
MINICOUNTRYMAN is equipped with an intelligent four-wheel drive system. Part-time 4WD: Part-time 4WD is a four-wheel drive system where the driver can manually choose between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The driver can switch between two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive modes by engaging or disengaging the transfer case based on road conditions. Full-time 4WD: Full-time 4WD has the advantage of being able to easily handle any road surface, but the disadvantage is that it consumes a lot of fuel. On-demand 4WD: On-demand 4WD, also known as intelligent 4WD, has the advantage of being fuel-efficient. The vehicle's computer automatically switches between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive based on road conditions without requiring manual intervention. The disadvantage is that, because the switching is done automatically by the computer, it cannot anticipate road conditions in advance, which reduces the fun of off-road driving.

I've driven quite a few MINIs, and I remember the MINI Countryman is the representative model equipped with the ALL4 intelligent all-wheel-drive system. It performs quite smoothly both in urban and suburban areas. The all-wheel-drive system can automatically adjust the power to the wheels, making it more stable in rain or snow and reducing the risk of skidding. Other MINIs like the Cooper S occasionally come with this system in higher trims, but it's most common in the Countryman. I've also researched this system—it uses sensors to monitor road conditions and switches to front-wheel drive when appropriate to save fuel. During test drives, it had strong grip when turning and didn't feel floaty at high speeds. I recommend test-driving it to experience it yourself. For maintenance, regular chassis inspections are advised to keep the car durable.

As an average car owner, I often drive the MINI Countryman, and its intelligent ALL4 all-wheel-drive system makes me feel much safer during my daily commute. When roads are slippery in winter, the car automatically distributes power to the rear wheels to maintain balance. A friend of mine has one in their garage. Among MINI models, the Countryman is considered the flagship all-wheel-drive variant, making it great for daily commuting. The system doesn’t consume much fuel and provides peace of mind on highways. If you’re considering buying one, test its performance on snowy or rough roads. Remember to keep up with maintenance—cleaning the undercarriage can extend its lifespan and avoid extra repair costs.

I'm quite passionate about automotive technology, and MINI's ALL4 intelligent all-wheel drive is primarily equipped on the Countryman. The AWD system electronically controls torque distribution, instantly transferring power to the rear wheels when the front wheels slip to enhance traction. It's lighter than traditional AWD systems and offers about 10% better fuel efficiency. A few high-end models in the Cooper series might also have it, but it's standard on the Countryman. The principle is simple, using wheel speed sensors to trigger adjustments. It makes driving on rough roads much more stable. It's recommended to pair it with regular tire checks to maintain performance.


