F30_LCI

The B48, MINI’s new 2.0L in the F5X models is part of a larger family of four cylinders that feature various states of tune. The idea is to create one engine and upgrade or downgrade various parts of it to achieve different outputs for different products. The baseline for this engine is 189 HP as seen in the current Cooper S. Many have looked at that figure and wondered why didn’t MINI try to get more out of the B48? For years we’ve heard rumors that BMW has plans for outputs ranging from 189 all the way to 300. So the real question is when and what will get those higher outputs.

B48_output

The second iteration of the B48 (technically the B48B20O0) came with the BMW Active Tourer and the MINI JCW and had an output of 231 hp and 236 lb·ft. Today we’re seeing the third iteration debuting in the facelift F30 3 Series. This new version has 249 hp and an unchanged torque output of 258 lb·ft.

B48_F56_JCW

In addition to this rumors have pointed to a forth iteration of the B48 with around 300 hp. This engine has reportedly been developed for high output BMWs (potentially M Performance products) and potentially even all wheel drive JCW Clubman and/or Countryman. However we can’t help but wonder if this new 250 hp B48 wouldn’t make more sense for MINI given its market and price positioning. Granted while we’d love to see more power, we wouldn’t be shocked to see MINI cap out at around 250 hp for this generation of petrol powered cars.