Carscoops spotted this five-door version of the 2021 MINI
Cooper S Plug-In Hybrid. While the 2020 MINI Cooper SE Electric has been
getting all the attention since launching last year, the inclusion of a plug-in
hybrid variant in the Cooper S range should broaden its appeal. On first impressions, this
lightly-camouflaged blue prototype may look just like any other Cooper S but
the ‘E-FZG’ note on the windshield confirms it has a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The charging port is not visible and will likely be on the front left quarter
panel, much like it is on the MINI Countryman S E All4 PHEV.
Powertrain details about the Cooper S
Plug-In Hybrid remain unconfirmed. However, there’s a good chance it will get
the same powertrain as the Countryman S E All4 PHEV, meaning there will be a
1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine delivering 134 hp and coupled to an 87
hp electric motor that receives its juice from a 7.6 kWh lithium-ion battery
pack. This results in a total of 221 hp and 385 Nm of torque; in
the Countryman, the electrified powertrain helps the model return 112 MPGe in
the U.S. with the use of the battery.
Visually, the Cooper S Plug-In Hybrid will
look virtually identical to ICE models. This prototype features the same sporty
front and rear bumpers as other models recently spied, including black and
silver wheels and dual tailpipes. It remains unclear if the Cooper S Plug-In
Hybrid will also be sold in three-door guise.
