► Mini’s only previous-generation plug-in hybrid
► SUV shape meets hybrid goodness
► Countryman PHEV an intelligent used choice
The Countryman Plug‑In Hybrid (F60 generation) may surprise you – it was the only Mini hybrid until 2023, pairing go‑kart thrills with efficient electrified driving. With BMW‑sourced tech delivering both pep and practicality, it carved a unique place in the compact SUV world.
Should you buy a Mini Countryman Plug‑In Hybrid? If you want a fun, compact SUV that can handle daily electric commuting and flexible longer trips, it’s still worth considering in the used market.
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At a glance
Pros: engaging ride, dual‑motor punch, guilt‑free urban EV range
Cons: reduced boot and fuel tank, no fast charging, heavier than petrol versions
What’s new?
Two years after its debut in 2017, this PHEV was the only electrified Mini until the fully-electric Countryman arrived in 2024. At launch it stood out, and today it remains a rare hybrid in Mini’s model lineup.
Now that Mini has gone full-electric for new Countrymans, this PHEV becomes a rare and unusual choice – and strong value in the used‑car market.
What are the specs?
Power comes from a 1.5‑litre three‑cylinder turbo petrol engine and an 87bhp rear‑axle e‑motor. Initially rated for 29-32 miles of electric‑only range, real‑world figures reach around 15–18 miles. This sounds quite mean now, but for the class of 2017, this level of driving range was quite usual.
The capacity of the battery is 10 kWh (following an upgrade in 2019), and it’s stored beneath the rear bench. Charging from an ordinary socket takes 3 hours and 15 minutes, and a 7.4kW wall‑box should half hat.
How does it drive?
Mini’s fitted 80 lithium-ion battery cells beneath the rear bench, powering an 87bhp motor on the rear axle via a single-speed gearbox. That makes the Countryman PHEV rear-wheel drive in EV mode, delivering 122lb ft of torque. It’s brisk off the line – 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds – and glides around town in near silence, helped by brakes that feel progressive and natural, not always a given in hybrids.
Electric-only range varies: around eight miles in spirited use, but 15-18 miles is more realistic with a gentle touch. When the battery’s depleted, AUTO eDRIVE mode seamlessly brings the petrol engine into play. There’s also a SAVE mode to preserve or recharge the battery for later zero-emission running. The transition between power sources is impressively smooth, and the 1.5-litre triple adds its own bassy charm.
Despite the extra weight, the PHEV still drives like a Mini. It tucks into bends with real agility, the rear motor helping rotate the car with surprising finesse. Power delivery to all four wheels is constantly adjusted, giving it an engaging, all-weather grip advantage over front-drive rivals. The six-speed Steptronic auto shifts cleanly and avoids the droning feel of CVTs.
An e-power dial replaces the rev counter, showing how the hybrid system is behaving – but it’s not the clearest, and takes a moment to decode. The steering is light in Normal but gains heft and precision in Sport, matching the PHEV’s punchy performance. It’s only slightly slower than the old JCW model, and adds refinement, versatility and low-speed civility to the Mini mix.
What about the interior?
The Countryman’s cabin remains familiar Mini territory: retro-flavoured design, chunky toggle switches, and a large central screen housing both infotainment and hybrid readouts. One unique touch is the e-power dial that replaces the rev counter, giving you real-time feedback on the car’s hybrid behaviour. Quality throughout is high, with a premium feel that matches the car’s price tag, helped by BMW-sourced tech and connectivity, including standard Apple CarPlay.
There are some compromises, though. The rear bench is fixed because the battery lives underneath, so you lose the sliding seat base found in petrol versions. The boot shrinks slightly too, dropping to 405 litres thanks to the raised floor, though the backrests still recline and overall practicality remains decent. Rear legroom is unaffected, and two adults can travel comfortably in the back.
Elsewhere, the fuel tank shrinks from 51 to 36 litres to make room for the electric gubbins, which limits long-range driving slightly, though Mini still claims up to 310 miles per fill-up.
Before you buy
Available in Cooper SE trim only, this was a standalone combo of hybrid power and ALL4 options. Its rivals at launch included the BMW X1 PHEV and Volvo XC40 Recharge PHEV – but Mini didn’t refresh the Countryman as quickly as its rivals. Although discontinued in 2023 in favour of electric-only Countryman models, used examples now offer good value.
Interior space and driving driving appeal remain intact compared with newer choices, though newer rivals offer longer EV range. Prices for decent used examples range from £25k-£35k, depending on spec and mileage.
Verdict
The Mini Countryman Plug‑In Hybrid stands out as a left‑field but appealing choice on the used market. It offers a rare combination of proper driver engagement, premium build quality and genuine electric‑only running for short trips. If your daily commute fits within its 15‑mile EV range and you have access to home charging, it can still make a lot of sense.
There are compromises, of course. The small fuel tank and lack of fast charging limit long-distance convenience, and the boot is slightly smaller than in petrol models. But these are balanced by the dual‑motor grip, smart packaging and the fact it still feels like a Mini behind the wheel – agile, fun and just that little bit different from the usual compact SUV suspects.
As newer EVs and hybrids continue to arrive, the Countryman PHEV’s appeal lies in its character. It’s a strong used buy for those who want a bit of everything: style, efficiency, and a surprising amount of substance. Just make sure the charging habits of its previous owner haven’t dulled the battery’s effectiveness.