Mini Reportedly Wants to Build a Proper Off-RoaderMINI (MINI)Mini is best known for its bite-sized Cooper model, but the English-born, BMW-owned automaker has been bucking its own tradition in recent years. The four-door Countryman crossover has been around since 2010, for example—and and it seems Mini's design team sees some off-road adventure potential in the taller, all-wheel-drive Mini.At least that's what Holger Hampf, Mini's design chief, said to BMWBlog during a press briefing regarding the carmaker's upcoming facelifted models. Previously employed at BMW's California-based design consultancy Designworks, Hampf joined Mini late in 2024 and is preparing to unveil his first round of mid-life updates for the automaker. While chatting about the revised cars, Hampf also confirmed that Mini enthusiasts can expect a new generation of models in the early 2030s, with adventure-focused design as a priority.MINI (MINI)"We’ve witnessed the trend of the outdoor lifestyle and driving out of the city to spend some days in nature," Hampf said.AdvertisementAdvertisementMini has ventured off the beaten path before. Back in 2020, the commpany partnered with German rally shop X-Raid to create a lifted, Dakar-inspired version of the compact crossover. The motorsport partnership has since yielded race-ready models with Dakar trophies and wacky concepts. Here in the United States, Mini is currently sponsoring a privateer rally team competing in the American Rally Association series.MINI (MINI)Facelifts for the Cooper and Countryman models are expected by 2027, as clean-sheet versions of both models initially launched in 2024. But this all-new lineup due in the next decade promises to bring fresh perspectives and revive existing sub-brands like John Cooper Works. Hampf reportedly compared the importance of John Cooper Works to BMW's M division, opening up the door to a stronger performance design language.Additionally, the head designer pointed to Mini's collaboration with Deus Ex Machina as an example of the preliminary success of more avant-garde design. The pair of concept models, officially known as the Skeg and Machina, boasted wider fender flares, deep dish wheels, rally light pods, and boyish spoilers. Hampf allegedly suggested that such a positive response to these tuner-styled models could help toned-down production versions come to fruition. Either way, it appears that Mini is pondering its future—and that customers can expect some design language changes.You Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State
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