Mini publishes some images of its next city car in an electric Cooper version, in the middle of a test session in very cold weather. The British manufacturer is revealing new information on its future models.
Mini is currently testing the next generation of its three-door city car in a 100% electric version not far from the Arctic Circle, more precisely in Arjeplog, Sweden. The car is subjected to tests in extreme conditions, serving both to make the components of its powertrain more reliable and to refine its road behavior. The pictures of these sessions published by the manufacturer reveal some new details, although the car still appears camouflaged, while a copy had already been photographed without disguise last year in China.
Discreet but noticeable changes
The general silhouette of the car is not really a surprise. These new images confirm a slightly shortened front overhang compared to the current model, a steeper windshield, an elongated roof spoiler on this Cooper variant and flush door handles. These are not retractable, however, but tilting, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer style. The biggest visual change is in the rear lights, which take on a triangular shape that widens outwards. Posing alongside its four predecessors, the future Mini has proportions that remain close to those of the fourth generation.
On one of the photos, we can distinguish some elements of the instrumentation. Facing the driver will be a small digital dashboard that could evoke the Volkswagen ID. A head-up display should be offered in addition, and a leak last winter revealed a large central disc-shaped screen.
Mini on the way to all-electric
This new version of the most famous of the British city cars will be offered in thermal as in electric. Like the current one, it will be available in three-door, five-door and convertible versions. Models for the European market will still be produced in Oxford, England, while Chinese-spec electrics will be produced locally by the joint venture between the BMW and Great Wall groups.
The three-door will drive the massive electrification of Mini, which aims to become a “zero emissions” brand by the start of the next decade. The range will be completed by a new Countryman larger than the current one. The vehicle will be produced in Leipzig (Germany) and will also offer the choice between thermal and electric. There will also be an exclusively electric B-segment urban SUV that will be prefigured by a concept car in 2022. All these models will be marketed between 2023 and 2024.
TO READ. Min. The future of the exclusively electric brand from 2030
