Mini Countryman C to Launch on 17 June as First Locally Assembled Petrol Mini

Mini India has confirmed the launch of the Countryman C on 17 June 2026, marking a significant milestone as the first petrol-powered Countryman to be locally assembled in India at the BMW Group plant in Chennai. This move is designed to make the iconic British brand more accessible to Indian buyers by potentially reducing pricing compared to fully imported models.

The Countryman C will become the third variant in Mini's Countryman line-up for India, joining the fully electric Countryman Electric and the performance-focused Countryman JCW All4. By offering a locally assembled petrol variant, Mini aims to bridge the gap between the electric and high-performance models, catering to buyers who want the Countryman experience without committing to EV ownership or paying the premium for the JCW.

Under the bonnet, the Countryman C is expected to feature a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, the same unit seen in the BMW X1 sDrive18i sold in India. Whilst Mini India has not officially revealed power figures, the engine is likely to produce around 136 hp, providing adequate performance for urban and highway driving. Power will be sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and quick gear changes.

Design-wise, the Countryman C retains the familiar, quirky styling of the standard Countryman but receives a few distinctive touches. These include matte champagne-coloured accents on the grille, skid plates, side trim elements, and exterior badging, giving it a subtle premium appearance. The new Countryman has grown significantly compared to its predecessor and now measures approximately 4.44 metres in length, offering a more spacious cabin and boot.

Inside, the Countryman C features Mini's latest circular 240 mm OLED touchscreen infotainment system, which has become a signature design element of modern Minis. Other notable features include a Harman Kardon premium sound system, heads-up display, Level 2 driver assistance systems, and a more spacious cabin thanks to the increased dimensions. The interior design maintains Mini's characteristic blend of retro charm and modern technology.

Bookings for the Countryman C commenced in late April 2026, indicating strong pre-launch interest. Local assembly at the Chennai plant—which also produces BMW vehicles—should help Mini price the Countryman C more competitively compared to CBU imports. Industry estimates suggest pricing could start around ₹40-45 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it between mainstream premium SUVs and entry-luxury offerings.

What it means for Indian buyers: The locally assembled Countryman C makes the Mini ownership experience more attainable whilst retaining the brand's distinctive character and build quality. If you've been drawn to Mini's unique styling and driving dynamics but found the pricing prohibitive, the Countryman C could finally fit your budget. Local assembly also means better parts availability and potentially lower service costs compared to fully imported models. However, it's still a premium product, so compare features and pricing carefully against rivals like the Jeep Compass, Volkswagen Tiguan, and even the Volvo XC40 before deciding.

Sources:
- https://www.carwale.com/news/new-car-launches-and-unveils-in-india-in-june-2026/
- https://www.cardekho.com/india-car-news/upcoming-car-launches-in-india-in-june-2026-36087.htm
- https://gaadiwaadi.com/8-new-car-launches-waiting-to-happen-in-june-2026-in-india/
- https://www.autopunditz.com/post/new-car-launches-june-2026-india