MINI is moving fast into the electric era with three officially confirmed new model debuts in the following years before becoming an all-electric brand in the early 2030s. Both the new-generation MINI Hatch and the successor of the Countryman in the premium compact segment will debut in 2023. Starting with the MINI Hatch which has always been the core model of the brand, the all-new generation will be available in both ICE-powered and BEV variants.
Official pictures of a camouflaged
prototype show an evolutionary styling approach similar to the previous three
generations from the 2001 reboot. The new MINI stays true to the three-door
bodystyle with similar proportions to its predecessors. It appears smaller than
before with enlarged headlights, shorter overhangs, large-diameter wheels, and
the signature greenhouse.
Despite being fully electric as hinted by
the stickers on the doors, the model keeps the characteristic bonnet scoop and
the large grille which is mostly covered. Despite the camo, at the back we can
see a roof-mounted spoiler and new taillights. We don’t have pictures of the
interior but we expect a minimalist styling approach similar to the MINI STRIP
by Paul Smith concept car with clever use of colors and a leather-free
upholstery. The MINI Hatch which will be produced in Oxford, UK, is expected to
ride on a shortened version of the evolved FAAR platform that is set to underpin
various BMW Group models including the 1-Series, 2-Series Active Tourer, X1,
X2, and Countryman.
Last but not least, the British brand is also developing a smaller, fully electric crossover. This model will be manufactured at a “newly constructed automobile plant” in China starting from 2023 as with all “new models of the small-car segment developed for e-mobility”. When it arrives in the market it could rival the upcoming Smart electric crossover, and other future electric B-SUVs. MINI has confirmed it will present its last new ICE-powered model in 2025. The goal is for electric vehicles to make up 50 percent of MINI’s global sales by 2027, before becoming an all-electric brand at the beginning of the 2030s. The electrification will also affect the John Cooper Works sub-brand since MINI is already working on electric JCW concepts.
