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First plug-in hybrid Mini arrives in June

Now available to order, the new Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 will launch in June and is priced from £31,585 (on the road pricing that does not include the government plug-in car grant).

The first plug-in hybrid model in the Mini product range offers an intelligent all-wheel drive system. The Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 hybrid system is made up of a 3-cylinder petrol engine with Mini TwinPower Turbo Technology and a synchronous electric motor. Together they generate a system output of 165 kW/221 bhp, enabling the car to sprint from standing to 62mph in 6.8 seconds.

The power of the combustion engine is transmitted to the front wheels via a 6-speed Steptronic transmission, while the electric motor powers the rear wheels. The intelligently controlled interaction between the two power units creates an all-wheel drive system designed to optimise agility and stability on the road, as well as providing traction over snow and unsurfaced terrain.

When setting off, only the electric motor is initially active meaning a virtually noiseless start, with the entire torque available from standing. Once a driving speed of 50mph is reached, the combustion engine is activated. The eDRIVE toggle switch enables the driver to continue to drive with only the electric engine beyond this point if preferred: in MAX eDRIVE mode the Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 runs at up to 78mph free of local emissions. The electric range of the first Mini plug-in hybrid model is 25 miles.

The energy required for this is stored in a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. It can be charged at a household socket or, for increased power input and reduced waiting times, at a wallbox or public charging station. Charging takes between 2:15 and 3:15 hours.

The efficiency and pulling power of the electric motor, its interaction with the combustion engine and the claimed premium quality and reliability of all components of the hybrid system is the result of the BMW Group’s eDrive technology. The high-voltage battery comes with a warranty which lasts for six years or 60,000 miles.

The Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines its progressive drive system with the versatile space concept and hallmark brand style of the latest Mini model range. The battery is housed underneath the rear seat and flat load boot floor, minimising drawbacks to boot space and leg room. The luggage compartment volume of the hybrid model is 405 litres, which can be extended to as much as 1,275 litres with the rear backrests folded down.

The new Mini Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 comes with a range of standard equipment that includes a Satellite Navigation System, Bluetooth, Cruise Control, Emergency E-call and Active Guard among other features. 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, the MINI Driving Modes and three spoke sports steering wheel are also offered as standard.

In addition to model-specific design elements such as the “E” emblem on the radiator grille and side scuttles as well as door sill finishers with a yellow “S” logo, the 17-inch light alloy wheels in Light Spoke design are another distinguishing feature exclusive to the model. Inside, hybrid-specific displays and the eDRIVE toggle switch indicate the distinctive character of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.

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