MINI Cooper and Countryman EVs debut at IAA Mobility 2023

author: FutureCar Staff    

This year's IAA Mobility event in Munich will showcase two world premieres from MINI, both of which are electric vehicles (EVs). The fourth-generation MINI Cooper and third-generation MINI Countryman have been teased over the past few months and are highly anticipated.

The exterior styling of the new Cooper has already been revealed, showcasing a simplified design compared to its predecessor. Notable design features include a front grille with an octagonal shape, integrated round headlamps, and triangular taillights connected by a trim piece at the rear.

Inside the redesigned Cooper, there is a circular OLED touchscreen display measuring 9.4 inches in diameter. The display takes inspiration from the original Mini and includes the speedometer, current gear, remaining range, and other crucial driving information. The physical air-conditioning controls have been relocated and redesigned to accommodate the gear selector switch and controls for select vehicle functions.

The fully electric Cooper, likely to be known as the MINI Electric, will be offered in two variants. The first variant, the E, will have a 40.7-kWh battery and a front-mounted electric motor rated at 180 hp. The second variant, the SE, will feature a 54.2-kWh battery and 215 hp. These battery capacities exceed the previous MINI Electric model and are expected to provide a range of 300 to 400 km.

Interestingly, the new Cooper will also be available with combustion engines alongside the electric powertrains. The hatchback will likely be manufactured in China through a joint venture called Spotlight Automotive Limited, while the combustion engine Cooper will be built in the United Kingdom at Plant Oxford.

As for the Countryman, there are no photos of the crossover without camouflage, but teaser images suggest a familiar shape. The new Countryman will be longer and taller than its predecessor, offering improved headroom. Production of the Countryman will begin in November at BMW Group Plant Leipzig, marking the first time a MINI model is produced in Germany.

Similar to the Cooper, the Countryman will be available with both all-electric and combustion engine powertrains. The all-electric options include the E variant, featuring a front electric motor rated at 191 hp, and the SE variant, which adds a second electric motor at the rear for all-wheel drive and 313 hp. Both options will have a 64-kWh battery and an estimated range of up to 450 km.

The IAA Mobility 2023 event in September will provide a more complete picture of MINI's next-generation line-up, including the Cooper and Countryman. The event will also feature the debut of other models and plug-in hybrid variants of the latest G60 5 Series and the Vision Neue Klasse.

Sources: - paultan.org - bmwblog.com

FutureCar Staff