We have seen next generation mini hardtop a few times, but under a significant amount of vinyl camouflage. But it appears the Mini was careless and someone managed to snap photos of a completely uncovered prototype, shared by Twitter user Greg Kable. While the front end is a fairly predictable update, the rear end and interior are the big differences.
New MINI @MINI@BMW @BMWGroup @GWMGlobal pic.twitter.com/GFq55Rw2ai
– Greg Kable (@GregKable)
December 10, 2021
The face will be very familiar to those who have seen it a current Mini. The sizable grille includes a large contrasting frame and bodywork color sub-center, with a few small holes at the top and bottom. Overall, it seems to be a bit smaller than the current model and has a thinner frame. The headlights are round as ever, but appear a bit larger, and now they have small lines at the top and bottom that almost look like cute eyelids. Interestingly, the hood no longer has a hole for the headlights and the higher trims.
The profile, as far as we can tell, remains the typical Mini. The only real change there is the replacement of the pull handles with flush mounts.
At the rear is where the major exterior changes take place. The previous diamond-shaped taillights are gone, replaced by an angular trapezoid. They feature black trim overlays, and they blend into the black trim that spans the hatch. The lights also appear to be part of the hatch and will likely come on with the hatch when it opens. The rear fender looks wider than the front compared to the greenhouse, giving this new Mini a lower and wider appearance. This particular prototype has an S badging that looks like a greenish yellow, so we believe it could actually be an SE electric model.
Moving inside, the new Mini retains some of the classic design cues, but reinterprets them with modern technology and a minimalist theme. The dashboard is dominated by a large, slim circular display that evokes the round display and gauge cluster from more classic and modern Minis. There’s also no gauge cluster in front of the driver, so the center display will likely display driving information alongside other infotainment functions. The driver at least has a smart display, so there will still be the ability to display speed and other information right in front of the driver. We’re pleased to see that the large touchscreen is accompanied by a physical controller underneath it, and that they look as neat and stylish as the Mini.
We are expecting the next generation Mini to be revealed next year, possibly the 2023 model. It will continue. available with an internal combustion engine, as well as an electric variant. But it will likely be one of the last Internal Combustion Minis, as the brand is aiming for fully electric by 2030.
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