Mini Countryman hybrid (rumor)
The second-generation Mini Countryman will be
available with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. Powering the model will be
the 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder produced by BMW driving the front
wheels and working in conjunction with an electric motor powering the rear
axle.
This same setup is found beneath the skin of the BMW 225xe Plug-in Hybrid
where it delivers a combined 221 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque. If reports are
correct, nearly identical figures can be expected for the Countryman hybrid.
Under ideal driving conditions, it is thought that
the hybrid Mini will offer an all-electric range in excess of 25 miles thanks
to the 7.6 kWh lithium-ion battery found under the rear seats. Power will be
sent to the ground via a six-speed automatic transmission.
According to Mini senior vice president Sebastian
Mackensen, the hybrid Countryman won't just be efficient but will also be fun
to drive.
Helping to achieve similar driving dynamics to the
standard car will be the hybrid model's use of the same chassis and suspension
system of the conventionally-powered second-gen Countryman models.