Mini is gearing up to reveal a small electric crossover SUV concept car in July, which will preview the design language for its all-electric, next-generation model range.
As previously detailed, Mini is looking to move its next-generation of vehicles further upmarket with a cleaner, minimalistic design approach. It dubs this ‘Charismatic Simplicity’.
Inside the vehicles there’ll be different textures and knits used in the place of leather, which is being phased out from the range, along with chrome.
Not much is known at the moment about this upcoming Mini small crossover concept but we know it’ll be all-electric and will be built on a platform that has been developed purely for electric vehicles (EVs).
It’s not confirmed but this small SUV, if it goes into production, could slot between the 3-Door Hatch and larger Countryman. Previous rumours have hinted towards it being called the Aceman.
Mini uploaded a cryptic teaser image for this small electric crossover concept which partially shows its boxy silhouette with what appears to be a roof rack.
There’s also a small glimpse at one of the front wheels and the one of the signature round headlights.
Going off the teaser image, it looks like this upcoming Mini small electric crossover concept is similar to the Smart #1 all-electric crossover.
Previous Mini Electric leaked image
Although it can’t be seen in the teaser image, Mini head of design Oliver Heilmer confirmed that every model in its next-generation range will have a variation of the iconic Union Jack LED tail light signature.
In addition, every model will also have a fully digital OLED instrument cluster and circular infotainment screen with physical buttons underneath.
It’s believed that this new infotainment screen was recently spied in a new-generation Mini Electric hatch.
Vision Urbanaut concept
Based on previous updates from Mini, its next-generation model lineup will include the following cars:
- The classic 3-Door Hatch, available with petrol and electric power. It’s expected to be smaller than the current car
- The Countryman SUV, grown up to take on the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA and with petrol and electric power
- A new SUV to slot between the 3-Door Hatch and Countryman, potentially called the Aceman
- Another premium compact car in an as-yet unrevealed segment, potentially based on the Vision Urbanaut concept
- A new Convertible, due in 2025
As previously detailed, electric versions of the new-generation Mini Hatch are being jointly developed by BMW and Great Wall Motor, and will be built in China.
Petrol versions of the fourth-generation Mini are expected to ride on BMW’s FAAR front- and all-wheel drive architecture, which is an evolution of the UKL platform used by today’s models.
It’s unclear if the electric version of the Mini three-door will ride on the FAAR platform too, or something different.
Mini has previously confirmed the next-generation Hatch will launch in time for the 2023 model year, likely meaning it’ll show its face in the middle of 2022.
The last new Mini model with an internal-combustion engine will be released in 2025, and Mini says 50 per cent of its sales will be pure-electric by 2027.
Come 2030, every single Mini will be electric. That includes the performance-oriented John Cooper Works brand, which will live on with electric power.
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