Production will start in 2023.
BMW just confirmed a report in October of this year and announced that it will make the next-generation Mini Countryman from Germany. The funky crossover is expected to be manufactured at the Leipzig plant by the manufacturer starting in 2023. This factory will be the first to produce BMW as well as Mini cars in BMW Group’s history.
According to the automaker’s press release, an all-electric Countryman model will also be available. It will be available alongside the existing range of high-efficiency gasoline and diesel engines, which will vary depending on where it is located.
VDL Nedcar, the Dutch plant that produces the Countryman, was not granted a renewal contract. It was stated that the decision was due to changing business conditions in automotive industry as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Over the past few years, we have continuously worked to guide our plant into a prosperous future. “This contract to produce the successor of the MINI Countryman is another milestone we can work towards,” Hans Peter Kemser (director of BMW’s Leipzig plant) comments.
The Leipzig factory currently builds vehicles using the brand’s front wheel-drive architecture. This includes the 2 Series Active Tourer, and the 1 Series. It has produced more than 200,000 units since 2013 from the i3.
It would be interesting to know if the next-generation Countryman will serve as a base for a bigger and more expensive crossover. According to some reports, the British company is considering this option. However, it will not be until 2023 that we’ll know if that information is accurate.