Photo: MINI
As more and more manufacturers embrace eco-friendly means of propulsion, one particular brand has been left behind. No, it’s not Morgan, which produces an electric version of its 3-Wheeler, but MINI, the lifestyle brand of the BMW Group. Although late to the party, MINI is ready to introduce its first-ever plug-in hybrid.
Previewed by the head of MINI brand management Sebastian Mackensen and head of MINI series management Peter Wolf, the slightly camo'd vehicle in the adjacent photographs is the 2017 MINI Countryman E with PHEV internals. And as expected from MINI, this car here promises go-kart handling.
Myself being a skeptic, I don’t buy into the hype for two reasons. First and foremost, I know how a go-kart feels to drive. To boot, I’ve driven modern MINIs, including JCWs. They sure are a hoot to drive, I’ll give MINI that, but they sure don’t make me feel like I’m driving a go-kart. So, what else should we expect from the all-new Countryman in plug-in hybrid flavor?
As per the British automaker, this is not your typical plug-in hybrid vehicle. We’re told that “intelligent energy management” is used to control how the internal combustion engine and electric motor operate together. In this regard, the automaker argues that the first-ever plug-in hybrid MINI “is not solely focused on efficiency, but uncompromising in pursuit of driving fun.” Is it just me or is that line very similar to how BMW describes the i8 sports car?
Here’s a quote from the i8’s debut: “The more powerful of the two power sources drives the rear wheels and uses the electric boost from the hybrid system to deliver hallmark BMW driving pleasure while at the same time offering groundbreaking levels of efficiency.” Coincidence? I think not. But as compared to the i8, the plug-in hybrid version of the next-gen Countryman is penned to borrow the PHEV innards from the BMW 225xe Active Tourer.
Based on the front-/all-wheel-drive BMW UKL platform used by the MINI Hatch and Clubman, the 225xe Active Tourer combines a 1.5-liter turbo three-banger, an electric motor, and a battery with 7.6 kWh of juice. Located under the rear seats, the lithium-ion pack is good for an electric range of 41 kilometers (25 miles) in the case of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer.
In terms of get-up-and-go, chances are the 2017 MINI Countryman E will boast a combined output of 224 horsepower (165 kW) and 284 lb-ft (385 Nm) of torque, just like its BMW cousin. On that note, the British automaker let it slip that the top speed in EV mode is 125 km/h (77.6 mph).
Myself being a skeptic, I don’t buy into the hype for two reasons. First and foremost, I know how a go-kart feels to drive. To boot, I’ve driven modern MINIs, including JCWs. They sure are a hoot to drive, I’ll give MINI that, but they sure don’t make me feel like I’m driving a go-kart. So, what else should we expect from the all-new Countryman in plug-in hybrid flavor?
As per the British automaker, this is not your typical plug-in hybrid vehicle. We’re told that “intelligent energy management” is used to control how the internal combustion engine and electric motor operate together. In this regard, the automaker argues that the first-ever plug-in hybrid MINI “is not solely focused on efficiency, but uncompromising in pursuit of driving fun.” Is it just me or is that line very similar to how BMW describes the i8 sports car?
Here’s a quote from the i8’s debut: “The more powerful of the two power sources drives the rear wheels and uses the electric boost from the hybrid system to deliver hallmark BMW driving pleasure while at the same time offering groundbreaking levels of efficiency.” Coincidence? I think not. But as compared to the i8, the plug-in hybrid version of the next-gen Countryman is penned to borrow the PHEV innards from the BMW 225xe Active Tourer.
Based on the front-/all-wheel-drive BMW UKL platform used by the MINI Hatch and Clubman, the 225xe Active Tourer combines a 1.5-liter turbo three-banger, an electric motor, and a battery with 7.6 kWh of juice. Located under the rear seats, the lithium-ion pack is good for an electric range of 41 kilometers (25 miles) in the case of the BMW 225xe Active Tourer.
In terms of get-up-and-go, chances are the 2017 MINI Countryman E will boast a combined output of 224 horsepower (165 kW) and 284 lb-ft (385 Nm) of torque, just like its BMW cousin. On that note, the British automaker let it slip that the top speed in EV mode is 125 km/h (77.6 mph).
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