Mini has taken a long time and rested on the existing portfolio, now the departure into a new generation should finally begin. The first family members will be on display live and in colour at the IAA trade fair in Munich in September. Of course, a look into the scenes of the testing already gives an idea of what is in store for the not exactly small fan base, starting in spring 2024.
Holger Appel
Editor in business, responsible for "Technology and Motor".
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It is a range consisting of three basic shapes, the classic Mini now always bearing the name Cooper, the even larger SUV Countryman and an Aceman model in between. The two-door model is 3.86 meters short, is unmistakably Mini on the outside and makes a design leap in the interior.
The traditionally large round speedometer in the middle remains, otherwise there are some new lines to discover, which, as we state after a first unofficial inspection, look modern and successful. The Cooper will also be available as a four-door and, for this, the British deserve a place in the sun in Bavarian service, as a convertible.
Not in full bloom until 2024
The vigorously applying Countryman measures 4.43 meters in the future, the Aceman approaching in the middle comes in the guise of a crossover derivative to 4.07 meters, it will not be shown in full bloom until 2024 and drive exclusively electrically.
Basically, gasoline engines and electric drives are planned in parallel, from the year 2030 Mini wants to offer only electric models. With the electric Cooper, Mini is based on a Chinese cooperation partner, the Ora Funky Cat recently presented here is considered a sister model. The Cooper and also the Aceman derived from the four-door Cooper will be produced both in China and at a later date in the UK.
The electric models come in two power levels, they have 183 or 217 hp (135 or 160 kW), with 40 or 54 kWh battery standard ranges of 300 to 400 kilometers should be possible. The Countryman comes up with 190 or 272 hp, 64 kWh battery capacity and 420 to 440 kilometers standard range, it carries the most BMW in its genes and is built in Germany.
Just like the Mini brand, the sub-brand John Cooper Works, which focuses on consistent sportiness, will also be electrified, although electrified does not automatically have to mean fully electric. Interim solutions are deleted. In the future, Mini will dispense with plug-in hybrid drives, i.e. the combination of battery drive that can be charged at the socket and a combustion engine.
The confidence in the new electricians, who will finally offer a useful range in the future, is apparently reaching a new dimension, because the previously artificially drawn limit of the maximum speed of 150 km/h is also falling.