Four months after the launch of the combustion-engine MINI Countryman, the all-electric version has started rolling off the production lines at Leipzig. This marks a significant milestone in the MINI brand's journey towards full electrification by 2030.
Production Expansion at BMW Group Plant Leipzig
The BMW Group Plant Leipzig, once the birthplace of the BMW i3, continues to embrace electric mobility by adding the MINI Countryman Electric to its production lineup. The plant now manufactures four models with three different drive types by two brands, all on a single production line. These include the BMW 1 Series, the BMW 2 Series: Active Tourer (including the plug-in hybrid version), Gran Coupe, and the MINI Countryman in both its fully electric and combustion-powered versions.
Features of the MINI Countryman Electric
The MINI Countryman Electric offers an electrified go-kart feel combined with zero local emissions mobility. It is available in two fully electric variants:
- The Countryman E, with 150 kW (204 hp) and an electricity consumption of 17.4 – 15.7 kWh/100 km, and CO2 emissions of 0 g/km.
- The more powerful all-wheel Countryman SE ALL4, with 230 kW (313 hp) and an electricity consumption of 18.5 – 16.8 kWh/100 km, and CO2 emissions of 0 g/km.
Advancements in Battery Production
With the launch of the MINI Countryman Electric, the BMW Group Plant Leipzig now represents all three stages of the Gen 5 high-voltage battery production process: cell coating, module production, and battery assembly. Operations in all three areas are currently ramping up, with five cell-coating lines, three module-production lines, and two high-voltage battery-production lines now in place.
The introduction of the MINI Countryman Electric is a significant step in the MINI brand's transition to full electrification. It not only reinforces the commitment of the BMW Group to sustainable mobility but also highlights the continued expansion and innovation in electric vehicle production at the Leipzig plant. As the automotive industry moves towards a greener future the MINI Countryman Electric sets a new benchmark for electric mobility with its blend of performance, efficiency and zero emissions.