Mini Electric Countryman Gets More Range — Worth a Novated Lease?
Mini just updated the electric Countryman with more range. Here's what Australian PAYG employees need to know about leasing one under FBT exemption. Read on.
Mini has announced updates to its electric Countryman (BEV) lineup, with the headline change being an improvement to driving range, according to The Driven. For most buyers that's a footnote. For Australian PAYG employees considering a novated lease, it's worth a closer look.
The Countryman has been one of the more talked-about premium EVs in the sub-luxury segment — practical enough to be a genuine family car, small enough to not feel like you're driving a warehouse. More range makes it a more credible everyday proposition, which matters when you're committing to a three-to-five year lease term.
What this means for novated lease customers
If the updated Mini Electric Countryman qualifies as a zero or low-emissions vehicle under the current FBT exemption framework, employees leasing one through a novated arrangement could access potential tax savings by packaging the cost through pre-tax salary. The FBT exemption for eligible EVs — which covers the vehicle, registration, insurance and running costs — remains one of the most meaningful salary packaging benefits available to Australian employees right now.
A longer range typically reduces range anxiety, which is one of the most common reasons employees hesitate before choosing an EV on a novated lease. Fewer top-ups mean less friction in daily use, and that makes the lease easier to justify over the full term.
That said, always confirm the specific variant's eligibility before signing anything. Not every EV automatically qualifies — the vehicle's price, emissions rating and the timing of your lease all factor in. This is exactly the kind of detail millarX works through with you before any paperwork is touched.
Common questions
Is the Mini Electric Countryman eligible for the EV FBT exemption in Australia?
Eligibility depends on the vehicle's retail price sitting under the luxury car tax threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles, and it must meet emissions criteria set by the ATO. We'd recommend checking eligibility for the specific variant and model year before committing — millarX can confirm this for you.
How does a novated lease work for an EV like the Mini Countryman?
Your employer deducts lease payments from your pre-tax salary, reducing your taxable income. If the vehicle qualifies under the FBT exemption, eligible running costs can also be bundled in pre-tax. The result is potential savings compared to buying the same car out of pocket.
Does more range actually matter for a novated lease decision?
Practically, yes. A vehicle you're happy to drive daily is one you're more likely to keep for the full lease term, which is important because breaking a novated lease early can have financial consequences. Range anxiety is a real reason people exit EV leases prematurely.
Can I lease the updated Mini Electric Countryman right now?
Availability in Australia will depend on Mini's local rollout timeline. Reach out to millarX and we can check stock, confirm FBT eligibility, and put together a lease structure once the vehicle is available locally.
What running costs can I package with an eligible EV on a novated lease?
Typically: registration, insurance, servicing, tyres, and charging costs. The exact list depends on your employer's policy and the lease structure — millarX will outline what's packageable for your specific situation.