Mini to deliver plug-in hybrid Countryman with added all-electric range

Mini has broken cover on its new 2021 Countryman, and along with its petrol offerings will bring a new plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) option with extra driving range to Australia by the end of 2020.

The 2021 Mini Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 plug-in hybrid will join the 2021 Mini Electric Hatch which is due to arrive on Australian soil in August.

The 2021 Countryman PHEV adds 50% more driving range by upping the previous model’s 7.6kWh battery to 9.6kWh to compliment a 3-cylinder petrol engine.

Instead of just 40 kilometres range, drivers can enjoy offer 55-61 kilometres of pure electric driving range – more than enough for most daily commuting use.

It has a maximum charge rate of 22kW (achievable on a three-phase AC charger) using a Type 2 plug, and the Countryman PHEV will charge to 80% in 2 hours on a 7kW charger and within 4 hours on a standard wall socket.

In addition to being the only Countryman drivetrain capable of zero emissions driving, the Countryman PHEV is also the only one offering all wheel drive, by adding a rear wheel drive unit connected to the all-electric motor to deliver a combined power output of 162kW.

There are stylistic and technology updates too: two new metallic body finishes, dubbed White Silver and Sage Green, are on offer, as well as a “Piano Black” exterior option that adds a de-chromed, high-gloss back finish to headlamp surrounds, rear lights, grille, door handles and more.

New 19″ alloy wheels are also available as optional extras, while 16″ or 17″ are available as standard. Or, go the whole black accessory hog and opt for the 17″ alloys in Channel Spoke Black or choose the 19″ two-tone Turnstile Spoke alloys.

Inside, all models offer the Piano Black finish in the cockpit and door bezels as standard, complimented with British Oak accent strips. Interior design options also include “Mini Yours” accents with various silver/grey accents.

There’s a technology upgrade also – for the first time, Mini adds the digital dash first launched in the Mini Electric to the Countryman PHEV. This consists of 5″ display sitting behind the steering wheel and an 8.8″ touchscreen that enables access to audio and navigation controls, for which there are two navigation packs available.

While pricing and a firm launch date are yet to be set by Mini, the new Countryman PHEV will sit at the top of the Countryman range and likely cost marginally more than the 2020 model which is priced from $57,200 before dealer and government add-ons.

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