MINI's First Hybrid will be the Next Countryman

Despite the fact that BMW has owned MINI for a number of years, the British manufacturer hasn’t taken advantage of the mother brand’s advancements into the hybrid segment. With the next Countryman, that will change.

According to MINI’s director Sebastian Mackensen, the next generation of the little crossover will incorporate a host of new technologies. Among these, we now know that there will be a plug-in hybrid version. While the overall weight will be higher because of the batteries and everything, the upgrades made to the next generation might be enough to bring the overall weight down. MINI is quick to point out that the go-kart feel that is now a staple of the brand is still there.

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According to the MINI press release, the next Countryman will be able to drive up to 80 km/h in fully electric mode, or even up to 125 km/h when the MAX mode is activated (although you lose range). In an effort to not complicate the layout, the electric drivetrain is mounted on the rear axle. In normal driving conditions, it will activate only when the computer detects a lack of traction from the front wheels.

Obviously, the hybrid variant won’t be the only one offered; when the next generation of the MINI Countryman will arrive, a slew of gasoline and diesels (those are for Europe, obviously…) will also be offered.