ALL-ROUND TALENT WITH INDIVIDUAL STYLE: THE MINI COUNTRYMAN PARK LANE

Woodcliff Lake, NJ,  March 2, 2015. Bold athletic flair and supreme versatility define the character of the MINI Countryman. As the first MINI with four doors, a large tailgate, five seats and optional all-wheel drive, it took on the role of an irresistible front-line force from the very outset - both in the conquest of additional target groups for the British premium brand and in the area of off-road driving. Its irrepressible forward thrust and flexibility are now expressed even more strikingly in an exclusive edition model. The MINI Countryman Park Lane sees its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2015.
 
The MINI Countryman has enabled the brand to establish a secure standing in the premium compact crossover segment. Unmistakable design, premium quality, an interior concept of exemplary versatility and typical MINI driving fun both on and off the road go together to create an overall package that is unique in this category of vehicle, meeting the multi-faceted mobility needs of demanding target groups in urban traffic and beyond. In this way the MINI Countryman has successfully asserted itself as an all-round talent with individual style. For the first time, this special status within the competitive environment is now underscored with a special edition model. A distinct design and color concept as well as high-end equipment features make the MINI Countryman Park Lane an authentic ambassador for versatile driving fun in the compact segment.

The MINI Countryman Park Lane indicates its high-end individual flair at first sight with a specially developed design and color concept. The body finish in Earl Grey metallic is combined with the entirely new color variant Oak Red for the roof and exterior mirror caps, supplemented with optional sport stripes in the same color for the bonnet, tailgate and lower side sections. The characteristic side turn indicator surrounds in chrome known as side scuttles also comprise an inlay in Oak Red. The MINI Countryman Park Lane boldly accentuates its classic athletic character with 18-inch light alloy wheels in Turbo Fan Dark Grey design and the MINI ALL4 Exterior visual package including silver body elements for the front and rear apron as well as the side sills.
 
Exclusive emblems on the side scuttles and the cockpit surface bear the inscription "Park Lane," as do the entry sills. The interior surfaces in Oxide Silver for the door bezel and cockpit trim and Cross Stripe Grey for the side surrounds of the center console were also designed exclusively for the MINI Countryman Park Lane. These go together with the inlay color Carbon Black for the door trim and center console to create a sporty and premium ambience in the interior.
 
Located in the London borough of Mayfair, Park Lane is one of the most distinguished addresses in the British capital. MINI itself has a prestigious showroom there. It is the third time that Park Lane has lent its name to an exclusive edition model of the brand. A version of the classic Mini with particularly high-end fittings bore the designation in 1987, while another MINI Park Lane came out in 2005, following in the footsteps of its predecessor after the brand's relaunch. Now the tradition of naming design and edition models made by the British premium automobile manufacturer after London streets and districts is applied to the MINI Countryman for the first time.
 
The precisely coordinated exterior and interior features of the MINI Countryman Park Lane underscore both the versatile functionality and the exclusive charisma of the premium compact model. With its high-end features and versatile customization options, this all-round talent offers five seats, including a rear seat that can be shifted longitudinally and has a folding backrest with a 40:20:40 split. As a result the luggage volume can be expanded from 17.5 to 42.2 cubic feet as required, allowing the MINI Countryman not just to tackle the challenges of everyday urban traffic but also transport bulky sports equipment or carry everything required for a family holiday.
 
Powerful, efficient engines and high-quality suspension technology ensure that the hallmark brand agility known as the go-kart feeling is brought to life in the compact segment, too - further enhanced by an additional facet with the permanent all-wheel drive system ALL4 that was developed especially for MINI. What is more the car's raised seating position offers a supreme view of the road, giving the characteristic MINI drive feel a whole new dimension. Above this, the 208 hp MINI John Cooper Works Countryman provides extreme driving fun: here the engine power is transmitted to all four wheels as standard.
 
The MINI Countryman Park Lane is offered with three powertrain variants: The MINI Cooper Countryman, the MINI Cooper S Countryman with 181 hp, and the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 with all-wheel drive.
 
About MINI in the US
MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC, located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and includes the marketing and sales organizations for the MINI brand. The MINI USA sales organization is represented in the U.S. through a network of 122 MINI passenger car dealers in 39 states. MINI USA began selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtops. Since then, the MINI Brand in the U.S. has grown to encompass a model range of seven unique vehicles.
 
Journalist notes: Media information about MINI and its products is available to journalists on-line at www.miniusanews.com.
 
Consumer information about MINI products is available via the internet at: www.MINIUSA.com.