 Mini Cooper s, I looked at the 2025 of that one. I was very impressed with it. Much nicer than a mini van. Was in the market for a fun car.
id love a modern volvo like the ex30 outside my house 😍 its sooo sleek
These ladies on electrifying channel do the best reviews of cars. All the info you need and none of the pointless rubbish from other channels. Nicola, Ginny and Nicky are the best. ❤
Too girly for me, just get on with giving us the information!
Coming from a 2022 Volvo XC60 to a 2025 Mini Cooper S, I will say I'm very happy with my new Mini. The technology alone blows the Volvo away. Volvo had no wireless CarPlay (had to always connect b wire) and I had to take it to the dealer for software updates. The Mini has the fun driving experiences, 360 cameras, backup and parking assist, massage in the seats and so much more.
You are comparing an older car to a brand new one. The ex30 has over the air updates, wireless apple and android connectivity, 360 cameras, parking assist and is a lot faster.
@ to be fair, I was comparing the gas models (of which I see this video is EV). However, for anyone who wants to know, the 2025 Volvo XC60 (gas model) still doesn’t have wireless Apple Carplay which is crazy to me. At least they finally added the 360° camera. But come on Volvo, Apple CarPlay wireless is the lowest bar to reach. And, they told me I’d have “over the air” software updates too. That wasn’t the case with the major updates. And, the extra horsepower is null to me. I still prefer my Mini, having owned the Volvo for 3 years. But to each his own.
I ordered the EX30 few weeks ago. Now watching every EX30 review :D Still need to wait a few months
When I drive my TMER EX30 Ultra I keep smiling. 3.6 s to 100. It is WOW!
Does the battery like it... is an other topic
@@OptLab That what is was designed for.
@@barkan86 Must be the seven designed for that.
The Mini Aceman will probably the more equal to the EX30, when it arrives in the next few months
The Aceman, Smart #1, and EX30 would be a good video
That’s literally exactly what I was about to say! 😂
Agreed
The EX30 is the BOMB!!!
Having been in both these cars, I do think you have been a little harsh on the Volvo, it's got a great feeling well put together clever interior, it's not going for the same look as the Mini, it's sleek Scandi style. The Mini is a little more busy and youthful and aimed more at being a fun interior. The Mini centre screen I found to be laggy and not intuitive at all, having to press the home button just to escape the sub-menus. It was also really clear that Mini has a lot of extras fitted.
Great review! I'm looking forward to purchasing the JCW.
More than happy with our ex30 twin motor ultra.
I've said it before, if you want a better car than the EX30, get a Smart #1, not only has it got a HUD on some models, the shape of door pillar gives it a more open feel.
Volvo all day❤🎉
Always the twin motor
Common my love, you can do it with ya Range Rover in a thight country roads, that was simply funny 😂😂😂
With the forced smile, hahaha loved it
A pair of beauties. A beautiful review. I’d happily drive both. The cars aren’t too bad either! 😅
But would they want you to?😂
Nice comparison Electrifying gang! I like the premium feel and the interesting material choices they’ve made with these two models. I think the Volvo just edges it for me
In terms of spacing, it gave me an earlier comparison between the first e Niro and the Kona electric. I did choose for the e Niro ofcours!
So if I may choose one of them, it has to be the Volvo EX 30....
NO, just joking around, ofcours the Not so Mini Countryman if I had the money....😮
No mode for me, just listening to music or a really nice podcast!
Totally agree on the Range Rover comment!
The euro carmakers have got to stop the daylight robbery
It's so interesting to me that I was incredibly excited for the EX30, finally a Volvo I might be able to afford! I've always wanted a Volvo. But after seeing the interior and the choices they made, namely the "everything on one screen" style... I've been put right off the EX30 and I'm looking at the Renault Megane E-Tech instead.
I have a 2025 Megane, great car love it
Not sure what interior the Megane has, but if it's anything like my dad's 3rd gen Zoe, it'll be pretty great. Zoe has all the really important stuff as hardware buttons or clicky - metal! - wheels, which do feel very nice indeed one might add. Minimalistic dash and everything packed onto a touchscreen feels cheap on a premium priced vehicle, and it's no good for road safety either. Trying to hit the right button on a touchscreen when the car is jolting over bumps in the road can be a nightmare, and your eyes need to re-focus and look away from the road etc. Not good!
Great review
And waiting in the wings to blow them both away ~ the Kia Ev3
The Kona is available now AND the infotainment system just works.
@@bernardhilton3527 so does the Kia.
Meh. It'll be an amazing car but KIA isn't as premium as Mini or Volvo. Sorry.
That Mini if F'in HUGE! 🤣 Bring on the EV3...
Nice review. However, the forthcoming Kia EV3 looks better value than both these.
Until you look at the spec list and realise you really need the one that will cost more than £40k hence in the "luxury" car tax bracket. Really torn, Would have bought a EX30 but can't do with the minimal "Tesla" interior. Hoping the EV3 price drops when it actually arrives.
That said, I think brand perception wise, Volvo > Mini > Kia
@@iantelinside brand perception from 10 years ago? I'd put the latest Kia models first.
But the EV3 is really awful looking to my taste
@@ericschneider7648 same here. I'd like to see Hyundai's interpretation of the same model though.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) isn't primarily about increasing speed; it's about providing better traction and stability, particularly in challenging driving conditions like rain, snow, or uneven terrain.
I'd take the EX30 over the mini any day of the week. Software issues aside, it's more efficient, a proper EV platform and its looks won't age like the mini's will.
I will take my BYD Dolphin anyday at GBP 23,000 in Australia - got all the specs of the top line mini and has great software (with wireless carplay).
But looks terrible.
Its funny how we all have different tastes, i would have the volvo 100 times over, I just dont get minis personally. Shame the volvos too small for me!
I test drive the Volvo and was not impressed. Major software bugs (after there had been a firmware update to fix well reported issues), but the main problem was the horribly vague steering (even in the firmest setting) and the lack of HUD meant that many of the driver assistance features on the centre console were a distraction from driving. I drove a Mini Cooper SE electric immediately afterwards and loved the experience.
The Kia EV 3 has a better range than either of these two
Love the mini getting one next year .great reviews girls
Go for the S All4 2.0 litre engine.
That "mini" spec in Ireland is a smidge over €65k ... Nuts.
55K for that Mini or very similar price for the dual motor Tesla Model Y. Tesla has far more room for passengers and cargo, more range and speed (if that’s what you like). You could even save yourself 10K and get the standard range MY, similar range and acceleration to the Mini. BMW are “‘aving a larf” with that pricing.
Lova that mini colorway
CarPlay has now arrived
Nice review, it's not so common to see direct comparisons between two different brand EVs like this. We could do with more of that, methinks! It puts things more into perspective compared to when just one car is being reviewed in isolation, so to speak.
Also, there's something vaguely ABBA-like seeing the two of you together on-screen at the same time - you don't sing and harmonize also do you? If so, I somehow missed it during the course of the review. :)
The real problem with all the £40,000 plus cars is that from April 2025 they will be subject to the luxury car tax as well as road tax meaning almost £600 a year!
Wait for the end of October Budget. The whole VED system is a mess since the 2017 essentially anti-green reform [softened for £40k+ EVs in 2020] and should be binned and rewritten from scratch, let's hope the new government has the cojones to do it.
That black and white speckled interior trim looks like a Terrazzo concrete floor for your garage… very cold and there might’ve been a time in my life where I like that minimalistic Swedish style, but not in this car… now the Mini Cooper I love that car that is spectacular… I never thought I’d say it, but I think I would like the SE EV not S ICE.
I've had three Mini cars, quality control and maintenance was horrendous. Mini dealers really have an attitude that they are superior to everyone and you should be honored to associate with them. I also had 4 BMW cars and the experience was the same. Too much for so little.
You went through 7 cars before realizing you don’t like the quality?? 😂
I had a new MINI Countrynan in 2017. It was a good car but MINI dealership was poor! It was my first and last MINI! I now have a Volvo S60, superb car!
And yet you kept buying them. Do you always contradict yourself like this?
so glad Nicky also found the bongs so annoying as it drove me mad during the test drive.
The mini is basically the size of an Austin Maxi. I don't suppose 'maxi' has the same sort of market magnetism.
The Countryman (174" long) is a lot bigger than the Maxi (159"). The EX30 (167") sits between the two. The Mini and Volvo are both longer than the Austin 1800/2200 (165").
Ginny you can't complain about the speedometer being on the central screen in the Volvo and then fiddling with the Mini's screen looking at the hummingbird and the cheetah
And the speedo is in the centre display too.
She has a great heads-up display with it.
Very nice review.
P.S. can we add to those not able to maneuver Range Rovers, those who drive 40 km/h on 50 km/h roads (or miles per hour) in Porsches (and similar cars)?
Got my hopes up that mini made a EV that can tow I guess 1200kg should not complain but it's nothing on the ex30 1600kg ☹️ guess the smart #1 is going to be our next car with 1600kg as well 🤔
Mini looked cool though and mini make fun cars.
Really good review, thank you.
I would have to rule the Volvo out on the interior UI/UX and software. I think Mini have just done that so much better. My first car was a 1970s original Mini and so I wonder whether I now need as much as a full spec ALL4 given I do not need anyone except the dogs in the back seat. Of the cars you have reviewed recently I think the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce fits in here somewhere with great handling and decent boot space. It is also better value than a full spec Mini.
It’s the Mini every time for me! 🤷🏻♀️
£55,000 for the mini. Wow. Wait for the duel motor Kia EV3 and that will be fully loaded for a lot less
@@stephenclay6852 The Kia is more expensive than the Volvo tho…
Given the quality of the materials in the Kia EV9 I sat in, I don't think they are in the same league. It's also bigger.
@@Kurre. True but at least the Kia has usable back seats. Really wanted to like the volvo but it's miniscule in the rear
I think that more direct competition to Volvo EX30 will be the Mini Aceman , but also don't really see the need for Mini to have two SUVs
I'm very disappointed by the lack of gauge cluster. I think that should be illegal.
I ordered a Countryman SE in June and it’s in transit to Colorado. 🎉There aren’t that many AWD small EVs with okay (>7”) ground clearance on sale in the US. The Volvo is nice but the software glitches remind me of MyFord Touch from 2012.😵💫Also who knows when the EX30 will go on sale in the U.S. and what it will cost.
Apple CarPlay is included in the latest sofware update - I missed my CarPlay in my Ex30 but it has now arrived!
Other half has an EX30 dual motor and it's nippy enough in normal mode (but I always dive straight for the Performance button in the menu when I drive it... ahem) so for most a 2wd version is fine. Range isn't great and when the heated seat/steering wheel/heater are going you'll chop a chunk off the battery.
Test drove a Smart #3 Brabus. In almost every way apart from driving cabin space I prefer that to the Volvo so if you don't need to buy an SUV style car I recommend looking at that (same power/drivetrain as the AWD volvo under the skin just nicer to look at, better inside, more equipment, HUD etc). Unfortunately I felt hemmed in whilst driving it so it's slightly too small for me. The Smart #1 Brabus is... something Noddy might drive, in my humble opinion. I fit in it better than the #3 Brabus but the looks didn't sell it to me.
Ended up ordering a BYD Seal AWD (530ps) as it has more room inside, plenty of poke, loads of equipment and not many about on UK roads. Plus it has a very short lead time - Factory order and arrives in 4-5 weeks??? We'll see (end of October). Yes I could have waited for the updated 2025 model but didn't need the faster charger or the extra self driving stuff. For the money (and especially on a Salary Sacrifice scheme) it's a bargain, and a saloon, when the roads are awash with SUVs these days...
The mini has a big car price (55k as tested???) and for that money there are plenty of EVs with better standard equipment, range and performance to look at. I think you'd really have to want a mini to stump up that kind of money for one.
Good small EVs, both. The small EV I want to see reviewed is the Hyundai Inster.
The Mini is just too expensive to be recommendable. Fine for buyers who don’t care and just like how it looks but for everyone else, there are much better options out there. The Volvo is too powerful and even the single motor is very quick and could catch out an inexperienced driver. It’s also taken the stripped back theme too far. The whole world has acknowledged that physical buttons are not only safer but what people want. A face lifted EX30 with the option of a HUD, and a row of buttons under the screen and a central volume knob would transform the car. It would need to be made in Europe to be on my shortlist though.
Apparently there's an OTA update (v1.4.2) that has literally just dropped for the EX30 that adds wireless CarPlay.
Pity you didn't try the Smart Silly Name #1. I believe both it and the Volvo have underpinnings made by Geely, with the Smart 'overpinnings' being designed by Mercedes and the Volvo in-house by Geely.
As good as that mini is that price is too much .
14:41 the most british saying ever haha
The Mini does have more charm. The Volvo is more sterile, it's interior plastic trim reminds me of DuPont Corian, a counter-top plastic made to look somewhat like stone. But I would not want to be a child, much less an Adult sitting in the center position of the Mini's back seat. If 2 kids or less, I'd say go Mini, otherwise consider the performance specs and then make a choice based on that. Build quality and quick update support is important. Both of these are made in China, so I wonder what part that plays in it. My Hyundai Ioniq 5 has had routine updates every year that support all of the yearly editions, so everyone gets the latest fixes and bells and whistles.
Thanks for the review. Will note that Volvo has now released Apple CarPlay
Nice
Did I miss it or did they not sit in the back of the EX30? Probably because there’s only enough leg room for pre-teens?
I'll stick with my model3 thanks and never missed a speedo in front of me, Mt Twingo was the same the Yaris and many Citroens exactly the same.
How much is that not so mini mini again🤨 and it seemed a bit one sideed
Maybe you should include in your comparison test next time the Smart #1
Any chance we will see a mini Countryman vs Smart #1?
Smart #3 or EV3 would be a better buy then either of these EVs IMO.
Isn't this mini the topmodel of the brand compared to the smallest of the other brand? Size might be the only comparison. Ofcourse the mini is full of nice details, you expect that in the top model. You don't get that in the smallest model. I like the Volvo topmodels 😉
I take it they forgot about the Volvo EX40 which is a more direct competitor size wise and similarly priced! Sigh
Yeah I agree
EX30 is good one compared to mini despite short comings compared to safety heritage , price and practicality.
Interesting video and really interesting choice of cares to compare.
Both of these cars were on my list as options to replace my Volvo XC40 BEV.
I'll be honest, were looking at having a slightly smaller car than the XC40 and thought the countryman would be a reasonable alternative. This is why your choice was interesting as the Countryman is actually the same size if not slightly bigger now than the XC40 so not really a direct car you would compare with the EX30?
Now, the EX30..... , coming from a Volvo I expected really comfortable and supportive seats but it might just be me but they really are not supportive and like Nikki and I suspect Ginny, the focus on just the central screen and minimalist design is really not for me which is very disappointing as I was 100% certain it would be the car replacing my current Volvo. Nope, niet, not a chance!
Anywhoo, I dont think these two cars are actually cars in the same category. Maybe like @jedoka mentions the Aceman may be a better comparison?
I think the Volvo interior looks nice with the green or blue seats, the white looks too soulless. That said the Mini interior is nicer but I couldn’t get past that exterior.
The Mini is so overpriced in Australia - not sure how they think they can charge so much. Give me an EV3 over both of these.
IMO Smart #1 is worth a look against these two . Perhaps not as up market however, all the options and performance. Especially the Brabus. Grab a demo car 6-12 months old and they are 25-30% less than list (Now good value v an ICE for home charging) . I did (just 2.7K miles), very happy .
Talk about the car getting confused 20 minutes in? Er it’s an EX30 not an XC30 as you call it.
These are PREMIUM cars…not cheap BS that’s always on the “Do Not Buy” List. Mini is made by BMW and this Countryman is made along with the BMW X1. It’s not for someone who only has 40K or less…it’s out of your league!!!!! You’re forced to drive a Kia. There’s also a list of cars that are easiest to steal…Kia’s and Hyundai’s are so simple it’s advertised on Tik Tok.
You definitely don’t have to move your head, just a slight move if your eyes is good enough.
I agree with the conclustion. Mini all the way if you can afford, or basic spec Volvo if you need a city car. My only question is why you are comparing a car that family of four can travel in across the continent with a car with a space for two adults with overnight suitcases and maybe two puppies (because if you say 'kids' you will have to accept the fact that you just run out of luggage space)
MINI is nearly £18k more in this guise. Wow.
EX30 😉
EX30 now has Apple car play….update arrived a couple of days ago.
Thanks for the review of these big 4-door EV's.
Next time . . . . a comparison of 2 smaller EV's, maybe with 2-doors. . . . ?
Sorry but what is wrong with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 or the Kia EV6, both nicer than the base Volvo and thousands cheaper than the Mini Countryman.
Exactly, but both are now 3 years old. However I'll take my Ioniq 5 over either of these any day.
@@johnnodge4327 Both the Ioniq 5 and EV6 have just been updated. Some small body changes and updates to the batteries and the range. But as you say.... even the older models are far better than these two. Not looking at price or space... Better just on the 800v architecture. Plus built from the ground up to maximise floor space etc.
Maybe subjective but neither are lookers and both are on the large size
It’s the Volvo over the Mini for me.
It’s an insult to the mini name.
I’m not saying it’s a bad car, I wouldn’t know as I’ve never been in one, I’m just saying it’s no mini.
To all the precious people out there please don’t get triggered, it’s just an opinion we are all entitled to.
We’ve had Mini’s and Volvos. All the Minis have underdelivered … unreliable, bits breaking off and surprisingly expensive. Volvos have been better than expected… better long-term and the dealers far superior. Never buy another Mini. Sorry.
Hate the Mini round screen, also what is wrong with rear middle seatbelt, seems like 2+2 not a 5 seater ,rear bench doesn’t fold down complete. Storage is bad even in the front.
the MAXI is built in Leipzig, Germany. The Volvo is a Chinese refugee, seeking tariff asylum in Ghent Belgium. Both cars are failing to acknowledge their own lineage. Just scrambling to appeal to crossover crowd, instead of driving the market to what we should be buying, cars. I realize the car industry is in extreme peril. They're struggling to find profit in cheap cars, and there is too much pressure to race to the bottom.
Build cars with high quality, and charge what you need to. Battery size is the luxury item, but new EV buyers don't understand that.
But if the manufacturers build luxury EVs extremely few will be sold. Aka Bankruptcy
@@Harrythehun right. They need to be long lasting and valuable to be sustainable. Disposable car design is one of the many reasons our world is witnessing a human made climate catastrophe. They need not be luxurious, but they must retain their value to be used for decades. So simplicity and repairability are hugely important. Neither trait is on display here.
Do the cars have frunks? I fancy a car with a frunk. I'm probably more interested in frunkeration than acceleration tbh.
Sorry either model without going into detail I'm afraid are no match to the Smart #1 on all counts!! asperously a brilliant car.
updates too slow and software too glitchy and still ongoing. That's why I cancelled my order for the EX30 and sounds like I made the right decision
Depreciation on these washing machines will be epic.
Wrong. The Mini holds its value better than anything else I looked at. The PCP illustration will show you that.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I believe the hearse, I mean countryman is the ugliest MINI ever to grace a road. That is my opinion, and others may not agree. I also think the new j01 is ugly, so there you are. The MINI is nice to drive, but you still have to look at it......
Nice review but feel like mini is paying for this review 😂😂😂