New MINI Countryman off-road variant heads straight to the Rebelle Rally

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The new MINI Countryman is getting a more off-road-focused variant, and the brand plans to test it far beyond a presentation venue. Almost immediately after its world premiere, the vehicle will enter the Rebelle Rally — a 1,500-mile navigation rally across the western United States.

MINI is still keeping the vehicle's design and technical specifications under wraps. The company describes it as a new adventure-oriented model variant, while an earlier official statement directly linked the project to the Countryman family. The special version will make its world premiere in October 2026. The development vehicle has already been tested on gravel, rocky roads and mountain routes in the Rocky Mountains.

The next stage will be considerably tougher. The Rebelle Rally runs from October 7 to 17 through Nevada, Utah and California. Crews rely on maps, a compass and a road book instead of GPS, while the route includes dirt, rocks and sand dunes. MINI is entering the event for the first time; Felicia Killam will drive with navigator Erica Ferrer.

One important point remains unresolved: MINI has not said how much the future Countryman differs mechanically from the regular all-wheel-drive version. Ground clearance, suspension changes, tires, underbody protection, engine and transmission details have not been disclosed. The vehicle shown earlier was officially described as a development car, so its visible parts should not yet be treated as confirmed production equipment.