The experts at delta4x4 and the rally team X-raid have presented a technically ambitious conversion project for the new Mini Countryman. The aim was to equip the compact SUV with Dakar rally technology and off-road technology suitable for on-road driving. The result is a concept car that is tailored to the requirements of off-road enthusiasts. However, its everyday usability should not be neglected.
At the heart of the conversion is a rally chassis developed by X-raid that raises the Mini Countryman by 50 millimeters – more than double the previous collaboration projects (20 mm). In addition, the track has been widened by 10 millimeters on each side of the axle to make room for 18-inch delta4x4 Hanma wheels with 255/55 R18 Loder AT #1 tires.
This combination of wide rims and rough tires is supposed to improve traction on soft surfaces such as sand or gravel, without affecting stability on the road. For comparison: the previous modification used 17-inch classic B-RUGGED rims with narrower 235/60 R17 tires. The current modification therefore relies on a much more aggressive off-road architecture.
For off-road driving, the Countryman is equipped with a roof rack that can carry up to 80 kg of additional equipment such as a spare wheel, sand, shovel and fuel can. A 76 mm thick steel bumper guard protects the front from damage and also serves as a mount for four powerful PIAA racing headlights (90 watts each), which provide optimal illumination for night-time off-road driving.
This is complemented by reinforced aluminium side sills that protect the lower body when driving over rocky surfaces or deep potholes. The exterior of the vehicle is inspired by the X-raid team's successes in the Dakar Rally: matte black foil with orange accents and a distinctive "X" on the doors are reminiscent of the team's racing cars.
This style follows in the footsteps of similar delta4x4 projects – such as the Ferrari Purosangue Fuoristrada, which transformed the Italian luxury SUV into an off-road vehicle with a 40mm lift, off-road tires and underbody protection.
X-raid won the Dakar Rally five times between 2012 and 2020 – most recently in Saudi Arabia with the Mini John Cooper Works Buggy. The Dakar Rally was not just a competition for X-raid, but also a real test for the further development of the Countryman. Since 2010, the team has been using the compact SUV as part of its service fleet, covering thousands of kilometres in extreme conditions during the rally.
Although service vehicles are officially on the roads, potholes, sharp rocks and high-altitude passes – such as the Andes passes between Argentina and Chile – pose major challenges. At altitudes of over 4000 meters, teams often had to work under time pressure and in thin air in the event of a tire failure, which prompted X-raid to develop more robust tire and rim combinations.
To increase reliability, the team has deliberately adjusted the ground clearance and optimized the chassis settings for uneven surfaces over the years. This experience has also been taken into account for the road versions of the Countryman. The Countryman remained an integral part of the X-raid team's equipment at the 2023 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia.
Currently, the conversion is a one-off. Delta4x4 plans to produce a limited series if there is sufficient demand. The modifications are available for all engine versions of the new Countryman (diesel, petrol, plug-in hybrid). Those interested should expect additional costs in the five-figure range, depending on the equipment.
