Like hardly any other manufacturer, MINI knows how to keep its finger on the pulse of times through constant transformation without, however, throwing its own history and tradition overboard. On its way to becoming an all-electric brand, MINI is now presenting two of its most important models in a new, pared-down design language that is more digitalized and customizable than ever.
Nothing less than a »reinvention of the original« has been announced by MINI in recent months – with the Concept Aceman concept car presented in July 2022, there was already a first glimpse of the future design language, the immersive digital experience and the new material concept that will shape all future model generations. On September 01 2023, the time had come and MINI presented its first two members of the new model family in the run-up to the IAA: the new all-electric MINI Cooper and the equally new MINI Countryman.
Both vehicles are united by the now electrified, but still brand-typical go-kart driving experience, comprehensive digitalization and the completely revised modern design, which aims to focus on the essentials. at MINI, »Charismatic Simplicity« is the name given to this new, very reduced design language, which repeatedly borrows from the original MINI by Alec Issigonis. It thus combines the traditional values of MINI with forward-looking innovations and the »MINImalistic« design approach.
Short overhangs as well as a long wheelbase and large wheels: the proportions of the new MINI Cooper and the Countryman – which is also significantly taller and longer than its predecessor – are more »typically MINI« than ever. The visual division into three parts in the vehicle body, the all-round window area and the contrasting roof also underscore the desire for the design to return to the traditional core values of MINI. Flush door handles, the absence of fender flares and side scuttles also emphasize the clear and modern overall impression. The defined shoulder area gives the new MINI models a decidedly athletic vehicle body.
Inside, the front-end design cites the minimalist design of the Classic Mini with a sleek and spacious dashboard. The central OLED display aims to set new standards with its particularly precise display – thanks to its high resolution – and contributes to the increased presence of the round instrument. The newly designed and equally reduced toggle bar with five switches is located directly below it, one of the few analog relics in the otherwise largely digitalized new model family.
Up to seven »Experience Modes« bring the interior to life optionally. Special light projections then extend the colors of the circular instrument across the entire dashboard, extending the overall experience of the user interface into the interior, while new customization options give customers the opportunity to add their own personal touch to the vehicle design.
The textile surfaces dominate the overall impression of the interior. A specially developed knitting process creates a special structure of the two-tone textile design, which, like the yarns for the seat, knitted surfaces, vehicle headliner and floor, comes from recycled materials. In this way, the new MINI family also clearly wants to signal the brand’s responsible attitude and shows that an innovative sustainable material concept and an emission-free drive are in no way at odds with comfort and premium mobility. Sir Alec Issigonis, known to be a visionary when it comes to resource conservation and energy efficiency in harmony with the greatest possible driving pleasure, would probably be quite pleased and might even have implemented the current reinvention of the original in exactly the same way. [RED]
