Exclusive: MINIUSA to Launch Diesel Clubman in 2017
It’s easy to forget that MINI’s largest market doesn’t actually get the full MINI lineup. In particular, the US has never had access to MINI diesels. For years, MINI USA has attempted to bring a diesel model to the US, but poor fuel standards, engineering challenges and finally economic hardships have undercut the business case for diesel MINIs in America. However, that’s about to change. MotoringFile has received news from our sources that MINI is in the process engineering an entirely new diesel model specifically for the US market.
The car’s power plant will likely be one of the higher output diesels in the MINI line-up and be marketed as a Cooper D or Cooper SD. For reference the previous Cooper SD was powered by a 2.0L turbo diesel and had an output of 143 hp with peak torque of 225 ft lbs (while getting 65 mpg on the EU cycle). However we expect something very close to the current Cooper S power output of around 190 HP.
The chosen power plant is currently undergoing final engineering and testing for import. The main challenge is fitting the high pressure urea tank in such a small car. Because of this, the US-spec diesel MINI will have a larger fuel filler cap to accommodate 2 filler necks — one for fuel, and one for the selective catalytic reduction system additives.
Now the big question: When will we see this model? Our sources are telling us that production will begin in November of 2016, with the Clubman diesel hitting US showrooms around the beginning of 2017.
While we didn’t receive info on what other MINI models might get this power train, we can expect that the next generation Countryman coming in the latter half of 2017 will also have diesel power available.
Yet diesel isn’t the only alternative power option for the upcoming Clubman. There’s also the plugin hybrid Clubman we detailed earlier this year. We expect that this hybrid model to be released around the same time as the LCI is released which will be 2018.
Let’s hear from Clubman fans. Which variant most sparks your interest? Petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid?
F54 Clubman Concept Gallery
<p>I’ve been waiting for a mini diesel a long time. So long in fact I bought a 328d instead. We’ve heard this type of thing before, only to have the rug pulled out, so I’ll remain cautiously optimistic. I’d rather have the D in the new Countryman when it comes out.</p>
<p>There IS a Cooper S D going to USA. It will b launched with the F54. 190Hp 360Nm</p>
<p>I’ll believe it when I see it. Motoringfile has reported diesels coming to the US before, only to later say, no. Time will tell. I”ll remain cautiously pessimistic and drive my 328d.</p>
<p>Plans have never gotten this far. Now is the time to be optimistic.</p>
<p>Well that seals the deal on me getting an F54 next. It’s all positives from what I’ve seen.</p>
<p>There will be NO hybrid until at least F54 LCI, IF MINI chooses too. No sooner</p>
<p>I’ve heard a few angles on this as well: 1) it depends on if BMWNA takes the 2 Series Active Tourer at all (debatable if they will as the car is NOT the image BMWNA is pushing), as BMW/MINI will need one more smaller model with hybrid drive to hit fuel economy targets. 2) That could also be accomplished by another proposed BMW Group offering if it is green lit which would eliminate the need for the plugin MINI completely. Price point is what is the hold up, not the tech or packaging for the MINI.</p>
<p>Personally I’d love to see it- it would be its own standalone model, not an S and it would not be available in a manual (what true hybrids are?) but it would have the benefits of running in EV mode and then when the 3 cylinder is being used the EV would be used as a “boost” or for economy depending on the mode- sounds good to me.</p>
<p>F60 Countryman will be available with hybrid.
No plans for the F54 to have hybrid. It will take Oxford 2yrs to be ready for hybrid ‘if’ Munich decide on F54 hybrid. So 2017 – 2018 could see clubman hybrid.</p>
<p>I’ve love to see the 2AT with the 190hp diesel engine in M Sport. It would be my “future” ideal replacement for my Countryman S. If not, I’m looking at other cheaper diesel offerings, eg, Chevy Cruze. It wont be as fun to drive or to look at but it’ll be about 10K less (with options, tax, etc).</p>
<p>The BMW 2er Active Tourer is earmarked for US market Introduction.
BMW see potential in the Active Tourer by pitching it as the “Secondary” BMW where a ” Primary BMW resides” in place of say a domestic or import choice .</p>
<p>The car is very good to drive and is for exceeding pre-Sales for the September introduction.</p>
<p>My intended use for the 2at is as my primary commuter. I already have a primary garage queen bmw and a primary long trip bmw. I am just not happy with my countryman as a commuter car, just like I was happy with my r56 in the same role. Make mine m-sports with all the bells and whistles!</p>
<p>Great news! I would prefer the diesel over the hybrid. Any idea on the price differential between the different models and power trains??</p>
<p>I’ve also been waiting for MINIUSA to get these to the states. I’m anxiously waiting to order the F54 but don’t want to wait that long for the diesel. The hybrid sounds cool but am sure it won’t be available in an S and a manual trans.</p>
<p>Dear MINI USA,</p>
<p>Build the MINI Clubman concept and you will sell more cars! I really like this car but turning it into a 4-door is a deal breaker for me. I am 6’3″ tall and cars with short doors make it hard for me to get in and out of them. I LOVE the design of the concept and if it were setup with long doors and club doors on both sides I would buy one in a second!</p>
<p>The Clubman is the same as the concept. It has 4 normal sized doors. Think VW Golf sized doors. The concept has a few fairly minor differences, but the real car is very similar</p>
<p>Our fuels aren’t poor here. I love how that’s the excuse for BMW. GM, and VW can bring us diesels with the same amount of power as in Europe, and without significant alterations.</p>
<p>For years the sulfur content was higher than any other non 3rd world country.</p>
<p>Our sulphur content is at 15ppm. EU only requires <50ppm. Our rules have been in effect since MY2007 diesel automobiles.</p>
<p>Obviously you’re not up on past MINI news.</p>
<p>I’m up to date on MINI news. My facts are real, and I check my work before publishing it, unlike some people/sources. No names mentioned. I don’t just believe whatever comes out of BMW’s mouth as to the reasons they do and don’t do things here in the US. I don’t sip the BMW kool-aid.</p>
<p>Nice try. I remember when, in California, the Diesel refineries were required to reduce the sulfur in their diesel. Long time ago. The unrefined diesel argument doesn’t fit realty.</p>
<p>Read: <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2011/01/21/qa-with-mini-usa-on-diesels-in-the-us-market/" rel="ugc">https://www.motoringfile.com/2011/01/21/qa-with-mini-usa-on-diesels-in-the-us-market/</a></p>
<p>When will the UK be getting an SD? Will this be the same engine you talk about here, coming in late 2016?</p>
<p>July 2014</p>
<p>Sweet. The clubman would be great, to replace my Passat TDI, and maybe the Countryman Diesel to replace our aging RAV4.</p>
<p>Once again, belief, at least for me, comes in seeing.</p>
<p>They’re physically building out the production plan. I wouldn’t doubt that it’s happening this time.</p>
<p>Diesel, if it isn’t a overpriced underpowered arificially badged dog, like the 328d. :p</p>