BMW stays faithful to its promises and recently declared that the all-new MINI Electric Concept, announced a couple of months ago, would march side-by-side with other exquisite models within the Group, at the upcoming 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, starting next month.

Offering a “thrilling preview of the all-new electric production vehicle,” the new MINI Electric concept is going to be a highly appreciated city car, delighting its customers with a “window into how pure-electric day-to-day mobility might look in the years ahead.”

Taking a closer look at the media gallery released by MINI, the model is going to be high-tech and futuristic from a visual standpoint and not only, adopting a racing attitude with the new “simulated air intakes” for the sport front bumper, new grille with flanked LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles or fiberglass side skirts.

At the rear, the sporty looks is complemented by the tailgate-mounted spoiler and fiberglass diffuser, adding as well the custom LED taillights with Union Jack accents. Let`s not forget of course the massive 19-inch alloy wheels which increase the concept`s aggressive attitude.

We would have appreciated some details concerning the powertrain as well, but for the moment, MINI wouldn’t comment on that. However, recent reports mentioned something about an extremely powerful electric motor, with an impressive sprint and high-performance characteristics.

BMW President Harald Kruger ensured us that he would reveal full specs at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Until next week, feel free to admire the all-new MINI Electric Concept in the media gallery below!

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post This Is the Upcoming MINI Electric Concept Heading to Frankfurt Motor Show This September appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Gone are the days when we used to enjoy the real pleasure of driving a genuine MINI Cooper or Countryman.

Now, we have to stick to the new politics implied by BMW Group, which follows the current trend of building extremely wide and bulk models. And MINI follows the same idea by now manufacturing extremely wide models, and if the trend keeps on, we will eventually end up driving a genuine MINI SUV.

In fact, the 2017 MINI Countryman is a sort of an SUV, only at smaller scale, the model coming with enormous space inside that would fit a whole living room and family altogether. Even with the new look, the Countryman remains a fun car to drive and destined for family outdoor activities.

The new Countryman is bigger, way to bigger than the previous model, now standing on the BMW`s new UKL architecture and measuring 7.8 inches longer and 1 inch wider. The wheelbase has also received an extra of 2.9 inches. The new chassis automatically makes the interior quite roomy, allowing as well an increased cargo capacity, and enough space for the rear seats to fold down with a 40:20:40 split.

And the video below revealed by CarBuyer magazine highlights the car`s family characteristics. The British carmaker has now understood the need for a genuine family car and acted as such, fitting the new Countryman with plenty of items, gizmos and features destined to satisfy the needs of all family members.

The car`s main highlights remain under the hood, the 2017 MINI Countryman coming with two engines, such as the 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, with 134 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque in the Cooper Countryman, while the MINI Cooper S Countryman packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, developing 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Both mills feature a six-speed manual as standard, but can also be had with an automatic transmission as optional.

You can find out more about CarBuyer`s review in the video below!

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post 2017 MINI Countryman Revealed in Test Drive appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Along with the release of the 2017 MINI Countryman lineup at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, last September, the British based manufacturer has promised that besides the first hybrid (MINI Countryman Hybrid), it would also spawn its first hybrid, starting this year.

And if previous reports stated that the production of MINI`s first EV would start in the UK at the carmaker`s main facility, fresh news state that BMW is actually considering building the model in the Netherlands.

The German carmaker has not officially confirmed the news, but according to a report from the German Automobil Production magazine and some inside sources, it turns out that BMW is indeed planning the production of the all-electric MINI model outside the UK.

The reason is the terms and conditions imposed by the Brexit concerning the manufacturing of new electric vehicles, which are quite restrictive at the moment. Hopefully, the situation would become much clearer at the end of March.

Concerning the hint of the new facility instead of building the MINI EV in the UK, a company representative has declared that “Companies are expecting planning certainty, which will not happen in the spring. A decision has not yet fallen and depends on many factors.”

In order to carry out its plans, BMW will have to close a new deal with Nedcar, which is also helping MINI to build the Convertible, Countryman, MINI Hatchback, as well as BMW`s all-new X1 SUV. More details about the making of the MINI`s first EV will be known at the beginning of May.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Report: MINI`s First EV Might Be Built in the Netherlands appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The John Cooper Works models from MINI have always been a fascination for all MINI fans, and now they have the chance of seeing the latest generation in flash, in the latest details and photos. We are looking here at the most complete JCW Countryman the British carmaker has ever created, from all points of view.

Even if MINI has started building its products bigger and bigger than before, the all-new John Cooper Works seems to be less bulker, the model now coming with a more racing feel which perfectly blends in with a street attitude.

This is mainly highlighted by the car`s new styling elements, which makes it extremely sexy and appealing to the common eye. We are looking here at much larger air intakes at the front apron, adding as well slightly revised LED headlights, while the roof rails or rear spoiler remain practically unchanged, and reminding us of the rugged design that used to make the model extremely famous.

Other important features also refer to the new 18-inch alloy wheels or the new Brembo brakes with four-piston calipers at the front, or the updated suspension, all of them contributing to the car`s agility and advanced driving capabilities.

Inside, the cabin of the all-new 2018 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman feels much more spacious and tweaked with the best materials. The interior`s main highlights refer to the JCW steering wheel, gear and headliner, all of them covered in anthracite, adding as well full panoramic sunroof, backup camera, 6.5-inch MINI Connected infotainment system or rear parking sensors.

There is also good news in the engine area as well, the British carmaker also adding a new edition to the lineup, in the shape of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-engine mill, packed to deliver 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and hooked to a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed Aisin automatic gearbox.

We should be able to witness an official debut at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show, starting April, with the US dealers to have it around the same period.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post MINI Officially Launches 2018 John Cooper Works Countryman appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The all-new Countryman lineup is MINI`s best-selling model for the last six years, all versions now coming available in the United States with interesting prices and exquisite features, and after the appreciation it had in Europe, it will definitely be a blow-up in the US as well.

“The MINI Countryman has been a top selling model since it was first introduced in 2010 and we expect this new generation will be even more popular with existing owners, while also attracting new customers to the brand,” Thomas Felbermair, Vice President MINI of the Americas, declared in an official interview.

Those looking to buy the 2017 MINI Countryman, will have it at their doors starting next March, with pre-orders to kick off much earlier.

The US prices start from $26,100 MSRP for the Cooper version, this one coming with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, developing 124 horsepower and 220 Nm of torque. In case this isn’t satisfying, then you can also get the Cooper ALL4, for $28,100.

Next in kin is the Cooper S with a $29,100 price tag for the 2WD version and $31,100 for the ALL4 variant. Both are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, with 189 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque.

Also, customers looking for the plug-in hybrid version, must wait for the Cooper SE, kicking off next June, with prices to be revealed prior to its arrival in dealerships.

All versions share common features, such as the 6.5-inch high-resolution display for the MINI Connected infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, heated seats, Sensatec Leatherette Upholstery, Panorama Sunroof, keyless entry, parking sensors.

At the exterior, the all-new 2017 MINI Countryman also features automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear view camera, and so on. You can find out more about the new Countryman in the media gallery below!

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post US: 2017 MINI Countryman – Prices Released appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

MINI is currently displaying some of its recent models at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, while also announcing the arrival of its long-expected MINI Countryman ALL4 plug-in hybrid. On the other part of the world, in home country Germany, BMW`s main subsidiary has also presented an interesting JCW Accessories kit for some of its new models.

The JCW Accessories refer to a wide range of mechanics, styling features as well as a power kit, which significantly raises the power of the Cooper S.

From a visual standpoint, the all-new Cooper S three-door and five-door hatchback, as well as the S Convertible, have received a choice of 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, adding sports brake system and valve exhaust silencer, the latter one providing “a distinctive acoustic background to this increase in temperament”, as the carmaker states.

An important upgrade has been also added to the Cooper S versions, the JCW power kit raising the power from 189 horsepower to 208 horsepower. Other features also refer to new body styling tweaks, side stripes, stickers, as well as the Track Fix mount for the GoPro cameras.

Last but not least, the MINI John Cooper Works model has also received the JCW Accessories, meaning new design lines, suspension system, as well as high-performance Brembo brakes. Unfortunately, there are no interesting news concerning the power boost, the JCW coming with the same 2.0-liter flat-four turbo engine, with 228 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque, enabling a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, when hooked to a six-speed manual and 6.1 seconds with an automatic transmission.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post 2016 Essen Motor Show: MINI`s Model Fleet Receives JCW Accessories appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW`s main subsidiary MINI released the gorgeous Countryman lineup just a while ago, with the entire models being already highlighted in latest reviews, media galleries and details. Now, the British carmaker has released the online configurator in Germany.

You can choose between the plethora of available features online, but in case you want to buy the entry-level version, then you can have it from €26,500.

The entry-level Cooper variant comes with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine, developing 136 horsepower, while the Cooped D version is equipped with a 2.0-liter flat-four cylinder engine, and 150 horsepower on board. The D variant is set at €28,500, but can go way too higher if you chose additional features at the exterior as well as inside.

The ALL4 all-wheel drive system is also present online, the carmaker adding an extra €2,000, and can be had with the same Cooper entry-level trim and the much potent Cooper SD. Speaking of the Cooper SD, this lad here comes with 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque on-board and plenty of high-end features inside, the same found on the rest of the lineup.

As for the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 plugin hybrid, this particular variant comes with a conventional 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and an electric motor, which an overall of 221 horsepower and 385 Nm of torque, allowing a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds, via a modified six-speed Steptronic setup. As for the fuel-consumption, the model burns out just 2.1 liter for every 100 km.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post 2017 MINI Countryman – Online Configurator Is Now Available in Germany appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

It has been a while since a MINI model has received the best appreciation and good reviews from an auto magazine, as it recently happened to the 2016 Cooper S Convertible, which is one of the carmaker`s latest super models.

We have heard before great attributes about the 2016 Coopers S Convertible and this road test put together by MotorWeek strongly confirms that this is a worth-driving kind of car. The video below is called – “Road Test” 2016 MINI Cooper Convertible – All Inclusive Droptop” and is offering an interesting view and perspective on the car`s driving dynamics and performance.

In the video, MotorWeek explains the differences in power between the Cooper and the Cooper S; the first one comes fitted with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo with 136 horsepower, while the latter one features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine and increased 192 horsepower. The difference is also reflected in the straight line run.

From 0 to 100 km/h, the MINI Cooper manages no less than 6.3 seconds with the six-speed automatic transmission, while the quarter mile is done in 14.8 seconds, which we might say that they are quite decent figures. However, the car showed extremely impressive driving capabilities.

The one thing that MotorWeek found it a little bit too much was the spicy price, but if you decide to strip off the optional features which cost a lot, then you have a decent price for one of the most outstanding MINIs. Enjoy the video!

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post MotorWeek Road Tests 2016 MINI Cooper S Convertible appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Based on the Countryman is the recently unveiled 2017 John Cooper Works Rally variant from MINI, the racer being the right one to tackle the harsh Dakar rally event. The model is fully-packed with racing mechanics and a plethora of aerodynamics.

The 2017 MINI JCW Rally comes with a lot of aerodynamic features, which make it air resistant, including here wider roof-integrated air intake, carbon fiber honeycomb structure, or Kevlar on the car`s underside, which also includes three spare wheels or two hydraulic lifts.

In terms of mechanics, the model has received the new Reiger Racing Suspension system with two adjustable dampers on each wheel, adding a six-piston brake calipers or 320 mm steel discs. All these mechanics were built up and installed in a collaboration with the X-Raid partnership, which will help the car compete in the Silk Way Rally, starting 2017.

Speaking about MINI`s collaboration with X-Raid, Sebastian Mackensen, Senior Vice President of MINI, has also declared:

“MINI and X-raid, which is a legendary partnership [sic]. Together we have characterized the successful racing history of this famous British brand with four successive victories in the Dakar and the FIA Cross-Country World Cup from 2012 to 2015. Our desire is to work further in this direction and underline the authentic racing competence of John Cooper Works. With the completion of the new MINI John Cooper Works Rally, MINI is perfectly positioned to expand its sporting successes. ”

Under the hood, the 2017 MINI JCW Rally comes fully packed with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel engine, borrowed from BMW, delivering 340 horsepower and a whopping 800 Nm of torque, available at 1,850 rpm.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post 2017 MINI John Cooper Works Rally Is ready for some Dakar Action appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show was the perfect opportunity for BMW`s subsidiary MINI to unveil the long-anticipated 2017 Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, already previewed a couple of weeks ago.

The 2017 MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 plug-in hybrid comes with new styling cues and lots of new features inside, while in the engine department, the model received a high-performance plug-in hybrid drivetrain with impressive power and mile range.

In terms of design, the new Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 comes with distinctive bits that separates it from the rest of the class, like the yellow “S” badge on the rear, yellow “E” badge on the rear, radiator grille and door sill finishers, as well as the new flap found on the front fender which reveals the presence of the power socket.

Inside, the cabin welcomes you with the standard 6.5-inch color screen for the MINI Connected infotainment system in the center instrument panel, with tones of information to be displayed, about charging level of the high-voltage battery or the hybrid`s drive operating mode. Other features also include the instrument cluster on the steering column or the yellow start/stop function.

In the engine department, the all-new 2017 MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 features a conventional 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine and an electric motor, which an overall of 221 horsepower and 385 Nm of torque, allowing a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds, via a modified six-speed Steptronic setup. As for the fuel-consumption, the model burns out just 2.1 liter for every 100 km.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post 2016 Los Angeles Auto: 2017 MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 Plug-in Hybrid Officially Unveiled appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.