MINI

New generation of electrified MINI, adventure on ice

The new MINI family is doing its warm-up laps, and it works best on ice and snow in the bitter cold of the Arctic Circle. The future MINI is carrying out its dynamic driving tests at the BMW Group's winter test center in Arjeplog, Sweden. MINI's future model will be fully electric and is now completing an important chapter of its series development process with winter testing in Sweden. The electric powertrain, high-voltage battery, power and charging technology of the prototypes are already demonstrating their high degree of maturity in extreme sub-zero temperatures. The snow-covered roads and specially prepared areas on the icy lakes also serve as ideal test tracks where you can test, refine and synchronize all issues related to transmission, steering and chassis.

MINI once again launches its fifth generation with the MINI 3-door as the first model of the new MINI family. With its vehicle concept oriented towards the fun of all-electric driving from the start, the new MINI is ideal for offering the inspiring agility that characterizes the brand and the creative use of space that guarantees plenty of interior space and a small footprint.

The future MINI 3-door will be complemented within the new MINI family with the successor to the current MINI Countryman. The new best-selling model in the premium compact segment will be offered with both a combustion engine and an all-electric one. Also this year, MINI will present the concept of a crossover model for the small premium car segment.

“MINI is on a growth path and is heading towards an all-electric future. Our iconic 3-door MINI maximizes the experience for our customers through its electrified karting feel combined with digitized touchpoints – and a clear focus on sustainability with a minimal environmental footprint,” says Stefanie Wurst, Chief Executive Officer of the MINI brand.

The future MINI 3-door continues the concept of urban driving fun that has been successful for over 60 years. In the future it will be applied in an even more purist and sustainable way. This is especially clear in the design of the classic bodywork version. Electrification offers designers the opportunity to think fundamentally differently and create new starting points for MINI's distinctive combination of individual style, attention to detail, a sense of tradition and a passion for innovation. The design of the new MINI goes back to its history, uses the latest technology and creates maximum emotions combined with a minimum footprint.

The inspiring driving characteristics of the new MINI 3-door are optimally perfected at the winter test center in Arjeplog. With each lap over snow and ice, test engineers can fine-tune the electric motor's spontaneous power development, control systems to optimize traction, cornering behavior, suspension characteristics and damping, as well as as the character of the steering and braking system. The integrated application of all propulsion and chassis systems allows for a mature degree of overall harmony, which will help the later production model to offer a coherent and characteristic MINI balance between karting feel and driving comfort.

Autonews