MINI of Darien · Countryman Trim Guide
2027 MINI Countryman Trims Compared: S ALL4 vs. JCW vs. SE Electric
Same body, same standard all-wheel drive, five seats — so choosing your Countryman comes down to one thing: powertrain. Here is the honest, side-by-side look at the value trim, the electric trim, and the performance trim, from the MINI store in Fairfield County.
Which MINI Countryman trim is right for you?
If you shop around Darien, Stamford, Norwalk, and Greenwich, you have probably already decided the MINI Countryman is the right size - a premium compact SUV with room for five and real cargo space. The harder question is which trim. The good news: every 2027 Countryman shares the same body, the same five-seat interior, and standard ALL4 all-wheel drive. So you are not trading away space or winter capability whichever you choose. What actually changes between the S ALL4, the electric SE, and the John Cooper Works (JCW) is the powertrain - and that is exactly what this guide from MINI of Darien breaks down.
The short answer
Countryman S ALL4 is the value pick for most buyers - 241 hp of turbo gas power, the lowest starting price, and easy road-trip refueling. Countryman SE ALL4 is the all-electric choice: 308 hp, instant torque, and an EPA-estimated 216 miles of range, ideal if you can charge at home in the suburbs. JCW Countryman is the enthusiast trim - 312 hp and the quickest 0–60 of the lineup at 5.2 seconds.
All three come standard with ALL4 all-wheel drive, so the choice is about how you want to be powered, not how you handle a New England winter.
Key differences at a glance
- The split is powertrain, not size. S ALL4 and JCW are gas; the SE is fully electric. All three seat five in the same body.
- Power climbs as you move up. 241 hp (S ALL4) → 308 hp (SE) → 312 hp (JCW).
- Price climbs too. Roughly $38,900 (S ALL4), $45,200 (SE), and $46,900 (JCW) to start.*
- Every trim is all-wheel drive. MINI ALL4 is standard across the board - genuinely useful on the Merritt Parkway in January.
- The SE brings instant torque. Its 364 lb-ft arrives immediately, making it feel quicker around town than its 0–60 alone suggests.
- The JCW is the driver's trim. A sport-tuned engine, sport transmission, and JCW chassis details make it the quickest and most focused Countryman.
2027 Countryman trims: head-to-head specs
The three trims Fairfield County shoppers cross-shop most, side by side.
| Specification | Countryman S ALL4 (Gas) | Countryman SE ALL4 (Electric) | JCW Countryman ALL4 (Gas) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 2.0L turbo I4 | Dual-motor electric | JCW-tuned 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 241 hp | 308 hp | 312 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 364 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (est.) | 6.2 sec | 5.4 sec | 5.2 sec |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch | Single-speed (EV) | 7-speed sport dual-clutch |
| Drivetrain | ALL4 AWD (std.) | ALL4 AWD (std.) | ALL4 AWD (std.) |
| Range / efficiency (EPA) | 27 mpg comb. (24 city / 32 hwy) | 216 mi range | Gas — see EPA ratings |
| Battery / fast charge | — | 64.7 kWh · 10–80% in ~29 min | — |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Starting MSRP* | $38,900 | $45,200 | $46,900 |
*Starting MSRP excludes destination & handling, taxes, title, registration, options, and dealer charges. MINI destination & handling is $1,350 for the 2027 model year. Horsepower, torque, 0–60, MPG, and range are manufacturer or EPA estimates and vary by configuration and driving conditions. Pricing, equipment, and availability may change - contact MINI of Darien for current details.
Countryman S ALL4: the value pick for most buyers
The S ALL4 is the Countryman most people should look at first. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque through a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, reaching 60 mph in about 6.2 seconds - brisk enough for confident merges onto I-95. It returns an EPA-estimated 27 mpg combined, and because it runs on gas, road trips mean a five-minute fill-up instead of a charging stop. It also carries the lowest starting price in the lineup at $38,900,* which leaves more room in the budget for options or a lower monthly payment. For a shopper who wants a premium, all-weather compact SUV without overthinking it, this is the sweet spot.
Countryman SE ALL4: the all-electric Countryman
The SE is the only fully electric Countryman, and it is a genuinely different driving experience. Two motors produce 308 horsepower and 364 lb-ft of torque with standard ALL4 all-wheel drive, and because an EV delivers its torque instantly, the SE feels eager and effortless in stop-and-go traffic and around town - it reaches 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds, quicker than the gas S ALL4. Its 64.7 kWh battery is rated for an EPA-estimated 216 miles of range, and on a DC fast charger it can go from 10% to 80% in roughly 29 minutes. If you have a garage or driveway in Darien, New Canaan, or Westport where you can charge overnight, the SE turns your daily commute into something you rarely think about - you leave every morning with a “full tank.” Explore the electric side of the lineup on our MINI electric page.
Thinking about the SE partly for incentives? Electric vehicles may qualify for federal or state EV programs, but eligibility rules and amounts change frequently and depend on your situation. Ask our team for the current rules before you count on any credit — we will walk you through what applies today.
JCW Countryman: the quickest, most focused trim
John Cooper Works is MINI's performance line, and the JCW Countryman is the quickest Countryman you can buy. A JCW-tuned version of the 2.0-liter turbo four makes 312 horsepower and 295 lb-ft, paired with a seven-speed sport dual-clutch transmission and standard ALL4, for a 0–60 time of about 5.2 seconds. Beyond the numbers, the JCW brings sportier tuning and a more aggressive character — the trim for a driver who wants the Countryman's practicality without giving up the eager, go-kart feel MINI is known for. It starts at $46,900,* the top of the range.
Is every MINI Countryman all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every trim in this comparison - S ALL4, SE ALL4, and JCW - comes standard with MINI's ALL4 intelligent all-wheel-drive system. That is a meaningful point for Connecticut buyers: you do not have to step up a trim or add a package to get all-wheel traction for snow on the Merritt Parkway or a rainy commute down the Post Road. AWD is baked in whichever powertrain you choose.
Which Countryman trim should you choose?
Choose the S ALL4 if…
- You want the lowest price and the simplest ownership.
- You take frequent road trips and value quick gas fill-ups.
- You can't reliably charge an EV at home.
Choose the SE electric if…
- You can charge at home overnight in the suburbs.
- Your typical driving fits comfortably within 216 miles.
- You want instant torque and a quiet, low-cost-per-mile commute.
Choose the JCW if…
- You want the quickest, sportiest Countryman.
- Driving feel matters as much as practicality.
- You'll enjoy the JCW's more aggressive tuning day to day.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Countryman S ALL4, SE, and JCW?
All three are the same five-seat Countryman body with standard ALL4 all-wheel drive; the difference is the powertrain. The S ALL4 is a 241-hp turbo gas model, the SE ALL4 is a 308-hp fully electric model with an EPA-estimated 216 miles of range, and the JCW is a 312-hp gas performance model that is the quickest of the three at about 5.2 seconds to 60 mph.
Is every MINI Countryman all-wheel drive?
Yes. The 2027 Countryman S ALL4, SE ALL4, and JCW all come standard with MINI's ALL4 intelligent all-wheel-drive system, so you get all-weather traction without stepping up a trim or adding a package.
How far can the electric Countryman SE go on a charge?
The Countryman SE ALL4 has an EPA-estimated range of up to 216 miles from its 64.7 kWh battery. Real-world range varies with temperature, driving style, and use of climate control — cold New England winters will reduce it somewhat, as with any EV.
How quickly does the Countryman SE charge?
On a DC fast charger, the SE can go from 10% to 80% in as little as about 29 minutes. At home on a Level 2 charger it typically recharges overnight, so you can start each day with a full battery.
Which MINI Countryman is the fastest?
The JCW Countryman is the quickest, reaching 60 mph in about 5.2 seconds with 312 horsepower. The electric SE is close behind at about 5.4 seconds thanks to its instant torque, and the gas S ALL4 does it in about 6.2 seconds.
How much does each 2027 MINI Countryman trim cost?
Starting MSRPs are approximately $38,900 for the S ALL4, $45,200 for the SE ALL4, and $46,900 for the JCW. These figures exclude the $1,350 destination & handling fee, taxes, registration, options, and dealer charges. Contact MINI of Darien for current pricing on in-stock vehicles.
Does the electric Countryman SE qualify for a tax credit?
It may, but EV incentive rules and eligibility change frequently and depend on your circumstances, so we don't quote a specific amount here. Ask our team for the programs that apply today before factoring any credit into your decision.
Where can I buy or test drive a MINI Countryman near Stamford, CT?
MINI of Darien at 154 Post Road in Darien, CT serves Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport, and all of Fairfield County. You can browse new Countryman inventory or schedule a test drive online.
Why buy your Countryman from MINI of Darien
MINI of Darien is the MINI store for Fairfield County, and our team knows the Countryman lineup inside and out — gas and electric. We'll help you compare the S ALL4, SE, and JCW against how you actually drive, walk you through financing, and answer real questions about home charging and EV programs before you commit. See what local owners say in our Google reviews, explore financing options, or check current vehicle specials.
Find your Countryman at MINI of Darien
Compare trims in person, take a test drive, and let our team help you choose between gas, electric, and JCW.