The future battery-electric Mini is going through cold-weather testing.
Mini
- It appears Mini isn’t straying far from its overall formula and styling language.
- Mini has not released details about the all-electric powertrain.
- The brand says a next-generation crossover is in the works, which would help refresh the entire Mini lineup.
BMW’s reborn Mini brought new attention to the brand when the new Mini Cooper launched in the United States in 2002. Lots of new owners have joined the Mini fold as the compact car has been updated in the ensuing years.
Mini’s last major update came in 2013, which means the current Mini Cooper is nearly a decade old. Judging by these teaser images, that aging lineup is about to have a facelift.
It’s hard to tell exactly how the next-generation Cooper looks through the strategically placed camouflage, but it’s safe to say BMW and Mini wouldn’t stray far from the overall formula and styling language.
Even though it’s changing, you’ll still recognize it as a Mini. The company is gearing up to launch the three-door variant of the next-generation Mini first, which goes against the trend of eliminating two-door hatchbacks from automaker lineups.
Mini also notes this teaser Mini is a battery-electric hardtop that’s undergoing cold-weather testing. To date, Mini has not released details about that all-electric powertrain, and the brand also has not mentioned which internal-combustion engines are destined for the upcoming Minis.
Current all-electric Mini Cooper SE on autocross track.
Tom Murphy
What we expect is that this new Mini will still drive like, well, a Mini. The company says it “maximizes the experience for our customers through its electrified go-kart feeling.” It’s promising that Mini is still focused on handling prowess even as the Mini will likely be heavier with the electric powertrain. For example, the current battery-electric Mini Cooper SE sees nearly 400 extra pounds over the base, manual-transmission Mini Cooper’s 2,769-pound curb weight.
We’re expecting more information about the next-generation Mini as it gets closer to the expected reveal later this year. The company also notes that a next-generation crossover is in the works, which would help refresh the entire Mini lineup.
Keyword: Mini Teases the Next-Gen Hardtop in Electric Trim