Opinion: It’s Time for the Countryman Hybrid to Return and Here’s How To Do It

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Last year, we posed the question: Did MINI make a mistake by not keeping a plug-in hybrid in its lineup? With EV sales varying by market and charging infrastructure still a major hurdle, it’s starting to look like MINI should have retained the plug-in hybrid Countryman. But there’s good news—it would be relatively easy for them to bring it back. Here’s how.

In some markets and for certain brands (though not yet MINI), EV sales are slowing for a variety of reasons. At the same time, hybrid sales are surging, with many buyers seeing them as the ideal bridge between electrification and the still-developing charging network. Could this shift in consumer demand be enough to make MINI reconsider hybrids? We think so.

Years ago, MINI made a clear decision to go all-in on either full EVs or internal combustion engines (ICE), completely bypassing hybrids. This commitment was so strong that MINI opted not to develop a plug-in hybrid Countryman, even though BMW offers one in the closely related X1. But with demand shifting, could MINI reverse course?

Why A Countryman Hybrid Could Change the Game

First, let’s talk about the new BMW X1 Hybrid and why it represents such a leap forward from the previous Countryman PHEV. It combines a 150-hp combustion engine with a BMW eDrive unit for a total output of 177 hp. The real standout, though, is its electric range—56 miles, a massive improvement over the 18 miles offered by the F60 Countryman Hybrid. That’s enough range for most commutes, effectively making it a pure EV for those with access to home charging.

Could MINI Actually Make This Happen?

Developing a new vehicle takes years, but given the shared architecture between the Countryman and X1—and the fact that the hybrid system is already developed—MINI could potentially bring a plug-in hybrid Countryman to market in as little as 2-3 years. If that timeline holds (a big if), we could see a return of the hybrid Countryman by 2026 or 2027.

But here’s where things get complicated. The current U25 Countryman is scheduled to end production on December 31, 2030. If MINI sticks to that timeline, a plug-in hybrid version would only be on sale for about three years. Is that make it worthwhile?

Could MINI Extend the Countryman’s Lifespan?

This all assumes MINI will stop producing the Countryman in 2030. We believe MINI could push back the end of production for the Countryman allowing MINI even more time to recoup any investment in a new hybrid. With the UK and the EU allowing hybrid sales until 2035, MINI has room to extend production—potentially keeping the Countryman on sale in plug-in hybrid form until the phase-out deadline. If that happens, we could see another multi-stage refresh (similar to what we saw with the F56 over the past decade).

And let’s not forget North America, where the Countryman PHEV could be a hit. Given the region’s vast geography and underdeveloped charging infrastructure, a plug-in hybrid MINI could be a smart move.

What Do You Think?

Should MINI bring back the plug-in hybrid Countryman? And if they did, would you buy one? Let us know in the comments.

The post Opinion: It’s Time for the Countryman Hybrid to Return and Here’s How To Do It appeared first on MotoringFile.

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