Mini have manged to slowly but surely build up
suspense for their electrified vehicle, having recently teased us with a
glimpse of the car’s enclosed grille and asymmetrical four-spoke wheels. Unfortunately, neither of those
things are visible in this latest set of spy images, which show a lightly
camouflaged Mini EV prototype still wearing its regular wheels, as well as
older version of the automaker’s lighting units.
We don’t expect the Mini Electric’s interior to be
very different from that of other current Mini products. However, these spy
images reveal that the prototype is fitted with a new digital driver’s display,
looking a little bit like a more oval and much smaller version of Mercedes‘
dual-display setup.
Since it replaces the old gauge cluster, which held
information regarding speed, rpm, fuel level and so on, expect the new display
to house all this info and more, while possibly also offering users the chance
to customize their read-out – as most automakers do nowadays. Then there’s the gearshift lever,
which is also visible. However, it’s the exact same one Mini’s been using on
its latest models.
The previously mentioned aero changes will make the
Mini Electric look a little more like last year’s Electric Concept, with a
similar grille and wheels, and perhaps even similar headlights and taillights. Whether it will also get features
such as the concept‘s side skirts or flush tailgate, remains to be seen.
As for its powertrain, since the old Mini E’s 35 kWh
battery gave it roughly 200 horsepower and a 160 km EV range, we
definitely think this newer car can do a lot better. Mini will unveil their upcoming
electric model sometime in 2019.
