One wonders why Mini has actually only just come up with the idea of equipping its largest and most versatile model with all-wheel drive. The answer is simple: the previous generation of the Clubman did not share its substructure with the 4 × 4 Countryman. But this is the case now. When Countryman number two is launched in the coming year, it and the Clubman will be based on the UKL2 platform developed by BMW, which, by the way, is also found under the 2 Series Active Tourer.
Technically speaking, the all-wheel drive - Mini calls it ALL4 - is a so-called hang-on principle. As soon as the sensors register that the front wheels are starting to spin, the system sends drive torque backwards at lightning speed. And it doesn't always have to be the much-quoted surface of ice on which the front wheels stand. ALL4 reacts and distributes part of the torque to the rear even in sporty corners - physically, the inner wheel is always relieved, so it can no longer apply force to the asphalt. The driver of course does not notice anything. At most, he notices that the corner is crisp, because in the all-wheel-drive clubman firstly there is an electronic differential lock and secondly the mini is one of the best corner robbers in its segment even without all-wheel drive. Only he has the proverbial go-kart feeling.
The marketing strategists have not coupled the four-wheel drive with all engines. Unfortunately. For example, the normal Cooper version with 136 PS is missing. Dealers, especially in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and also from the USA, had only reported the top engines to the sales team. In any case, Clubman customers usually choose the more powerful engines, according to the Mini-Zentral in Munich.
So if you want better traction (especially in winter), you have to dig deep into your wallet. For petrol engines, it is the two-liter four-cylinder with 141 kW / 192 PS, i.e. the Cooper S variant. It costs 27.500 euros even without all-wheel drive. The technology under the car floor adds another 2.000 euro. If you also want the eight-speed automatic, the Clubman ALL4 is only at the door with 31.450 Euro.
We drove the Cooper SD, the most expensive horse in the stable. In contrast to the front-wheel drive version, it is only available with automatic. The base price of 33.500 Euro is correspondingly high. And anyone who knows Mini knows that it never stays that way. No other small car has a longer surcharge list and more options for customization. The latter is part of the brand philosophy of the British cult brand.
However, the two-liter diesel engine is not the better recommendation. The four-cylinder developed by BMW sends powerful 400 Newton meters of torque into the gearbox and offers confident start from low engine speeds. But it is quite loud when turning up and has a very short speed band. The sportier and higher turning is much more fun in the petrol engine, and fits the character of the Clubman better. But the diesel engine is more reluctant to consume fuel. According to the standard, it should be 4,8 liters, half a liter more than without all-wheel drive.
In practice, you should make friends with six to seven liters. After all, the Clubman All4 with 1.465 kilograms is not a lightweight. The developers have already paid attention to every gram. For example, the PTO shaft turns back 1,75 times faster than the output of the right-angle gear (called power take-off). As a result, less torque acts on the shaft and it can be made thinner, which in turn saves weight. If you add all the components together, the All4 drive only weighs 60 kilograms.
You shouldn't drive off-road with the Clubman. The ground clearance of 14 centimeters is too low for this. Damage to the underbody - and thus to the drive train - would be programmed. Off-road vehicles usually start at 18 to 20 centimeters.
The All4 customer does not have to accept any losses with the so-called package. Despite the rear-mounted multi-plate clutch - technically it is called Haldex 5 - and the two drive axles and differential, the trunk remains in full size. The two characteristic doors (split doors) at the rear open on the side and offer access to a 1.250 liter loading space. When the rear seats are set up (optionally 40: 20: 40 divided), it is 360 liters, which is only lower than average in the segment, but huge for mini-conditions. The little Englishman has never been bigger and more versatile. (Michael Specht / SP-X)