The new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is the first plug-in hybrid model offered by the brand. This new Countryman model provides the option of purely electric and therefore emissions-free mobility. Propulsion is shared between a 3-cylinder, 1499 cc, 136 hp strong petrol engine and a synchronous electric motor. Together they produce a system output of 224 hp, enabling a 0-62 mph time of 6.9 seconds. The electric drive offers an output of 88 hp, and generates a maximum torque of 165 Nm that is available from standing. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 also benefits from an electrified all-wheel drive system, while the combustion engine is combined with a modified 6-speed Steptronic transmission which transfers its power to the front wheels.
The front wheels are powered by the combustion engine, the rear wheels by the electric motor. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is able to run on electricity alone not just in urban traffic, but for long distances too – at a top speed of 78 mph and with a range of up to 25 miles. The lithium-ion battery is positioned directly in front of the electric motor underneath the rear seat. It is made up of five modules, each comprising 16 battery cells. The high-voltage battery has a capacity of 7.6 kWh. At a wallbox with a charging capacity of 3.6 kW it can be fully charged in 2:15 hours. Charging at a regular household socket takes 3:15 hours, says MINI.
The eDrive toggle switch initiates purely electric power at the press of a button. The driver can also use the eDrive toggle switch to choose between three operating modes:
AUTO eDRIVE – Purely electric driving up to 50 mph. The combustion engine is automatically enabled when necessary, for example when accelerating quickly or when the battery charge falls below seven per cent.
MAX eDRIVE – Purely electric driving up to 78 mph, the combustion engine is additionally enabled at higher speeds or on kickdown.
SAVE BATTERY – The car is powered by the combustion engine.
Apart from the subtly revised exteriors, the new Countryman gets a cleaner interior design as well. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 comes as standard with the MINI Visual boost Radio featuring a 6.5-inch colour screen in the central instrument. This displays information such as the charge state of the high-voltage battery and operating mode of the hybrid drive selected by eDrive toggle switch. In conjunction with the optional Media package including MINI navigation system XL, operation is via an 8.8-inch screen with a new graphic design and touchscreen function as well as via the Touch Controller in the centre console.
The connection for the charging cable is under a flap in the area of the left-hand side scuttle. Other features are the model-specific “e” badge on the side scuttles and also a yellow “S” in the model inscription on the rear as well as on the radiator grille and door sill finishers.
Inside, the cockpit includes a yellow start/stop unit at the centre of the toggle switch panel and a performance display in the instrument cluster on the steering column.
Very nice design