Mini wants to expand its portfolio. Among other things, a small city SUV is planned below the Countryman.
Where does Mini go? Is the British car brand moving the switch to fully electric mobility as consistently as Smart, for example, did? At least it would fit. With its cool, urban image and the highest lifestyle factor in the segment, Mini would be predestined for a complete electrification of the model range. But BMW's strategists are just as quick to throw the combustion engines, not even the diesel, on scrap. More like the Munich core brand, the “Power of Choice” path is chosen. In other words: The customer can choose between gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric models. This is particularly important in markets that are still far behind in terms of electromobility.
More electrical power
But an electrical start has been made. The Mini Cooper SE has been on the road since this year. The Countryman is currently only available in electrified form as a plug-in hybrid, most recently with an electric range of over 60 kilometers. The concept works. In Europe, over a quarter of customers opt for the part-time Stromer within the series - which represents around 30 percent of total sales. The trend is increasing, according to a brand spokesman. However, a fully electric version can only be expected with the next generation. Debut: probably 2024. Whether the Countryman will keep its name is currently being discussed at BMW. They are supposedly planning a second SUV below the Countryman and thinking about a new nomenclature for both models. The city crossover will be based on the UKL1 architecture and is intended to attract customers primarily in Europe and China.
The renewal of the three-door Mini (F56) should actually be in the coming year in terms of life cycle. Instead, there will be a second facelift in 2021, internally called LCI (Life Cycle Impact), in order to keep the model as young as possible until it is replaced (late 2023, early 2024). The same applies to the five-door (F55) and convertible (F57). And the electric Mini is also getting its first facelift. However, it is more of a cosmetic nature. Those who hope for a larger battery and a longer range will be disappointed.
Changed design
Only the second generation of the Mini Cooper SE will have these amenities. It is considered to be the most important step in the brand's electrification strategy. On the one hand, the design of the next electric mini should differ significantly from its combustion brothers and, moreover, should not come from Oxford, but from China. Last year BMW entered into a joint venture with Great Wall Motor. The name: Spotlight Automotive Limited. Together they plan the development of a separate electrical architecture. The Mini SE and various small cars from Great Wall will be built on it. Series start: around 2024. The new E-Mini as a convertible has not yet been approved. Although it would be very useful from a lifestyle point of view, the chances of it being realized are rather poor.
The replacement of the Clubman should also be on the program for 2024. It is quite possible that it will also have a different name in the next generation. On the other hand, the plans for a purist “Mini-Mini” below the F56 are off the table. Even if some nostalgics would certainly want such a model, it is neither economically nor reasonably feasible from a safety point of view.