Adding all-wheel drive capability, the 2016 Mini Cooper and Cooper S Clubman ALL4 are set to join the lineup. Making their formal debut at the New York Auto Show in April and headed to showrooms here later that month, the all-wheel-drive versions of the largest Minis to date will share much in common with their front-drive counterparts.
More capable, more fun
Like the current Cooper and Cooper S Clubman models, the new ALL4 versions will be powered by a 134-horsepower/turbocharged 3-cylinder and 189-horse/2.0-liter turbo four, respectively. Either can be matched with a standard 6-speed manual or 8-speed Steptronic automatic. Unlike the front-drive Clubman duo, the new ALL4 pair feature a power takeoff on the front differential and a dual-section prop shaft that leads back to rear differential with an electro-hydraulical multi-disc clutch. Fully integrated with the Dynamic Stability Control, this slick on-demand system can automatically and instantly transition the car from front- to all-wheel drive.
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The ALL4 relies on numerous inputs to calculate the optimum front/rear power bias at any given moment including wheel rotation speed, longitudinal/lateral acceleration, road speed, accelerator position, engine torque and steering angle along with settings of the driving dynamics system and the standard Mini Driving Modes. By shuttling torque between the two axles as necessary, the ALL4 system can enhance handling prowess under all kinds of driving conditions, including dry-road corner-carving.
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Like the front-drive Clubman Cooper and Cooper S, the new ALL4 variants offer the same level of standard and optional equipment as well as a full roster of personalization touches. The 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman ALL4 will open at $26,750 while the Cooper S Clubman ALL4 is set to start at $30,300.
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