Not sure if this has been addressed before, as I could not find it in the search box.
Is there going to be the possibility of ordering the Countryman with a solid bench back seat. I had an MA tell me at MTTS that the rail would be an option to run from front to back as one piece, or separate, so you could climb from one side to the other in the back seat.
My wife was wondering as she did not like the option of only 4 seats, and was hoping to have a bench-type option.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

 

The rear bench seat won't be available in the US (only 4 seats) and the rail won't run full length from front to back, it will be a 2 piece so that you'll be able to climb from left to right.

 

Not enough room in the back for three.

 

Saw a Countryman at the MINI store in Berlin, Germany last week. Had a bench seat with 3 seat belts in back and the center rail went only to the back of the front seats. I don't believe that will be available in the US, but any way it looks awfully tight for 3 people, unless they're kids or beanpole adults.

 

The bench seat is not available in the US. The rail can either be ordered one-piece or 2-piece at no extra charge to the customer. I ordered 2 piece so it would be easier to exit either side of the vehicle. I do think the bench seat should be revisited in the US, as I think if my kids were still in carseats I'd prefer the center position.

 

I also ordered two piece rail for same reason.

Also ordered the 4UL Flat Load Floor but am unsure exactly what that is...

 

I don't know what that is either, and I don't have it on my order at this time. If you find out, let me know!

 

I think it's a panel behind the seat backs which provides a flat surface when the seats are folded rather than just the seat back itself being exposed.

 

Even though I'm not sold on the exterior look of the Countryman I was interested because I'd like to have four fully functioning doors and windows for my dog. The lack of a bench seat option rules it out. I had a Clubman and didn't like it so traded it after just a few months to get back into a coupe. Someone on another thread said the Countryman isn't wide enough for a bench seat. I can't imagine it's much more narrow than the Coupe or Cabrio. Anyone have additional info regarding the why's of it? Thanks.

 

The US Brochure shows the full rail system and half rail options.

 

The US brochures are out and available?

 

Deleted double post

 

Just announced......Countryman to offer bench seat to US customers

 

6-8 months? Darn, can't wait that long.