First-ever plug-in hybrid to feature an electric motor along with a combustion engine; Pure-electric drive up to 125 kmph speeds.
BMW-owned British car maker Mini has revealed that a plug-in hybrid variant of the all-new second generation 2017 Countryman is underway, with the car hitting production by next year. The company assures that the hybrid car will present unparalleled acceleration performance as against its combustion-only siblings.
The hybrid Countryman will be equipped with a combustion engine and an electric motor, with the former driving the front wheels while the latter to take care of rear wheels, thereby bringing an all-wheel drive drive train layout. The car will start with the help of electric motor and reach speeds up to 125 kmph in zero-emission mode without igniting the combustion engine. For speeds thereafter, the engine kicks with seamless integration of power delivery.
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| 2017 Mini countryman (second-generation) rendered |
Mini says that there is also a 'Save Battery' mode, in which the combustion engine will simultaneously power the car and charge the battery pack, enabling power generation for pure-electric driving later. The company is silent on the technicals and other details of the hybrid for now, but Motor1.com predicts that the hardware is that of BMW 225xe (2-Series Active Tourer plug-in hybrid) - a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo-petrol with an electric motor delivering a combined out of 224 hp and 385 Nm of torque.
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| Mini Countryman Hybrid is likely to use the hybrid powertrain from BMW 225xe (2-Series Hybrid) |
The aforesaid 225xe can hit 0-100 kmph in just 6.2 seconds with a top speed of 202 kmph. Battery charging via external plug takes a decent 3 hours and 15 minutes. We can expect a similar spec in the upcoming Mini hybrid as well. Otherwise, the hybrid should be hardly different from the other variants, with similar driver assist technologies and equipment on board.
Also Read: Lexus To Bring 2 Hybrid Cars To India Next Year
Also Read: Lexus To Bring 2 Hybrid Cars To India Next Year