New York City is not an easy place to drive. The traffic is congested, the parking is scarce, and the roads are full of potholes. But that didn’t stop the MINI Countryman E, the plug-in hybrid version of the popular crossover, from taking on the challenge and showing off its versatility, efficiency, and fun factor.
The MINI Countryman E is the first model of the brand to offer a hybrid powertrain, combining a 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. The result is a total system output of 224 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque, which can propel the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.8 seconds. The MINI Countryman E can also drive up to 19 miles on electric power alone, with a top speed of 78 mph. The battery can be recharged in about 3.5 hours using a standard 120-volt outlet or in 2.5 hours using a 240-volt outlet.
The MINI Countryman E is not only fast and efficient but also smart and adaptable. It offers three driving modes: Auto eDrive, which automatically switches between the engine and the electric motor depending on the driving situation; Max eDrive, which prioritizes electric driving for zero-emission trips; and Save Battery, which preserves the battery charge for later use. The car also features the MINI Driving Assistant, which includes various safety and convenience systems, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and parking assistant.
To demonstrate the capabilities of the MINI Countryman E, a team of journalists and influencers embarked on a road trip across New York City, starting from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and ending at the scenic Bear Mountain State Park. Along the way, they experienced the different facets of the city, from the bustling downtown to the serene countryside, and tested the car's performance, comfort, and style.