Available since 2017, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman All4 began production with a mini electric range of just 12 miles. The 2020 model nudges this up to 18 and tacks on a couple more mpgs of efficiency. The range of this vehicle including gasoline is now 300 miles, facilitated by its 134-horsepower, 1.5-liter inline-three engine that drives the front wheels. The 87 hp electric motor powers the back wheels, enabling all-wheel drive.

The S E Countryman’s AWD is “intelligent,” adjusting power between the front and rear wheels for added grounding, responsiveness, and agility. A Dynamic Stability Control unit facilitates this intelligence, analyzing road conditions and the driver’s accelerator input to provide the ideal blend of traction for maximum stability. Under normal operation, only one of the motors supplies power to a single set of wheels. An efficient all-electric mode, driveable to 77 mph, achieves 65 MPGe. Combined, however, the two motors produce 221 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque for a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds.

The S E Countryman has MINI’s signature two-tone, flat-roofed exterior. On the inside is a standard infotainment system with a 6.5-inch color screen in the center dash. The display shows battery life and the hybrid drive mode. An optional technology package includes satellite navigation and a high-resolution 8.8-inch touchscreen.

For those with short commutes, this Mini PHEV is an economical option for an all-wheel drive plug-in.