MINI John Cooper Works Countryman Winter Ride

All-wheel drive is an advantage in any driving situation. But what four-wheel drive is truly capable of can only be experienced off the beaten track and on snow. When cruising in a MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, the exceptional power and ALL4 system provide the ideal conditions for admiring the snow-white landscapes in extremely sporty style.

MINI John Cooper Works Countryman

Snow is much more than just a collection of frozen water droplets. Its crystal structure is affected by temperature and humidity during flocculation. At best, the snow is loose, loose and white. When it falls from the sky in the right places, preferably in the mountains, it creates the conditions for exciting leisure activities such as skiing, sledding or snowshoeing. White fluff can also provide an extra dose of riding pleasure.

A prerequisite is a certain ability to use the accelerator, steering wheel and brake, as well as a suitable car. The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman (fuel consumption combined: 8.3-7.6 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 188-173 g/km) impresses with its performance not only on the road and unpaved terrain, but also on snow.

The fascination with winter driving conditions in this extreme sports SUV is the result of a remarkable combination of temperament and precisely controlled power distribution. The excellent drive of the 225 kW (306 hp) four-cylinder turbo engine with a maximum torque of 450 Nm is transmitted to all four wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission as standard. The standard ALL4 all-wheel drive is additionally supported by a differential lock on the front axle integrated into the gearbox. This package and special chassis guarantee exceptional performance on all roads, snowy or not. This is due to the fact that the drive torque always goes to the wheels, which can transfer it to the road as much as possible.

This makes the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman the perfect winter drive from Munich to Lake Constance through the Allgäu mountain landscape. Part of the Northern Alps region in Swabia is known for its varied rock formations and habitat for many rare animal and plant species. As a resort region, the Allgäu attracts both summer and winter sportsmen and tourists who appreciate untouched nature, recreational activities and cultural offerings.

The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman lets you enjoy driving through narrow mountain roads and snowy, sparkling winter landscapes with friends or the whole family. With four doors and a large tailgate, five full-size seats and 450 to 1390 liters of luggage space, this ultra-sport SUV offers not only the comfort you need for long journeys, but also adequate transport capabilities. Additional options include roof rails for attaching ski or roof racks, and a rear bike rack.

The first photo stop is at the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman near Oberstdorf. The commune on the edge of the High Alps, Allgäu is considered the winter sports capital of the region. There are 140 km of groomed winter hiking trails from which you can admire snowy mountain scenery, idyllic chalets and stunning nature. Less than 20 km to the north, travelers arrive at Sonthofen in the Bavarian district of Oberalgäu. The resort with coordinates 47°31′ north latitude and 10°20′ east longitude is the southernmost city in Germany.

On the winding country roads of the region, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman stands out with its precise steering and reliable handling even in very dynamic driving situations. The body structure and the combination of stiffness-optimized suspension attachment points ensure the agility of this outstanding athlete.

In addition to components specially modified for this model, the chassis also features suspension and damping technology that has been improved based on motorsport experience, as well as DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman also comes standard with a sports brake system with four-piston fixed-caliper disc brakes on the front wheels and single-piston floating-caliper disc brakes on the rear wheels. Optionally, it can also be equipped with an adaptive running gear.

Driving dynamically through mountain passes and serpentines, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman quickly reaches its optimum operating temperature, even in frosty weather - and after about 50 km to the east - to one of the most popular attractions in Bavaria. Neuschwanstein Castle, near Füssen, was commissioned by the Bavarian King Ludwig II, who was allowed to live there for the first time 15 years after construction began in 1869, but died just two years later. Since then, his fairy-tale castle has been used as a film set many times. It can be photographed from different angles, so the roads around the castle hill can sometimes be not crowded.

After this hugely popular stop, it's time to return to seclusion, such as the Ammergau Alps, Bavaria's largest nature reserve. This vast region extends between the Lech and Loisach rivers. To the south, the Zwischentoren valley in the Ausserfern region separates the Ammergau Alps from the Lechtal Alps. In the north, they smoothly pass into the Alpine foothills.

In search of fresh snow, the route will take you across the Austrian border, past Lake Plansee and on to Ettal, where you can visit the monastery of the same name, a world-class cultural monument. Even on non-snowy mountain roads, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman stands confidently on the road. It gets dark quickly. The optional adaptive LED headlights with variable light distribution and matrix high beam function optimize visibility and therefore safety both in the dark and during heavy snow.

After spending the night in the Ammergau Alps, the next day you will be able to enjoy not only a fantastically beautiful winter landscape, but also a real program of contrasts. A walk along the almost 85 km meditation path from the Wieskirche church in Steingaden and the Linderhof castle in the Graswang valley near Ettal guarantees a relaxing contact with nature. Then the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, with its breathtaking drivetrain sound, is waiting to climb the next snow-covered mountain pass from idle.

Photos: MINI