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MINI Cooper plug-in hybrid on the way

Photo: BMW Group
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Guillaume Rivard
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Set to write a brand new chapter, the MINI Cooper will soon go electric in the form of a plug-in hybrid model, the company has just announced. The series development process is nearly complete, apparently.

Rest assured, driving enthusiasts: It won’t be solely focused on efficiency. And as far as the chassis and suspension are concerned, nothing changes from the conventionally driven variants.

“With this model we want to convince MINI customers of the benefits of hybrid drive and impress everyone who already has hybrid driving experience with MINI’s unique go-kart driving feel,” said Head of MINI brand management Sebastian Mackensen.

The MINI Cooper plug-in hybrid looks just like the regular Cooper, except for a few minor differences. The start/stop button in the middle of the dashboard glows yellow instead of red, while the tachometer in the instrument cluster has been replaced with a power display. The car always starts silently in electric mode.

While EV range has yet to be specified, AUTO eDRIVE standard mode permits speeds of up to 80 km/h, while in MAX eDRIVE mode speeds of up to 125 km/h are possible. In SAVE BATTERY mode, the combustion engine powers the car and the high-voltage battery can retain its charge at a constant level or increase it via a generator.

With the instant torque delivered by the electric motor under acceleration, we are very anxious to find out how explosive and how much more fun the MINI Cooper can get. Stay tuned!

Guillaume Rivard
Guillaume Rivard
Automotive expert
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