New Mini family takes quantum leap in digital age

Since the relaunch of the Mini brand at the turn of the millennium, Mini has developed into a premium vehicle range while also continuing to reinvent itself without neglecting its own origins and traditions. 

On its path to becoming a fully electric brand, Mini is presenting two of its most important models.

The new vehicles enable locally emission-free mobility and allow Mini drivers to adapt them to their different lifestyles and requirements. The hallmark Mini creative use of space offers maximum flexibility as well as enabling a high degree of variability in terms of interior design.

The user experience has taken a noticeable technological leap with Mini Operating System 9, which has been optimised for touch and voice control. The round OLED display, the Mini Interaction Unit, is both an instrument cluster and a centre of experiences and comfort.

Textile surfaces revolutionise the aesthetic appeal of the interior by reducing it to the essentials and adding a new level of wellbeing and warmth.

The new Mini family takes driving fun, the user experience and the responsible attitude of the brand into a new era, a comprehensive transformation that is reflected in the new design language, “Charismatic Simplicity”. This combines the traditional Mini values with progressive innovations in a particularly authentic way and reduces vehicle design to the essentials.

The new models of the Mini family share a purist design that includes short overhangs, a short bonnet, a long wheelbase and big wheels. The visual three-part division between vehicle body, the contrasting roof and window area also ensures that the new models are instantly recognisable. The surfaces of the all-electric Mini Cooper and Countryman feature integrative treatment of details including flush door handles, the absence of fender flares and side scuttle.

The vehicles character is reinforced by new daytime running light elements for the LED headlights and matrix LED taillights.

The all-electric Mini Cooper

The Mini Cooper still embodies the core of the brand. As an all-electric vehicle it will be available in Cooper E and Cooper SE variants featuring higher output and range. Within the new Mini family Cooper refers to all three-door and five-door models and the Convertible and is no longer used as a description of engine specification.

The classic round headlights and striking octagonal grille are dominant features of the front section, the structured bonnet contributes to the intriguing surface design and black side sills move it visually closer to the road. Four different trims ensure a distinct character.

The Mini Cooper E offers 135kW and 290Nm while the Cooper SE has 160kW and 330Nm on tap, which facilitates a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6,7 seconds. Range determined by the WLTP test cycle is 305 kilometres and 402 kilometres respectively.

The interior design has been simplified with a slim and generous dashboard and new multifunction steering wheel. The central OLED display, the Mini Interaction Unit, sets a new standard with its high resolution and increased size of 240mm and the Mini Intelligent Personal Assistant can be activated by saying the words “Hey Mini”. A newly designed toggle bar with five switches includes all driving functions and is ideally positioned below the circular display.

A specially developed knitting process was used to create the easy-care, versatile structure of the two-colour textile that contributes to a new interior experience.

The new Mini Countryman

The Mini Countryman has grown noticeably compared to its predecessor. Wider wheel arches and a clear modern design enhance the crossover appeal of the rugged Mini adventurer while the upright shape of the new Matrix taillights frame the rear of the vehicle. Below the model lettering, the body tapers across the entire width which together with the striking all-round vehicle band in black, emphasizes its enhanced presence.

The electric motor in the Mini Countryman E offers 150kW and 250Nm and a range of 433km. The electric motors of the all-wheel drive Mini Countryman SE ALL4 generate a combined torque of 150kW and 494Nm, allowing this model to sprint to 100km/h in 5,6 seconds while boasting a range of 433 kilometres.

The interior of the Countryman is the largest and most versatile of any Mini model to date thanks to a high degree of adaptability. The clearly designed dashboard and door panels are covered with woven textile surfaces and their design is co-ordinated with eight different Mini experience models. The Mini Operating System 9, which has been optimised for touch and voice control, together with the central OLED display with a diameter of 240mm and many new, digital functions of the Mini Connected Package, noticeably raises the level of driving fun. Four available trims – Essential, Classic, Favoured and JCW offer different design and equipment levels and give the new Mini Countryman a distinctive character.

Local availability

The South African launch date for the new Mini family is yet to be confirmed.