The new MINI Countryman has been revealed with a new face and a plug-in hybrid version.
It's called the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4 and decoding the name, S means it's quite powerful with its 224 horses, E means it has an electric motor along the lines of the i8 and ALL 4 because it will be all-wheel drive from time to time.
Like the Clubman, it uses Bmw's UKL2 platform from the 225xe and the 136bhp three-cylinder engine gives drive through a 6-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. The electric motor sends 88 horses to the rear wheels in a single gear it is understood. Performance is indeed in the S's range with acceleration to 100 mph coming in just 6.9 sec.
The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4 is the first model from the British premium brand in which a plug-in hybrid drive system offers all-electric mobility with zero emissions, combined with sporty agility and high adaptability. A 3-cylinder petrol engine and a state-of-the-art electric motor work together to efficiently generate kinetic energy. Together, they produce a total power output of 165 kW /224 hp. Equally impressive is the average fuel consumption of 2.1 litres per 100 km and CO 2 emissions of 49 g/km (EU test cycle for plug-in hybrid models). The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4 is therefore the perfect car for city dwellers who want to enjoy the benefits of electrification in everyday journeys such as home-work-home and weekend trips without restrictions.
The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4 combines the interior versatility of the new generation of the model with the sustainability of BMW Group eDrive technology and an electric AWD system. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4 can be operated only with electric drive and on out-of-town routes - with a top speed of 125 km/h and a range of up to 40 km . Drawing power from two drive units, it offers fun driving even on unpaved roads. "The plug-in hybrid philosophy is a perfect fit for the new MINI Countryman because it offers intelligent all-wheel drive ( AWD ) and can be operated as a purely electric vehicle in urban areas as well as on longer journeys. This is something unique in the class," said Uwe Seitz , project manager of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4.
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4: main features.
- The brand's first plug-in hybrid model.
- High-quality BMW Group eDrive components , tailored to the model specifications and based on the expertise of the BMW iPerformance department.
- 3-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor produce a total of 165 kW /224 hp.
- Fuel consumption in the European test cycle: 2.1 lit /100 km , CO 2 emissions: 49 g / km .
- Top speed with electric program 125 km / h , with an autonomy of 40 km .
- Unique driving experience thanks to the AWD ALL 4 electric system.
- High-voltage lithium-ion battery is charged in a wallbox in 2:15 hours.
- Three operating programs are selected via the eDrive switch.
- Indications specific to the hybrid version.
MINI is a pioneer in the field of electric mobility.
The BMW Group's technological competence and model range have given it a leading role in the field of electric mobility. MINI was an early pioneer in this field: the MINI E launched in 2008 was the first purely electric vehicle in the history of the BMW Group and was driven by private individuals in a large-scale test under real-life conditions. Over 600 vehicles based on the MINI Cooper were used in practical tests around the world. The project revealed important insights into the use of electric cars, which were incorporated into the development of the BMW i 3.
Combination of MINI TwinPower Turbo and eDrive technology.
The plug-in hybrid drive system of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4 combines the best of both worlds. The space under the bonnet is taken up by a 3-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology petrol engine from the latest generation of engines from the BMW Group. From 1500 cc it delivers a maximum output of 100 kW /136 hp. The maximum torque of the engine is 220 Nm, available from 1 250 rpm. In the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4, the combustion engine is combined with a modified 6-speed Steptronic transmission. This transfers power to the front wheels in line with the MINI philosophy.
The second drive unit of the MINI S E Countryman ALL 4 is an electric motor located under the floor of the luggage compartment. Based on the design philosophy of a modern motor, the electric motor delivers 65 kW /88 hp - a particularly high figure considering its size and weight - and produces a maximum torque of 165 Nm that is available immediately and from zero rpm (at start-up). Moreover, it is characterised by a direct response even at high revs, but also by excellent performance. The power of the electric motor is transferred to the rear axle via a single-speed, two-stage gearbox.
Lithium-ion battery: compact, powerful and based on proprietary know-how.
The lithium-ion battery is placed directly in front of the electric motor under the rear seat. It consists of five modules, each of which contains 16 cells, and like the electric motor is produced at the Dingolfing plant, the BMW Group's standard centre for eDrive technology. The high-voltage battery has a capacity of 7.6 kWh. On a wall-mounted panel with a charging capacity of 3.6 kW, it is fully charged in 2:15 hours. Charging at a standard household socket takes 3:15 hours.
Intelligent energy management for fun driving and greater performance.
The intelligent energy management system controlled by the plug-in hybrid system's power electronics ensures optimal interaction between combustion engine and electric motor for fun driving and performance in all situations. With the power of the electric motor alone, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4 can deliver a classic MINI zero-emission driving experience in many situations in everyday traffic conditions. In the case of more intense acceleration, the electric motor supports the combustion engine ( boost function ). The total system output of 165 kW /224 hp and a combined torque of 385 Nm are available for sporty replica cars. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4 accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.
Two drive units, 4-wheel transmission.
Under normal conditions, only one of the two drive units is used, while the other is additionally activated at any time to improve traction, stability and manoeuvrability. The signal required for activation is given by the Dynamic Stability Control ( DSC ) unit, which continuously analyses both the road situation and the driver's wishes. "We have an intelligent all-wheel drive system that ensures perfect driving regardless of weather and road conditions," explains Uwe Seitz , project manager of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4. The perfectly controlled interaction achieved in the transmission of power from the combustion engine to the front wheels and to the rear wheels by the electric motor is based on the principle applied in the BMW i 8 - just in reverse: it is a key factor in the exciting character of the plug-in hybrid sports car.
eDrive switch: exclusive electrification at the touch of a button.
The driver can also use the eDrive switch to select between the three modes.
AUTO eDRIVE
Pure electrification up to 80 km/h, the combustion engine is additionally activated at higher speeds, especially during strong acceleration or when the battery charge drops below 7%.
MAX eDRIVE
Pure electrification up to 125 km / h , combustion engine is additionally activated at higher speeds or at kickdown.
SAVE BATTERY
Using the combustion engine, the battery charge status is maintained above 90% or increased to that level via the starter/generator.
In the standard AUTO eDRIVE setting, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4 operates exclusively with electric drive up to a speed of 80 km/h. At higher speeds and in the case of very high loads, the combustion engine is also automatically activated. In MAX eDRIVE mode the vehicle relies solely on the electric motor up to 125 km/h . In addition, SAVE BATTERY mode can relieve the high-voltage battery or increase its charge to at least 90%, so that there is sufficient electricity for later use.
If the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4 has a navigation system and route guidance is activated, the proactive energy management system ensures that the appropriate parts of the route are only driven electrically. Taking the navigation data into account, the operating strategy of the hybrid system focuses on using the battery's electrical energy to the greatest possible extent.
Flexible and versatile interior.
Thanks to the compact structure and layout of the eDrive components, the plug-in hybrid version of the new MINI Countryman has a flexible interior. The high-voltage battery is positioned under a slightly raised rear seat, as is the 35 L fuel tank . When all seats are occupied, the luggage compartment capacity of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4 is barely smaller than that of the conventional drive versions. The rear seat backrests are 40 : 20 : 40 split and folding and include a tilt adjustment. "The entire hybrid system is positioned so discreetly that it goes almost unnoticed with the exception of the controls used to activate the various driving programs," said Uwe Seitz , project manager of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4.
Design elements and indications personalised for Hybrid model.
Distinctive but equally unique features that betray the pioneering character of the hybrid model are the stylistic identity elements of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4. The connection for the charging cable is located under a cap in the area of the left-hand finisher. Other exclusive elements include the "e" badge on the portholes and a yellow "S" in the model logo at the rear, on the grille and the sill trim.
The cockpit features a yellow start/stop unit in the centre of the switch panel and a performance indicator on the instrument panel on the steering column. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4 comes as standard with the MINI Visual Boost radio with a 6.5-inch colour touchscreen in the centre instrument cluster. In addition to the MINI Country Timer , it also displays information such as high-voltage battery charge status and a hybrid system operating program selected via eDrive. In conjunction with the optional Wired package that includes the MINI Professional navigation system , operation is via an 8.8-inch screen with a new graphic design and touch function such as the Touch Controller on the centre console.
Equipment: performance meets personalised style.
The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4 combines a fun, efficient drive with a flexible space philosophy and all the other innovations of the new version of the versatile premium compact model. The dynamic, expressive design and optimised space utilisation are just as impressive as the high level of driving comfort and quality premium ambience. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL 4 is available with MINI Driving Modes as standard. Regardless of the operating program selected via the eDrive switch , the car's set-up can be adjusted to a sporty or efficient driving style, depending on preference.
