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MINI Countryman vs Smart #5
Selected trimEChange trim310 mi · 65.2 kWh · £33,005
At a glance
In this comparison, MINI Countryman leads on motorway range, running costs and city driving, while the Smart #5 leads on family practicality and charging speed.
Best value
Too close to call
Range & charging
Too close to call
Practicality
Too close to call
Which should you choose?
Choose the MINI Countryman if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.8p per mile on off-peak electricity
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
Choose the Smart #5 if...
- you have a family - it has the best combination of boot space, safety, and rear legroom
- you need the fastest charging of these options
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The MINI Countryman leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
Value
MINI
6.8
Smart
6.4
Too close to call
Motorway RangeMINI
MINI
5.7
Smart
2.7
FamilySmart
MINI
6.3
Smart
9
ChargingSmart
MINI
4.1
Smart
5
Cost Per MileMINI
MINI
8.7
Smart
1.6
City DrivingMINI
MINI
5.5
Smart
3.2
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Smart #5
Pro
- 170 litres more boot space
- 100 kW more power
- 1.7s quicker 0-62 mph
- 400 kg more towing capacity
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | MINI CountrymanE | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £33,005 (better) | £39,800 |
| Official range | 310 miles (better) | 288 miles |
| Boot space | 460 L | 630 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 29 min (better) | 30 min |
| 0-62 mph | 8.6 sec | 6.9 sec (better) |
Size Comparison
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MINI Countryman
Smart #5
Length
MINI Countryman4,445mm-250mm
Smart #54,695mm
Width
MINI Countryman1,843mm-77mm
Smart #51,920mm
Height
MINI Countryman1,635mm-70mm
Smart #51,705mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | MINI CountrymanE | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,445 mm | 4,695 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,843 mm (better) | 1,920 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,073 mm (better) | 2,169 mm |
| Height | 1,635 mm | 1,705 mm |
| Turning circle | 11.4 m | Not available |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 557 mm spare (better) | 480 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | MINI CountrymanE | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | Not available | 5 |
| Rear legroom | 892 mm | Not available |
| Boot space (seats up) | 460 L | 630 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1450 L | 1530 L (better) |
| Frunk | 0 L | 47 L (better) |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 1,200 kg | 1,600 kg (better) |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
MINI Countryman
Not enough peers to make confident percentile claims.
Smart #5
- Boot space of 630 L is bigger than 90% of SUVs we track.
- One of 33 of 232 UK EVs in our catalogue with V2L (vehicle-to-load) support.
Full specifications
| Specification |  MINI Countryman E |  Smart #5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.45m | 4.70m+250mm |
| Width | 1.84m | 1.92m+77mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.07m | 2.17m+96mm |
| Height | 1.64m | 1.71m+70mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.69m | 2.90m+208mm |
| Ground Clearance | Not available | 190mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 460L | 630L (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 1450L | 1530L (better) |
| Frunk | Not available | 47L (better) |
| Seats | Not available | 5 |
| Rear Legroom | 892mm | Not available |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 11.4m | Not available |
| Kerb Weight | 1,940kg (better) | 2,200kg |
| Towing Capacity | 1,200kg | 1,600kg (better) |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 65.2kWh | 76kWh (better) |
| Range (WLTP) | 310 mi (better) | 288 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 130kW | 150kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £33,005 (better) | £39,800 |
| Price after EV grant | £29,255 (-£3,750) | £39,800 (not eligible) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | SUV |
| Available | 2024+ | 2025+ |
* MINI Countryman: 11 kW AC is standard; 22 kW AC was an option.
* MINI Countryman: Current figure, for cars delivered from April 2026 after an efficiency update. Earlier cars have less range.
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | MINI CountrymanE | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 310 miles (better) | 288 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 258 miles (better) | 202 miles |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 29 min (better) | 30 min |
| Max rapid charge rate | 130 kW | 150 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Energy consumption | Not available | 185 Wh/km |
| Usable battery capacity | 65.2 kWh | 76 kWh (better) |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | LFP |
| Battery architecture | 400V | 800V (better) |
| Heat pump | Not available | Not standard |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | MINI CountrymanE | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 8.6 sec | 6.9 sec (better) |
| Power | 150 kW | 250 kW (better) |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 373 Nm (better) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
MINI Countryman
E
Smart #5
Pro
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
MINI Countryman
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - MINI Countryman E
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant83%
Child Occupant87%
Vulnerable Road Users81%
Safety Assist79%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Smart #5 Pro
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant88%
Child Occupant93%
Vulnerable Road Users84%
Safety Assist92%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | MINI CountrymanE | Smart #5Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | Not available |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
MINI Countryman
E
Owners love
- First MINI purpose-built as an EV with proven BMW iX1 dual-motor AWD technology and 313 hp output
- Owners praise the new MINI OS 9 navigation system, one-pedal driving, and driving assist modes
- Circular touchscreen display is innovative and the first fully-usable design of its kind
Watch out for
- Styling is controversial and considered generic compared to previous generations, lacking distinctive MINI character
- Front end proportions appear elongated and clumsy, with some comparing it unfavorably to ordinary sedans and the Ford Flex
- Charging speeds are modest at 100-130 kW DC, below current industry standards
Owner tips
- Use Shell Recharge integration or third-party NACS adapters like Lectron Vortex Plus to enable Plug & Charge on compatible networks like IONNA and Tesla
- Inspect interior trim carefully during purchase, particularly in Favored trim models, and examine official photos to verify proportions before committing
Smart #5
Pro
Owners love
- Exceptional interior space with comfortable rear legroom, reclining seats, and 630 litres of boot space
- Outstanding acceleration (3.8 seconds 0-62mph) and impressive 800V fast charging (10-80% in 18 minutes at optimal conditions)
- Advanced infotainment with three screens, superb conversational voice control, and premium materials (Alcantara, vegan leather)
Watch out for
- High energy consumption significantly impacts real-world range compared to competitors despite 335-mile WLTP rating
- Design is polarizing and divisive; frequently compared unfavorably to the Nissan Cube with questionable styling details
- 335-mile WLTP range underwhelming for a 100kWh battery and not class-leading compared to rivals
Owner tips
- Test drive the rear-wheel drive base models which offer better steering feel, more dynamic handling, and additional frunk space compared to all-wheel drive variants
- Visit dealerships in person to confirm driver's seat comfort if over 6 feet tall and test voice assistant behavior to ensure it suits your driving style
Buying options
Get a quote
MINI Countryman
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Smart #5
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Frequently asked questions
Is the Smart #5 worth the extra £6,795 over the MINI Countryman?
The Smart #5 costs £6,795 more than the MINI Countryman. For that premium it adds 170 litres more boot space, 100 kW more power and a 1.7s quicker 0-62mph time. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the MINI Countryman comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the MINI Countryman or the Smart #5?
The MINI Countryman is £6,795 cheaper to buy. The MINI Countryman is cheaper to charge, roughly £144 a year versus £200 for the Smart #5, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the MINI Countryman comes out roughly £7,075 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the MINI Countryman and Smart #5 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 258 miles for the MINI Countryman and 202 miles for the Smart #5 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The MINI Countryman goes roughly 57 miles further between charging stops. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 29-30 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the MINI Countryman or the Smart #5?
The MINI Countryman is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 77 mm narrower than the Smart #5. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 557 mm of total clearance for the MINI Countryman and about 480 mm of total clearance for the Smart #5.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the MINI Countryman or the Smart #5?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the MINI Countryman and 90% for the Smart #5. That gives the Smart #5 a modest edge in retained real-world range. The Smart #5's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the MINI Countryman's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More MINI Countryman comparisons
More Smart #5 comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the MINI Countryman and Smart #5 rank among EVs under £40,000Where the MINI Countryman and Smart #5 rank among the best electric SUVsWhere the MINI Countryman and Smart #5 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the MINI Countryman and Smart #5 rank among the best city EVsWhere the MINI Countryman and Smart #5 rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the MINI Countryman and Smart #5 rank among EVs with the biggest boots
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .