Mini has provided another look at its next-generation electric Hatch and will be previewing its next-generation Countryman soon.
The upcoming electric hatchback is currently being tested in the Arctic Circle, before potentially being revealed in the coming months.
Electric versions of the next-generation Mini are being jointly developed by BMW and Great Wall Motor and will be manufactured in China for sale around the world.
The petrol versions of the fourth-generation Mini are expected to use BMW’s FAAR front- and all-wheel drive architecture, which is an evolution of the UKL platform used by the models. car today.
It is unclear whether the electric version of the three-door Mini will also run on the FAAR platform or something different.
Mini previously confirmed the next-generation Hatch will launch in time for the 2023 model year, which likely means it will be revealed in mid-2022.
Previous leaks have suggested that the Hatch will be instantly recognizable as a Mini, albeit with some new touches based on the classic design language. The round headlights remain the same, but the taillights have a new shape and the clamshell bonnet looks dead.
Inside, there’s a minimalist dashboard with fabric upholstery and faux leather straps on the passenger side.
In front of the driver is a steering wheel with only two spokes, as well as a head-up display that replaces the digital instrument cluster.
The brand has also confirmed the next Countryman SUV, which will run on petrol and electric, will be previewed by a concept at some point in 2022.
It also confirmed the next generation Countryman will be carried out in Leipzig, Germany together with BMW X1.
Building on previous updates from Mini, its next-generation model rollout will include the following cars:
- Classic 3 doors Hatch, gas and electricity are available. It is expected to be smaller than the current car
- Countryman SUV, raised to take on Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA and with gasoline and electric power
- A new SUV sits between the 3-door Hatch and the Countryman, likely to be called the Aceman
- Another premium compact car in an as-yet-unannounced segment, likely based on the Vision Urbanaut
- A new convertible will debut in 2025
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Countryman next generation -
Vision Urbanaut
The next-generation 3-Door Hatch is expected to shrink compared to the current car, with a Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur-large SUV model in operation to sit on top of it.
Mini is expected to make the new Countryman bigger, putting it on par with the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
The last new Mini model with an internal combustion engine will launch in 2025, and Mini says 50% of its sales will be pure electric vehicles by 2027.
By 2030, every Mini will be electric. That includes the performance-oriented John Cooper Works brand, which will live on electric power.
