Technical Specifications:
MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4
The MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 is the brand’s very first plug-in hybrid model. This model uses BMW Group eDrive components, but adapted to the specific needs of MINI. With a power of 224 hp and a range of 42 km, it is already a successful debut.
Plug-in hybrid
The base price of the MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 is 36,650 euros. The plug-in hybrid system consists of the combination of a 1.5 three-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo petrol engine and a synchronous electric motor. The power of the petrol engine is 136 hp with a max. torque of 220 Nm. The electric motor delivers a power of 88 hp and a maximum torque of 165 Nm. that is already available from standstill. The front wheels are driven by the combustion engine in combination with a modified steptronic with six gears. The rear wheels are driven by the electric motor. The system power is 224 hp with a max. torque of around 385 Nm. This plug-in MINI is progressing smoothly. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 6.9 seconds.
The MINI is equipped with a Lithium-ion battery that is positioned under the rear seats and in front of the electric motor. The battery has a capacity of 7.6 kWh. The battery can be charged in 2 hours 15 minutes with a wallbox. If you charge the MINI via a regular socket, it takes approximately 3 hours 15 minutes.
The electric range of the MINI Countryman is about 42 kilometers in theory. The top speed purely electrically is 125 km/h. You can therefore drive electrically in any situation, including on the motorway, for example. In practice, it is more likely that the MINI will move purely electrically in city traffic, for example to drive emission-free and reduce consumption.
The Countryman is equipped with ALL4 intelligent four-wheel drive. In normal driving conditions it is always one of the two power sources that is used at the same time. The other can be switched on at any time to improve traction, for example. This is controlled by the DSC unit.
eDrive Mode
The driver can choose from 3 different modes via the eDrive button: AUTO eDrive, MAX eDrive and Save Battery. In the AUTO eDrive Mode, the Countryman always chooses the most favorable combination of electric and petrol engine. In this mode you can drive purely electrically up to 80 km/h. If you press the accelerator firmly, the petrol engine automatically kicks in. In MAX eDrive you drive 100% electrically at speeds of up to 125 km/h. During kickdown, the combustion engine is also activated in this mode. In Save Battery mode, the MINI uses the combustion engine. For example, you can use this mode to save the electric range for when you need it later. If you equip the MINI with a navigation system and you drive with route guidance, the system will also take the route into account to determine when it is best to drive electrically.
Practical
The Countryman plug-in hybrid has an interior almost as versatile as the regular version of the Countryman. MINI has been able to achieve this thanks to the compact structure and the arrangement of the various eDrive components. The battery is located under the rear seat, which has only been raised slightly. There is still enough space to transport five adults. The suitcase is also slightly smaller in the hybrid than in the conventional version. The support of the rear seats also offers the option of a 40: 20: 40 split and you can also lay them flat. The backrest is also adjustable in slope for more seating comfort or to create more storage space.
Conclusion
For the first time, we can also choose a plug-in hybrid within the MINI range. MINI can rely on the rich experience within the BMW group and this has become a model that has been there from day 1. With the exception of a few details, the MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 is also the same as its brothers within the regular range.
Additional images exterior and interior:
Johan De Haes
Test driver
