Mini Teases its First Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle

Mini has teased its first ever plug-in electric hybrid vehicle. As previously speculated, the second-generation Mini Countryman will offer a PHEV powertrain that will feature an electric motor driving the rear wheels and an EV-only mode for zero emissions driving.

A Mini Countryman PHEV prototype was last spotted in early 2015, though now it appears the automaker has reached the final stages of testing. The automaker also revealed pictures of a lightly disguised test vehicle revealing a charging port on the driver’s side front fender, a similar setup used for the BMW 3 and 7 Series PHEV vehicles.

Mini claims its PHEV will still offer the brand’s signature “go-kart” driving experience and will tune the hybrid system for both efficiency and performance. The automaker hasn’t released powertrain details, but rumors suggest it will combine a 1.5-liter turbocharged I-3 engine with an electric motor making around 100 hp. Mini says the PHEV can travel up to 78 mph in pure EV mode.

As previously reported, the next-generation Countryman will ride on BMW Group’s UKL front-drive platform used in other Mini models and the BMW X1. A BMW X1 PHEV is also in the pipeline and a prototype of that vehicle was recently caught winter testing.

Source: Mini

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