As the boombox still claws its way to making a comeback, the culture of listening to music collectively still hasn’t disappeared. Music festivals are still as popular as ever despite rising ticket prices, and party speakers remain a niche category that still has value for many audio brands.
Austrian design firm Vagabund has taken the idea of shared sound and applied it to the world of automobiles, turning the MINI Countryman SUV into a boombox on wheels.
Two Studios, One Idea
Paul Brauchart and Philipp Rabl founded the Graz-based design-and-maker studio with a philosophy rooted in rethinking existing objects rather than simply restoring them. Vagabund first made a name for itself reimagining vintage BMW motorcycles, turning classic platforms into something that felt decidedly forward. From there, they graduated to cars, converting Porsche 924s and 944s into rugged Safari-style builds that earned serious attention in enthusiast circles. Now, it turns to MINI for its latest collaboration.
Since the Countryman debuted in 2010 as MINI’s first attempt at a proper crossover, the model has served as the range’s most versatile canvas. The current U25-generation (launched 2023) is bigger, more capable, and more tech-forward than anything that came before it.
The Build
The foundation for the two Vagabun one-offs is the MINI Countryman S ALL4, a 241-hp, all-wheel-drive crossover. Vagabund kept that platform intact, then reworked nearly everything around it.
The most dramatic change is structural. The rear side windows are gone, replaced by a purpose-built sound system housed in cast polymer granite, a material chosen specifically for its acoustic properties in outdoor environments. Tweeters and mid-range speakers are integrated directly into the bodywork, while additional subwoofers live in the rear, activated when the tailgate opens. Each car works as a standalone sound system, but together, the two are configured as a mobile stage with an immersive audio experience. MINI hasn’t disclosed power figures for the system, but these would have to push 100W to be effective outdoors.
Aesthetics to Match
Visually, Vagabund made sure these looked like rolling boomboxes from 50ft away as well. Reworked wheel arches give both cars a wider, more planted stance. A custom front bumper attachment bridges the modified fender with the original front fascia. The radiator grille was revised, ride height was raised to emphasize the off-road attitude, and 20-inch wheels with intentionally closed-off 3D-printed covers that look exactly like speaker cones.
For the roof rack, Vagabund implemented three laser-cut aluminum plates connected by a stainless-steel mesh that looks like a speaker grill design. This is designed for open storage with tie-down straps. On the side opposite of the speakers, there’s a 3D-printed cutout that features an integrated Walkman with connected retro headphones.
The two cars are differentiated by color: one in Melting Silver with sand and white accents (lighter, more graphic), the other in monochrome Midnight Black (technical, precise). The contrast between them is part of the design concept since they’re meant to be experienced together.
Spec Sheet
Model: MINI x Vagabund Countryman S ALL4 (One-Off)
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged inline-4
Power: 241 hp
Drivetrain: ALL4 all-wheel drive
Wheels: 20-inch, 3D-printed closed covers
Sound Housing: Cast polymer granite
Colors: Melting Silver w/ sand & white details; Midnight Black (monochrome)
Edition Size: 2 (one-offs)
Public Debut: Auto China 2026, Beijing
Pricing & Availability
The MINI x Vagabund Countryman one-offs are not for sale. Both vehicles are show cars, with one set to debut at Auto China 2026 in Beijing before the pair heads to live events and activations.
Recap
2026 MINI x Vagabund Countryman SUV
MINI tapped Graz-based design studio Vagabund to transform two Countryman S ALL4s into a pair of one-off show cars built around outdoor sound systems, complete with speaker-integrated bodywork.
