The Hybrid Countryman

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Dec 17, 2018 | 05:53 PM

dpcompt

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From: Lodi,CA

The Hybrid Countryman

I am on my fourth MINI Hardtop. It's safe to say that I am a MINI fan. BUT, why would anyone buy a hybrid Countryman? I saw on Motoringfile that someone was disappointed that the electric range was only extended X miles. BFD. Why not just buy a Prius? To me, it's either an electric MINI, an ICE MINI, or just buy a Prius. If your so concerned about the environment, why drive a car at all? I just don't see MINI surviving trying to build a hybrid that can get an extra 5 miles on a charge. I can see MINI building fuel efficient ICEs and electric cars.
If your buying a Countryman SE and trying to get some super mpg, why not just buy a Prius and call it a day?

Last edited by dpcompt; Dec 17, 2018 at 06:44 PM. Reason: change

Dec 18, 2018 | 02:51 AM

BMacUC

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Quote:

Originally Posted by dpcompt

Because a Prius ain’t a MINI! Haha, I can’t speak for all SE owners here, but I didn’t buy mine because of mpg. I bought it because it’s super fun to drive and I love the instant torque from the electric motor. In fact, per testing from Car and Driver, the SE is actually faster 0 to 60 than the S model. I was actually considering a model 3 before buying the SE because I love the feel of an electric car, but I drive a lot for work and all electric just doesn’t make sense. The SE was a perfect compromise for me, still get the MINI look and feel with the electric driving I love and unlimited range since it still has an ICE. Just my two cents.

Dec 18, 2018 | 05:34 AM

ECSTuning

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From: Wadsworth, Ohio

Because a MINI is more fun to drive.

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Jan 7, 2019 | 08:20 PM

Graysojj

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The electric mode is meant more for short city trips, while the ICE takes over for longer ones. A few folks I have met who have looked at or purchased the F60 PHEV's live only a few minutes from their work, so they are able to commute on almost pure electric power, and still have the ICE if they want to take a longer trip, whereas with a pure plug-in vehicle you don't have that flexibility necessarily.
The hybrid is very torquey as well, I was really surprised the first time I drove it, the braking is quite responsive also. Working for a dealership, I have driven the ICE F60 and the hybrid F60 back to back multiple times and there really is a pretty noticeable difference in acceleration.

Jan 10, 2019 | 08:31 AM

SuperMattyP

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I would hold off until the full EV version is released later this year or early next. I bought a PIH thinking I would need the gas engine a lot more than I do. If I had slightly more range then I wouldn't use it ever. The new miniEV has about 300% more range than I've found I ever really need.

Just my $0.02 (adjusted for inflation)

Jan 10, 2019 | 10:15 AM

MiniAndo

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Joined: Jan 2017

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From: MN

Sounds like OP hasn't driven one. We had one as a loaner while the R61 was in for service. Really cool car, electric mode works fine around town, and it can get up and go when you want it to. Price tag ruined it for me, but I could see where people would be really into it.