MINI, the iconic British brand synonymous with urban driving fun for decades, is entering a new era of mobility. At the IAA Mobility 2023 in Munich, the brand unveiled two new members of its all-electric family: the new MINI Cooper and the new MINI Countryman. Both models showcase the brand's distinctive design, advanced drivetrain technology, and immersive digital user experience.
The new MINI Cooper: the original reinvented
The new MINI Cooper is the fifth generation of the classic 3-door model that started it all. It retains the hallmark MINI features, such as the round headlights, the octagonal grille, and the creative use of space. But it also adds a modern and purist touch, focusing on the essentials and reducing visual clutter.
The new MINI Cooper is available in three variants: the MINI Cooper, the MINI Cooper S, and the MINI Cooper SE. All three are fully electric, offering locally emission-free driving and an electrified go-kart feeling. The MINI Cooper SE is the most powerful of the trio, with an output of 160 kW/218 hp and a range of 402 kilometers determined in the WLTP test cycle.
The new MINI Cooper also features a state-of-the-art digital user experience powered by the MINI Operating System 9. This system enables touch and voice control, over-the-air software upgrades, and a full-fledged voice assistant. The system also integrates seamlessly with smartphones and smartwatches, allowing drivers to access various functions and services remotely.
The new MINI Cooper is fun to drive and responsible and sustainable. All variations of the model feature seats in high-quality Vescin artificial leather, while all textiles and yarns for the seat, knitted surfaces, vehicle headliner, and floor are made from recycled materials.
The new MINI Countryman: adventure-ready
The new MINI Countryman is the first MINI "Made in Germany." It will be built at the BMW Group Plant in Leipzig, one of the world's most modern and sustainable automotive factories. The plant is also expanding its e-component production capacity by eight production lines by 2024 and investing more than 800 million USD.
The new MINI Countryman is a crossover model that combines MINI's urban flair with an SUV's versatility. It has grown in size and offers passengers more space, comfort, and safety. It also has wider wheel arches that enhance its rugged appeal.
The new MINI Countryman is also fully electric, with a flat, high-voltage battery that saves space and allows more room for luggage. The battery also provides a long-range and fast charging capabilities. The exact specifications of the battery and the drivetrain have not been revealed yet, but they are expected to be competitive in the segment.
The new MINI Countryman also benefits from the same digital user experience as the new MINI Cooper, with the MINI Operating System 9 and its various features and services.
The future of MINI: all-electric, digital, and distinctive
The new MINI family is just the beginning of MINI's journey towards an all-electric future. By 2030, the brand plans to have a fully electric model range. The next model to join the family will be the MINI Aceman, a crossover in the premium small car segment that will premiere in April 2024.
MINI is not only reinventing itself with electric mobility but also with digital innovation. The brand is leveraging the know-how of the BMW Group in software development to create a cutting-edge technology package that enables a seamless and immersive user experience.
But despite all these changes, MINI remains true to its core values: distinctive design, urban driving fun, creative use of space, and responsible attitude. These values have established a loyal fan base for MINI worldwide, and will continue to inspire more people in the future.
The new MINI family is tailor-made for urban target groups worldwide looking for a premium vehicle that offers both excitement and sustainability. With its all-electric drivetrain and digital user experience, it sets new standards in its respective segments.
The new MINI family is all-electric, digital, and distinctive. And it's ready to take on the challenges of modern mobility.
