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Mini's latest offering, the Oxford Edition Countryman, redefines accessibility in the premium crossover market by significantly lowering the entry price point. This strategic move aims to attract a wider demographic to the brand's popular SUV lineup, making luxury and performance more attainable without compromising on the core driving experience Mini is known for.

Despite its increased size, which offers enhanced practicality, the Countryman maintains its sporty character. With this new, more affordable variant, Mini is directly challenging competitors in the subcompact premium crossover segment, providing a compelling option for those seeking a blend of distinctive style, dynamic performance, and value.

The Affordable Evolution of the Countryman

The 2026 Mini Oxford Edition Countryman S ALL4 marks a significant shift in Mini's pricing strategy, now available at a starting price of $34,900. This represents a considerable reduction of $4,000 compared to previous base models, making it the most budget-friendly premium crossover in Mini's portfolio. This model comes equipped with a robust 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, capable of generating 241 horsepower, and features an all-wheel-drive system paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The vehicle promises a lively driving experience, achieving 0-60 mph in a swift 6.2 seconds.

While maintaining key performance attributes, the Oxford Edition distinguishes itself with a streamlined customization process. Unlike its higher-priced siblings that boast an extensive palette of nine color choices, this edition is offered in three select hues: Chili Red, Nanuq White, or Blazing Blue. Each option is complemented by a black roof and mirror caps, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. The vehicle also features 18-inch Asteroid Spoke Black wheels fitted with all-season tires, ensuring both style and functionality for diverse driving conditions. Inside, the Oxford Edition includes an Anthracite headliner and Mini's Active Driving Assistant, a comprehensive suite of safety features.

Market Position and Competitive Landscape

Priced at $34,900, the Mini Countryman Oxford Edition strategically positions itself against a variety of premium subcompact crossovers, many of which come with higher price tags. This new model aims to capture a segment of the market looking for luxury and performance at a more accessible price point. Its direct rivals in the market include the Lexus UX ($36,740), Acura ADX ($35,000), and Alfa Romeo Tonale ($36,495), all offering distinct propositions within the premium crossover segment.

Among these competitors, the Alfa Romeo Tonale is particularly aligned with the Mini's spirited driving dynamics and unique styling, boasting a more powerful 268 hp engine. In contrast, the Lexus UX and Acura ADX tend to prioritize comfort and refinement, making them attractive to a different set of buyers, albeit with less emphasis on raw power. For consumers willing to invest slightly more, options expand to include established luxury compact SUVs such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1 (which shares its platform with the Mini), and Volvo XC40. This expanded competitive landscape underscores Mini's commitment to offering an appealing and cost-effective entry into the premium SUV market.

A remarkable collection of 50 original film and television vehicles, alongside 19 select pieces of movie memorabilia, are slated for an online auction hosted by Bonhams later this month. This entire collection, originating from the esteemed Movie Cars Central Museum, managed by Franck Galiègue just outside Paris, will be presented without any reserve, making it a truly exceptional event for collectors and fans worldwide.

Celebrated Cinematic Vehicles Prepare for Auction

This November, the prestigious Bonhams auction house is set to host an extraordinary online sale, featuring a diverse array of vehicles and artifacts that have graced the silver screen. These coveted items, meticulously curated by Franck Galiègue for his Movie Cars Central Museum near Paris, represent decades of cinematic history and will be available to bidders globally without reserve. The collection spans various eras of filmmaking, showcasing legendary vehicles from beloved movies such as Fast & Furious, Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, and Men in Black. Additionally, a selection of meticulously crafted replicas from popular culture, including vehicles inspired by The A-Team, Herbie, and the James Bond series, will also be featured.

A particular highlight making its appearance at the Salon Époqu’Auto in Lyon, France, from November 7th to 9th, is the authentic Peugeot 406 V6 from the 1999 French film Taxi 2. This vehicle, a celebrated icon of French cinema, is anticipated to fetch between €70,000 and €120,000 (approximately $75,000 to $130,000 USD). Loïc Maschi, a specialist at Bonhams, emphasized the auction's appeal to a wide audience, stating that many of these vehicles are significant testaments to both automotive design and film history. Franck Galiègue, the founder of the museum, expressed that this sale marks a culmination of his personal dedication to collecting these automotive treasures, now ready to find new custodians.

Among the high-profile lots are several automobiles from the adrenaline-fueled Fast & Furious saga, including the 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII from 2 Fast 2 Furious, with an estimated value ranging from $290,000 to $578,000, and the rugged 1970 Dodge Charger 'Off-Road' featured in Fast & Furious 7, estimated at $174,000 to $289,000. Other notable entries include the iconic 1968 Dodge Charger 'General Lee' from The Dukes of Hazzard, with an estimate of $139,000 to $185,000, and the formidable 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 from the film John Wick, expected to sell for $98,000 to $162,000.

Further enriching the collection are vehicles from French productions like the 1999 Peugeot 406 V6 from Taxi 2 (estimated at $69,000 to $92,000) and a 2006 Peugeot 407 V6 replica from Taxi 5 (estimated at $18,500 to $41,000). Sci-fi enthusiasts will also find interest in the Gene Winfield Police Cruiser from Back to the Future II (estimated at $81,000 to $115,000), a Cagiva 600 Canyon motorcycle from Jurassic Park: The Lost World (estimated at $20,000 to $23,000), and the 1987 Ford LTD Crown Victoria from Men in Black (estimated at $20,000 to $39,000). The memorabilia section is equally captivating, featuring a life-size T. rex from Jurassic Park (estimated at $40,000 to $69,000) and the iconic 'Pitbull' hoverboard from Back to the Future II (estimated at $1,735 to $2,550). The full collection will be available for public viewing by appointment from November 21st to 28th, 2025.

This upcoming Bonhams auction signifies more than just a sale; it's a celebration of cinematic legacy and a rare chance for enthusiasts to own a tangible piece of their favorite films. The sheer variety and cultural significance of the vehicles and memorabilia underscore the enduring impact of movies on our collective imagination and the passion they inspire in collectors. It highlights how these inanimate objects transcend their mechanical nature to become symbols of storytelling, adventure, and nostalgia, offering a unique bridge between fantasy and reality for those fortunate enough to acquire them.