Electrifying Mini Cooper SE Countryman

The Mini Cooper S E Countryman All4 is the first model of the British brand to have a plug-in hybrid.

It’s due in New Zealand from August with a price around $60,000, plus on-road costs.

The front wheels are powered by the combustion engine, the rear wheels by the electric motor. And it can run on electricity alone, not just in urban traffic with a top speed of 125kmh and a range of up to 41 kilometres.

“For the first time we have the hallmark ‘go-kart feel’ driving experience of a Mini with the benefit of electric, zero-emission motoring”, BMW Group New Zealand managing director Florian Renndorfer says. “This gives our customers the benefits day-to-day commuting with electric mobility, while being able to drive unlimited distances, creating adventures on the weekend.”

From a capacity of 1.5 litres the car produces a peak output of 100kW while maximum engine torque is 220 Newton metres (Nm) from 1250rpm. The combustion engine is combined with a modified 6-speed Steptronic transmission.

The second power unit is an electric motor located under the luggage compartment floor. It offers an output of 65kW and generates a maximum torque of 165Nm. The electric motor directs its power to the rear axle via a two-stage single-speed transmission.

The 7.6 kWh lithium-ion battery is positioned directly in front of the electric motor underneath the rear seat. At a wallbox with a charging capacity of 3.6kW it can be fully charged in around 2.30 hours. Charging at a regular 10A household socket takes about 3.15 hours.

A total system output of 165kW and a combined torque of 385Nm is available when required, the car accelerating from zero to 100kmh in 6.8 seconds.

The charging cable connection is under a flap in the area of the left-hand side scuttle.
Cockpit features include 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.

Mini in New Zealand offers a three-year scheduled service plan, three-year warranty and roadside assistance programme on all models.