2017 will mark the beginning of a new phase for the British brand of the BMW Group. A phase that will reach its high point in 2019 when the first 100% electric Mini model is presented — learn more about this model here.
But first, the first step towards a future “zero emissions” is taken through the new Mini Cooper S E Countryman All4 . As announced last year, Mini chose Countryman to be the first hybrid in the range.
With permanent all-wheel drive, the Cooper S E Countryman All4 combines a 1.5 liter three-cylinder gasoline engine (136 hp and 220 Nm), responsible for driving the front axle, with a electrical unit 88 hp and 165 Nm, responsible for driving the rear axle and powered by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 7.6 kWh.
The result are 224 hp of power and 385 Nm of total torque , transmitted to the wheels via an adapted version of the six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. The sprint to 100 km/h is completed in 6.8 seconds — 0.5 seconds less than the equivalent gasoline-only model — and the advertised consumption is 2.1 l/100 km (NEDC cycle).
In purely electric mode, the Mini Cooper S E Countryman All4 is capable of traveling up to 42 kilometers (the same as the BMW 225xe) and reaching 125 km/h. According to Mini, it takes 2h30 to fully charge the battery — in a 3.6 Kw wallbox — and 3h15 in a 220 volt household outlet.
In aesthetic terms, little changes. On the outside, the Countryman plug-in hybrid distinguishes itself from its peers through the abbreviations S (on the rear, front grille and door sills) and E (on the sides) in shades of yellow, as well as the start button inside.
The Mini Cooper S E Countryman All4 will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival, next month, and is scheduled to arrive in Portugal in July.
