Mini’s first PHEV borrows tidbits from BMW’s iPerformance division
With the 2017 Mini Countryman out of the pipeline, the British brand's first-ever plug-in hybrid looks like a tempting proposition.
As rumored before, the 2017 Mini S E Countryman benefits from the expertise BMW gathered through the i3 and i8 offsprings.
Therefore, the powertrain choice combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine (100 kW/134 hp) spinning the front wheels, with a synchronous electric motor (65 kW) powering the rear axle via a two-stage single-speed transmission.
As a result, the overall output equation is brought to 165 kW (221 hp) and 385 Nm. Through the eDrive selector, users can swap between driving modes, selecting one of the three choices: AUTO, MAX and SAVE BATTERY.
Mini's PR voice trumpets an average fuel consumption rating of 2.1 l/100 km (in the EU test cycle for PHEVs), a maximum electric range of 40 km (25 miles) plus the S E Countryman's ability to ride in electric mode up to speeds of 125 km/h.
Positioned under the backseat, the 7.6 kWh Li-ion battery pack lies in front of the electric motor and offers a charging time of 2:15 hours from a wallbox or 3:15 hours from a standard household socket.