Spied: F60 Countryman Plug-In Hybrid Caught Winter Testing
Another week, another set of [spy photos](http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1502-mini-countryman-plug-in-hybrid-spied-testing/) from [Automobile Magazine](http://www.automobilemag.com/). This time, the upcoming F60 Countryman was caught winter testing, but interestingly enough this is not the most interesting bit of the story. If you look closely at the photo above, you will see a “Hybrid Testing Vehicle” sticker on the front passenger door. About a year ago, we gave a [detailed overview of the plug-in system](https://www.motoringfile.com/2014/02/18/exclusive-a-first-look-at-minis-new-hybrid-system/) that the BMW Group plans to bring to the MINI brand. And while our initial assumption was that F54 Clubman would be the first model of FXX generation to receive this drivetrain, the new Countryman appears to be in the lead to become to first plug-in hybrid MINI ever.
Automobile Magazine’s sources confirm what we detailed last year in regards to the inner workings of MINI’s plug-in hybrid system. At the heart of this drivetrain will be the 1.5L three cylinder lifted from the F56 Cooper and powering the front wheels. Integrated into that will be a plug-in hybrid system powering the rear wheels only. The beauty of that arrangement is the torque (which is abundant in electric motors) won’t overwhelm the front tires and instead will provide additional power in the most effective way – to the rear. Not only will power and torque be better distributed, but it will also allow for better weight distribution across the entire car.
As far as the rest of the car is concerned, the F60 shares the extended UKL platform with the upcoming BMW X1 and should adopt more SUV-like abilities. And for the first time, Automobile Magazine’s report includes an [interior picture](http://image.automobilemag.com/f/89785972+w660+h440+q80+cr1+ar0/mini-countryman-plug-in-hybrid-spied-interior.jpg) of the new Countryman. Unsurprisingly, it is very similar to the Hardtop’s thus fulfilling the promise of economies of scale across the FXX lineup.
Again, make sure to review our prior reports on [MINI’s plug-in hybrid drivetrain](https://www.motoringfile.com/2014/02/18/exclusive-a-first-look-at-minis-new-hybrid-system/) and on the [overall design of the F60](https://www.motoringfile.com/2014/09/30/2018-countryman-to-grow-in-size-seats-power/).
<p>Bummed about the tall roof rails vs flush rails, also bummed to see electronic parking brake. The proportions look pretty great, though.</p>
<p>Both Countryman and Clubman share the same wider UKL platform, and so both will share similar width interiors. It’s interesting, therefore, to compare the two dashboards in the attached spyshots, the top one is the F54 Clubman, It’s clear that the driver sits higher in the F60 and the dashboard is noticeably higher because of the taller front bulkhead.</p>
<p>Is this car coming to the US? I thought I read some where (on the vast internet) that it wasn’t slated for the US.</p>
<p>Yes. In fact been reporting on it and how it’s been designed with the U.S. market in mind for years now</p>
<p>Good news 🙂 I may switch back to F60 MINI Countryman after my 640i GC lease is up if the technology and the interior improvements are significant from my R60. Would love a plug in hybrid model to help with my crappy commute.</p>
<p>0-60 in the low 7s and 90+ mpg (to be adjusted for US EPA test cycle). Wow!</p>
<p>I saw the test mule Clubman driving in Munich near Messe a few days ago. It looked good from behind. The countryman looks pretty ugly. The hood is getting longer and longer. I guess they can fit a V10 in there now.</p>
<p>I think it’s shame they went with conventional horizontal lights on the F54. The stacked corner lights on the R55 were a little funky, just enough to be different from everything else on the road.</p>
<p>Agreed!</p>