The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
MINI plugs in with its hybrid
The MINI brand’s first plug-in hybrid model will hit Irish roads later this month – the new all-rounder for town and country now offers the option of purely electric driving with zero tailpipe emissions.
Irish prices for the new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 with a service pack, start at €43,600, less €7,500, made up from €2,500 in VRT relief and €5,000 in the form of an SEAI grant.
The first plug-in hybrid model in the MINI product range offers sporty agility on the road as well as competency beyond the asphalt thanks to its 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/224 hp 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 that optimises agility and stability on the road as well as providing supreme traction over snow and unsurfaced terrain.
In everyday traffic the intelligent drive control of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 makes for an intense hybrid driving experience.
When setting off, only the electric motor is initially active meaning a virtually noiseless start. As is typical of electric motors, the entire torque is available from standing. Once a driving speed of 50mph is reached, the combustion engine is gently 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 conventional 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 cleverly controlled interaction with the combustion engine and the 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.
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.