The future of mobility is now – welcome the new MINI family
MINI is steadfastly advancing its journey towards an all-electric lineup, setting the stage to unveil two additions to the new MINI family at the IAA Mobility 2023 – the new MINI Cooper and the new MINI Countryman.
The new all-electric MINI Cooper is a 3-door model in its fifth generation, maintaining the brand's iconic design and delivering urban driving fun. The new MINI Countryman has grown in size for greater passenger comfort, space, and safety – even off the pavement with all wheel drive. Both models are fully electric, allowing for emissions-free driving. They combine distinctive design, advanced drivetrain technology, and an immersive digital experience to forge a unique position in their respective segments. The MINI DNA is taken to a new level with electrified go-kart feeling and immersive user experience.
The design of the new MINI family
The MINI family's new models boast a purist design that perfectly blends the urban character of MINI with the innovative spirit of the MINI community. With short overhangs, a short bonnet, a long wheelbase, and big wheels, these models showcase the typical MINI proportions. An instantly recognizable feature is the visual three-part division into the vehicle body, the surrounding window area, and the contrasting roof. The all-electric MINI Cooper and the MINI Countryman stand out with their meticulously treated details, including flush door handles and the absence of fender flares and side scuttles, resulting in a clear and modern overall impression. The distinct shoulder area adds an athletic touch to the new MINI models.
The new MINI Cooper – design, interior and performance
Introducing the fifth model generation, the MINI Cooper 3-door continues to embody the core essence of the brand. It is available in two all-electric variants – Cooper E and Cooper SE, providing higher output and range. "Cooper" is used synonymously to refer to all MINI 3-door and 5-door models, along with the Convertible.
Its thrilling design features include iconic round headlights and an octagonal grille, with black side sills visually bringing the vehicle closer to the road. Four trims – Essential, Classic, Favoured and JCW – provide further differentiation.
The Cooper E boasts of 135 kW/184 hp electric motor with 290 Nm torque and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds; whereas the Cooper SE offers 160 kW/218 hp motor with 330 Nm torque and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. Their respective ranges determined through WLTP test cycles are 305 kilometres for the Cooper E and 402 kilometres for the Cooper SE.
The new interior design of the MINI Cooper harks back to classic Mini designs with a slim dashboard and multi-function steering wheel. The central OLED Display, the MINI Interaction Unit, sets a new standard for high resolution. Voice control is available via the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant which can be activated by saying "Hey MINI". A reduced toggle bar provides access to all driving functions and is placed beneath the circular instrument. The gearshift has been eliminated, creating additional storage space with wireless charging capabilities for mobile devices. The interior experience is primarily created by two-colour textiles designed using special knitting processes. Special light projections expand the user interface across the dashboard, enhancing feel-good factor with customisation options. All trims of the all-electric MINI Cooper feature seats in high-quality Vescin artificial leather. All textiles and yarns are made from recycled materials.
The new MINI Countryman – design, interior and performance
The new MINI Countryman is 6 cm taller and 13 cm longer than its predecessor, allowing for more space and comfort. Its modern crossover aesthetic includes wider wheel arches and elegant design of the C-pillar that varies with the vehicle trim. Matrix taillights frame the rear of the vehicle, while a striking all-round black vehicle band complements the model's presence.
The MINI Countryman E offers 150 kW/204 hp and 250 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. The MINI Countryman SE ALL4 has 230 kW/313 hp and 494 Nm of torque, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. According to WLTP testing, the MINI Countryman E has a range of 462 kilometres, while the SE ALL4 is 433 kilometres.
The interior of the new MINI Countryman provides maximum adaptability and comfort with a clearly designed dashboard, woven textile surfaces, and eight MINI Experience Modes. The MINI Operating System 9 has been optimised for touch and voice control with an OLED display, a customisable user interface, new engine sounds, and more. The two-spoke multifunction steering wheel with optional textile strap adds to the driving fun in the cockpit. Flush mounted door handles, a tinted panoramic glass roof, front and rear seats with clear shapes offer an especially bright and spacious atmosphere. Increased body size provides additional headroom and legroom while four trims (Essential, Classic, Favoured and JCW) give the model a distinct character and offer a level for individual expression.
Pictures: MINI