The 2017 MINI Countryman Hybrid Detailed in New Video

The 2017 MINI Countryman Hybrid is a pretty incredible piece of engineering. Fresh off of speaking to the program lead on the car, we’ve come to realize that the PHEV Countryman isn’t just an advanced MINI, it’s one of the most advanced hybrid’s in the world.
However MINI focused on keeping that complexity somewhat hidden so drivers could simply focus on the benefits that the system gives them. This video details some of those technical aspects and how it relates to the driving experience.
MINI Countryman E Background
This is a model that MotoringFile has been reporting details on for almost four years now. We’ve known everything fro basic architecture to final outputs for some time. But there’s plenty to dig into now that MINI has officially lifted the curtain on the model.
The Countryman E is the first model from MINI in which a plug-in hybrid drive provides the option of mobility that is purely electric and therefore emissions-free, in addition to offering typical MINI performance. The job of providing efficient forward propulsion is shared between a 3-cylinder gasoline engine and a synchronous electric motor. Together they produce a system output of 221 hp. The Countryman E is thus the perfect vehicle for urban target groups who wish to enjoy the benefits of purely electric mobility when commuting between home and work every day, for example, while at the same time benefiting from unlimited long-distance suitability at the weekend.
The Countryman E combines the variable space concept of the new model generation’s largest member with the sustainability of BMW Group eDrive technology and an electrified all-wheel drive system. The front wheels are powered by the combustion engine, the rear wheels by the electric motor. The Countryman E is able to run on electricity alone not just in urban traffic but far beyond, too – at a top speed of 77 mph and with a range of up to 24 miles. Drawing on the power of both drive forms, it offers mild off-road ability as well. “The plug-in hybrid concept perfectly matches the new MINI Countryman because it offers intelligent all-wheel drive as well as being able to run on electricity alone both in urban areas and over longer distances, too. This is unique in the segment,” says Uwe Seitz, Countryman E project manager.
Facts
– High-quality BMW Group eDrive components, configured to suit this specific model, that draw on expertise gained from the development of BMW iPerformance automobiles.
– 3-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor combine to produce a total system output of 221 hp.
Electric driving at speeds of up to 77 mph with a range of up to 24 miles*.
– Novel driving experience due to the electrified all-wheel drive system ALL4.
– Three operating modes available for selection via eDrive toggle switch.
– Hybrid-specific displays.
– On-sale June 2017
7 Comments
<p>Currently on my 3rd MINI (08 S hatch, 12 JCW Coupe, & 15 S 4 door hatch), this 2017 ALL4 E hybrid Countryman sounds intriguing. I assume when operating on both the 1.5L engine & electric motor simultaneous mode, the batteries would be kept charged up without having to use the external charge feature??</p>
<p>If that’s the case, the external charging feature wouldn’t be needed under most circumstances. Correct? For that, owners would have to set up a 220 charging station at their home. Would assume the external charging cable would be included as a standard accessory. With only a 9.5 gal fuel tank,, would guess the MPG figures should be quite high in the simultaneous mode….any US MPG figures yet??</p>
<p>All current US plug-in hybrids come with a 120 v AC charging cable. That easily would charge this car overnight – 6 hr. A 240v cable will do it in a bit over 2 hrs. Charging via gas engine is extremely inefficient.</p>
<p>Bob – No official details relating to the charging time have been revealed, although BMW quotes 3 hours 15 minutes on standard mains and 2 hours 15 mins in combination with a high power wall box for the 225xe, which has exactly the same set up as the E.</p>
<p>I have the figures. Look for the interviews with all the data next week.</p>
<p>In the video it mentions a combined distance of 500km per tank. With a 9.5 gallon tank that comes to 32.6 miles per gallon.</p>
<p>Getting only 500km would only be a 310 US mile range…..pretty short distance between fill ups. And at only 32.6 MPG, that doesn’t sound like anything great compared to what the base or S Countryman might achieve. And those have a 16 US gal tank for a much greater range.</p>
<p>Having looked at the i8 figures with much stronger 1.5L engine & stronger elect motor, mileage figures and range are a good bit more! Interesting!</p>
<p>Since the E Countryman will have a similar setup to the high price i8 but with significantly less power, wonder how the base pricing of the E would be compared to the base & S models similarly equipped with the ALL4???? If it were priced starting at above 40K US before options, it might be a hard sell for MINI buyers ending up above 50K with options. But if starting down around 35K like the current 2016 JCW model, that might be doable.</p>