Better talk us through that so…
First thing to know is that ‘Dark Steel’ is the signature accent colour of the Untamed Edition, found on all the badging, the new grille surround, new underbody protection elements and on the Untamed logo, which features a stylised mountain motif.
The internals of the grille are new as well, as are the side sills, while matt-black protective film has been applied to the wheelarches, doors and the bonnet.
That contrasts with a couple of paint finishes exclusive to the Untamed Edition: Hideaway Grey and Nomad Blue. The latter can be had as Frozen Nomad Blue as well, the first time MINI has offered a matt option in series production.
Buyers can also have this Countryman in Nanuq White or Midnight Black, while the roof can be painted Glazed White or Jet Black. And no, we don’t know what the differences are between the whites and blacks. Ask MINI’s marketing department.
The wheels are black as well (just plain ol’ ‘black’, apparently), and unique to the Untamed Edition. They’re a chunky five-spoke design said to be inspired by the style of no-nonsense steel wheels.
Anything special inside this Countryman?
The biggest change is the addition of branded sports seats partly upholstered in perforated synthetic leather MINI calls ‘Vescin.’ These are finished in Nightshade Blue and feature knitted surfaces in the shoulder areas and headrests, with Cornflower Blue piping, stitching and Untamed logo.
A knitted finish is applied to the dashboard as well, as found in other models, though the Untamed Edition gets its own ‘Millennial Melange’ treatment, mixing dark grey with a blue base. MINI clearly has no shame in making it clear which generation it is targeting this Countryman at.
And to support their active lifestyles, there are rubber floormats in the car and boot, a new centre-console storage box with elastic retaining straps and surfaces inspired by the appearance of natural rock formations.
Does the Untamed Edition actually come with all-wheel drive?
It can do, is the short answer. The Untamed specification is available in the front-drive MINI Countryman C and E, while the Countryman S All4 and SE All4 obviously have four-wheel drive.
In Europe, only the electric models – i.e. the E and SE All4 – get a 15mm suspension lift, while special Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus tyres are optional across the board.
MINI says that the anti-lock brakes, stability control and steering have all been recalibrated to suit.
Could I sleep in the Countryman if I want to live up to its name?
If you really wanted to, sure, though for maximum comfort you should probably invest in a tent. And MINI has just the thing. It has collaborated on the development of a roof tent for the Countryman with Italian specialist, Autohome, which is claimed to be easy to open thanks to integrated gas struts.
There’s also more outdoors merch available as part of a camping collection by Helinox, including folding chairs and tables, all in the same style as the Untamed Edition of course.
Is this Countryman coming to the wilds of Ireland?
It certainly is. Irish on-the-road pricing starts at €46,500 for the Countryman E Untamed (that's the electric, front-wheel-drive model) - against €35,748 for the cheapest Countryman E.
It's €47,250 for the petrol-powered Countryman C Untamed, while the electric SE starts at €51,160 and the S with a petrol engine is from €61,130.
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