What MINI Hybrid Models Do You Want?
If you’ve been reading MotorigFile you’ll know that MINI is preparing to launch the brands first hybrid. The Countryman plugin hybrid will debut in about a year’s time with a modified version of the BMW i8’s drivetrain turns around 180 degrees.
The plug-in hybrid system will be made up of three different engines in total. The 1.5-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo engine generates an output of 100 kW/136 hp together with a peak torque of 220 Nm (162 lb-ft), with power relayed to the front wheels via a six-speed Steptronic transmission. The second is technically a high-voltage generator on the front axle fulfils three different tasks: it boosts the combustion engine for brief periods with extra output of up to 15 kW and some 150 Nm (111 lb-ft) from rest, generates electric power while on the move (which is fed directly to the high-voltage battery), and enables the engine to be started and turned off very smoothly thanks to its higher output compared to conventional starters. The 3rd, the actual electric motor is located above the rear axle, together with its two-speed transmission and the power electronics. It sends output of up to 65 kW/88 hp and maximum torque of 165 Nm (122 lb-ft) through the rear wheels.
The Countryman’s electric only range will be around 24 miles with 0-60 in normal hybrid mode registering around 6.5 seconds. Of course the downside to all of this electrification is weight from the batteries to the tune of around 300 lbs.
Currently we know that MINI has launch plans for the Countryman. There’s also been talk of using this system for the Clubman as well but that is unconfirmed.
So with all of this said, where do you want to see MINI use hybrid drivetrains like this outside of the Countryman? Would you buy a hybrid F56 or even F55? What about an all electric smaller MINI? Sound off below.
<p>The new Clubman! Do it now! I am changing cars in the new 12 months and it will be preferably an EV, but will settle for a PHEV.
Do it now Mini or else you are out of the race for me :(</p>
<p>Lemelou,
Sadly nothing made by MINI will be ready in the next 12 months. What EV are you planning on buying?</p>
<p>here here!</p>
<p>I want to see them all as EVs. My wife and I were looking to trade her Cooper R60 in for a Tiguan, Forester, or the like but with this news I think we will just hold off and get the PHEV Countryman. I will be placing my order for my Tesla Model ? at the end of March. I would love it if we had an EV and a PHEV. Normally I am not a fan of lugging around two power trains for one vehicle but since it is a MINI and I love them, I will give them a pass and do it. I hope this is a 1/2 step in the right direction of pure EV transport in the lineup with useable range (200+).</p>
<p>Please note that I am not asking for a full EV only lineup… Just the option in each model.</p>
<p>If I remember right, and I’m sure Gabe can confirm, it’s too late for the F56… I don’t think it was built with PHEV or EV in mind… Also a bit small to make either of these work unless built as a dedicated EV platform…</p>
<p>I am in exactly the same state of mind, but it seems that I am on a shorter calendar. PHEV Countryman would be OK despite the ridiculously low , but full EV Clubman would be awesome. Ever since I traded my JCW for an Explorer (2 kids, the dogs, 12-hour summer trips, etc.) I have been patiently waiting for a Mini to sit again in the driveway. And to stop fueling the ME fire with my gas $.</p>
<p>Bolt would probably be a valid option in 12 months. Or the i3 which we rented for a romantic winter! getaway weekend and we absolutely loved it. The Leaf is simply outdated at this time on the looks side. Tesla? The model 3 is soooo long away – 2018$ – and the Model S is pricey to say the least. And by then, you’d a few extremely good options like the EV bmws, audis etron (did you know that sounds like ‘turd’ in french?). Ideally I’d want a 4wd for our canadian winters, but I’d settle for an PHEV with 60+ miles on electric mode, with 4 wheel drive.</p>
<p>Last but not least, I want to rent my first EV/PHEV. With the technology that is evolving so fast, it seems tough for me to justify a purchase at this time.</p>
<p>EV or bust!
(and I’ll take that all-electric Superleggera, thank you very much.)</p>
<p>Rocketman</p>
<p>That too would be a good body to be given the choice of fully developed powertrains. Tiny diesels and petrols to appease the masses (initially), but a few EV versions maybe with differing kW capacities (15kw/20kw/30kw) would all sell like hotcakes!</p>
<p>I went from a 2005 S convertible, to a 2009 S Clubman before moving away from the brand to Nissan and to a 2011 Leaf. I am currently on my second Leaf, a 2014 model, and I am very pleased with everything about the car and lifestyle alterations.</p>
<p>I am looking forward to what the Countryman plug-in real-world has to offer once EV freaks get their hands on one. I miss the MINI experience all of the time, but I am smitten with the zen effect of electric propulsion. A Countryman with a plug may be my next car.</p>
<p>I was really holding out hope for this setup to come to the US as the Clubman (and I still have that glimmer of that hope). MINI using its two ‘big’ vehicles as ‘vehicles’ for movement into hybrid land are their best current choices. Mild hybrid systems I think could integrate well to the current smaller MINI line up. Slight improvements in economy and output along with the abilities to regenerate electricity while braking/coasting and using those electrons to help get the car moving I think sounds like a great idea. And if MINI were to go the full EV production route, a Superleggera-esqu vehicle would be a great starter for further development.</p>
<p>MINI is niche just as electric propulsion is. Just as Tesla has done, build them, and we will come!</p>
<p>Is that the same powertrain employed in the BMW 225xe? Because the reviews so far have been very positive.</p>
<p>Yes. We’ve done a few detailed technical reports on it already.</p>
<p>I like the new Clubby and would like to see the plug-in AWD offered with it. If not I would consider the Countryman with the same plug-in setup. I think space requirements would rule out this drive train in a smaller Mini.</p>
<p>I already traded in my Mini GP2 against an i8 (coming next week), and waiting to exchange my Countryman JCW against the hybrid version next year. That will be my (slow) start going electric… The family car, currently an X3, we’ll have to see…</p>