MINI is working on a replacement to the ageing Clubman estate, set to share its underpinnings with the new Countryman
- Petrol and electric powertrains
- Traditional hatchback bodystyle
- Not expected until at least 2024
The MINI lineup as we know it is soon to be turned upside-down as the BMW-owned brand makes the transition to electric power. While the MINI Countryman SUV is set to get even larger to make way for another smaller crossover model called the Aceman, there’s still space for a new model to replace the soon-to-be-discontinued MINI Clubman estate.
Speaking to our sister publication Auto Express, new MINI boss Stefanie Wurst said a new “large and flat” model is “feasible”, hinting at the fact the British brand is working on a replacement for the quirky Clubman family car. However, Wurst clarified that this will take on a “new body type”, suggesting that the upcoming car won’t necessarily get the Clubman’s polarising split tailgate, miniature-estate design.
Our exclusive images show what we expect the MINI Clubman’s replacement to look like; a traditional family hatchback silhouette is sure to increase the car’s appeal and put it directly in-line with rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf and Mercedes A-Class. It’s also likely the new model will take many design cues from MINI’s Aceman concept car, such as its angular headlights, pixelated Union Jack tailights and circular infotainment touchscreen.
Under the metal, the new MINI family car will sit on BMW’s FAAR architecture, which is also set to underpin the upcoming third-generation Countryman SUV. This has been designed to support both combustion engines and fully-electric powertrains, meaning we could also see an EV variant to rival the Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born. Petrol-powered cars will likely use small, yet efficient engines, with mild- and plug-in hybrid assistance.
As exciting as this all sounds, this new model is still a couple of years away; MINI is set to reveal its revised hatchback – set to be named the Cooper – in late 2023, with the aforementioned Countryman and Aceman SUVs to follow soon after that. Therefore, it’s unlikely that we’ll see the Clubman replacement arrive before 2024, perhaps even being revealed in 2025.
Keyword: MINI Clubman replacement to take on the Volkswagen Golf and ID.3