Charged for Fun: Launch of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4

The first plug-in hybrid model of the British premium brand hits our roads in 2017 – the all-rounder for town and country now also offers the option of purely electric and therefore locally emissions-free mobility.

Hallmark MINI driving fun enters a whole new dimension – electrified, virtually noiseless, featuring thrillingly spontaneous power delivery and entirely without CO2 emissions. As of June 2017, the market launch of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 makes the most spacious and versatile model of the British premium brand a pioneer of efficient and sustainable mobility. The first MINI plug-in hybrid model offers not just sporty agility on the road and beyond the asphalt but also the possibility of purely electrically powered driving, generating zero local emissions.

The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (combined power consumption: 2.3 – 2.1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 52 – 49 g/km) will be available at dealerships from 24 June 2017.

The hybrid system of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is made up of a 3-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology and a synchronous electric motor. Together they generate a system output of 165 kW/224 hp, enabling the car to sprint from standing to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. The power of the combustion engine is transmitted to the front wheels by means of a 6-speed Steptronic transmission. The electric motor powers the rear wheels via a two-stage single-speed transmission. The intelligently controlled interaction between the two power units creates an electrified all-wheel drive system that optimises agility and stability on the road as well as providing supreme traction over snow and unsurfaced terrain.

In everyday traffic the intelligent drive control of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 makes for an intense hybrid driving experience. When setting off, only the electric motor is initially active meaning a virtually noiseless start. As is typical of electric motors, the entire torque is available from standing. Once a driving speed of 80 km/h is reached, the combustion engine is gently activated. The eDRIVE toggle switch enables the driver to continue to drive with the pure electric engine beyond this point if preferred: in MAX eDRIVE mode the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 runs at up to 125 km/h free of local emissions. The electrical range of the first MINI plug-in hybrid model is 40 kilometres.

The energy required for this is stored in a high-voltage lithium-ion battery housed underneath the rear seat. It can be charged at a conventional household socket or, for increased power input, at a wallbox or public charging station. Charging takes between 2:15 and 3:15 hours.

The efficiency and pulling power of the electric motor, its cleverly controlled interaction with the combustion engine and the premium quality and reliability of all components of the hybrid system is the result of the BMW Group’s eDrive technology. The high-voltage battery comes with a warranty which lasts for six years or 100,000 kilometres.

The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines its progressive drive system with the versatile space concept and hallmark brand style of the latest MINI model range. Purely electrical driving fun comes with very slight package-related space limitations in the interior. The luggage compartment volume of the hybrid model is 405 litres, which can be extended to as much as 1 275 litres with the rear backrests folded down. Additionally, the range of standard trim in the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is exceptionally extensive. Equipment offered as standard includes includes a three-spoke sports steering wheel, the MINI Driving Modes for individual vehicle set-up and the MINI navigation system including MINI Visual Boost radio with 6.5-inch on-board computer in the central instrument and MINI Controller in the centre console.

In addition to model-specific design elements such as the “E” emblem on the radiator grille and side scuttles as well as door sill finishers with a yellow “S” logo, the 17-inch light alloy wheels in Light Spoke design are another distinguishing feature exclusive to the model. In the interior, hybrid-specific displays and the eDRIVE toggle switch indicate the distinctive character of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.