IT might still be under camouflage, but that hasn’t stopped head of MINI brand management Sebastien Mackensen and head of MINI series management Peter Wolf previewing the first MINI plug-in hybrid from the British premium brand.
Designed to give the expected MINI fun, combined with zero tailpipe emissions, we understand that the development process for this new car, powered by a combustion engine and electric motor, has almost been completed.
The electric motor transmits its power to the rear wheels, with battery under the rear seat, the combustion engine to the front wheels.
Outside, despite the camouflage in the pictures, it does not look any different from another MINI prototype. In fact, the charging socket is discretely hidden in the left side scuttle.
Move inside and the basic interior outline, although again covered in disguise, doesn’t look much different from any other current generation MINI. However, we’re told the start/stop button glows yellow instead of red. Another change is the replacement of the rev counter with a power display.
This power display is particularly useful, as the MINI hybrid starts silently in full-electric mode, before the combustion engine starts.
Full use of the electric motor’s entire torque is available from start, meaning the hybrid will feel fast right from standstill. Around town, the AUTO eDRIVE mode allows full-electric driving at speeds up to 50mph. Choose MAX eDRIVE mode and speeds of up to 78mph are possible with zero tailpipe emissions.
When the combustion engine starts apparently depends on the speed and how hard the accelerator pedal is pushed.
MINIs sell on their keen driving experience and although hybrid-powered, we’re promised this one won’t disappoint. MINI are claiming that the only change over the standard car is the addition of eDrive components, which are positioned low down at the rear. As such, the low centre of gravity and weight is evenly balanced between this MINI’s front and rear axles.
Other clever features of the forthcoming MINI hybrid is that the intelligent energy management fitted is linked to the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). This means that if there is any risk of drive slip, the electric drive unit in the back is used to provide additional grip when starting off, or giving an extra level of steering precision when cornering.
There’s also a Save Battery mode, where this MINI runs with just combustion engine power, while at the same time, the high voltage can retain a constant level of charge – or even increase the charge, so this car could run on purely electric power later on.
Mackensen said of the MINI hybrid: “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.”
We’re expecting more details on the MINI Hybrid in a couple of weeks and Business Car Manager will share them with you as soon as we have them.
