The new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 - the brand’s first plug-in hybrid model - will debut at 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Available to order now, and in showrooms on 24th June, the zero emissions car is priced from £31,585 OTR and is also eligible for an additional £2,500 OLEV government grant.
With intelligent all-wheel drive system, the MINI's hybrid system 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 62mph in 6.8 seconds.
The power of the combustion engine is transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed Steptronic transmission, while the electric motor powers the rear wheels. 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 50mph is reached, the combustion engine is activated. The eDRIVE toggle switch enables the driver to continue to drive with only the electric engine beyond this point if preferred: in MAX eDRIVE mode the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 runs at up to 78mph free of local emissions. The electric only range is 25 miles.
The energy required for this is stored in a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. It can be charged at a conventional household socket or, for increased power input and reduced waiting times, at a wallbox or public charging station. Charging takes between 2:15 and 3:15 hours. The battery is housed under the rear seat and flat load boot floor, minimising drawbacks to boot space and leg room. The luggage compartment volume of the hybrid model is 405 litres, which can be extended to 1,275 litres with the rear backrests folded down.
Standard features include a Satellite Navigation System, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, Emergency E-call and Active Guard among other features. The 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, MINI Driving Modes and three spoke sports steering wheel are also offered as standard.
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. Inside, hybrid-specific displays and the eDRIVE toggle switch indicate the 'distinctive character' of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed runs from 29 June - 2nd July.