Confirming our own article from last year, Autocar is reporting that MINI will hybrid tech borrowed from the BMW range to form the basis of the next generation JCW Countryman. That technology will not only allow the next JCW Countryman to see increase efficiency but real performance gains.

Our sources have been telling us for the last several years that the next evolution of the 306 hp tune on the B48 four cylinder would include a hybrid component. While that solution might add a bit of weight, it would allow the JCW Countryman around 50 miles of pure electric drive on a single charge. But MINI is well aware that’s not why you buy a JCW. Delivering increased performance will be a 326 hp ICE engine coupled with an electric engine and all the immediate torque you could ever want.

However until now we’ve had multiple sources imply we’d see a detuned B48 four cylinder under the hood. This report is the first mention of a revised three cylinder doing ICE duties. That revised three cylinder will see power around 180 hp which nearly delivers the same power as the current B48 four cylinder in Cooper S.

This coupled with an electric engine delivering 148 hp and you have an impressive package that would be an interesting evolution on the JCW Countryman. If MINI follows uses the same tech as the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer we should see a system that can be fully charged in 2.5 hours from a 7.4kWh charger.

Autocar also reports that we’ll see a less powerful PHEV option with a combined 241bhp will also be available. And as we’ve reported previously MINI will offer a Cooper model with a 168bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder and Cooper S with a revised 215bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engines. Both will have 48V mild-hybrid technology which helps with stop/start transitions and can provide a subtle torque boost.

Next generation MINI Countryman Launch Details

With the test mules progressing quickly, we believe we’ll see the 2024 MINI Countryman make its debut in the second half of 2023 as a 2024 model in the US. We’ll likely see petrol powered Cooper and Cooper S models first before MINI launches its first ever all electric Countryman. The JCW Countryman is likely to be launched in the second half of 2024.

For more details on the next generation MINI Countryman (including it’s massive circular screen and increase in size) head to the 2024 Countryman Section of MotoringFile.