Mini has been known for the Cooper and the Cooper S. But they do have other models around and they are apparently entering the hybrid market as well. The new hybrid SUV is still in the works and we have some details to reveal about it.
The new Mini Countryman SUV is a hybrid SUV and will share its powertrain with its BMW cousins.
The hybrid engine will be based on the BMW 225xe engine. The hybrid powerplant is composed of a three stroke 1.5 liter 134bhp petrol engine for the front axle and an 87bhp electric motor for the rear. The total power output is 221bhp. The Mini has a 7.6kWh battery with a range of 25 miles on all electric mode with speeds reaching 78mph. The fuel efficiency of the engine is around 141mpg. The SUV can accelerate to 62mph in 6.7 seconds.
Being a hybrid, the new Mini will be primarily rear wheel drive. The front engine will kick in at speed and in cases the stability control demeans necessary. The hybrid will transition to full petrol mode once at high speeds as the boost from the single speed electric motor will be sparse. The electric motor simply can’t keep up at high speeds. The drive modes in the new SUV will be similar to the BMW hybrids: Auto eDrive, Max eDrive and Battery Save. These modes will maximise both the petrol and electric engines.
Being a variant of the Countryman, the exterior and interior both look like the standard Countryman which is set to arrive in the next few months. There are a few indications of being a hybrid like the extra filler cap and power reserve meter.
There is still no price on the Countryman Hybrid SUV which would be the top of the line model.
Initial estimate is that it will be prices to the BMW hybrid which is about £30,000. Stay tuned for more news on this Hybrid SUV.
Photos via Top Gear
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