MINI Cooper and Countryman EVs to be unveiled at IAA Mobility 2023

author: FutureCar Staff    

This year's IAA Mobility event in Munich will feature 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 set to be unveiled at the event.

The exterior styling of the new MINI Cooper has already been revealed, showcasing a simplified design compared to the outgoing model. Notable design elements include a mostly blanked-off front grille with an octagonal shape, round integrated 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, taking inspiration from the original Mini. The display serves as the centrepiece and features a thin bezel. The speedometer is displayed within the centre circle, along with additional information such as the current gear and remaining range. There is no conventional instrument cluster, but a head-up display will likely provide essential driving information.

The new Cooper also features a redesigned panel that houses the gear selector switch and controls for select vehicle functions. The physical air-conditioning controls have been relocated higher on the panel, omitting the toggle switches found in the outgoing model.

The fully electric version of the Cooper, known as the MINI Electric, will be available in two variants. The first variant, known as 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 come with a 54.2-kWh battery and 215 hp. These battery capacities exceed that of the previous MINI Electric, offering an expected range of 300 to 400 km.

The new Cooper will also be offered with combustion engines in addition to electric powertrains. The hatchback will likely be manufactured in China through a joint venture between BMW Group and Great Wall Motor called Spotlight Automotive Limited. The combustion engine Cooper will be built at Plant Oxford in the United Kingdom.

The third-generation MINI Countryman, which will also be unveiled at the IAA Mobility event, is confirmed to be longer and taller than its predecessor. It will be 130 mm longer and 60 mm taller, providing improved headroom. Production of the Countryman will begin at BMW Group Plant Leipzig in November and will mark 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 electric variant, known as the E, will have a front electric motor rated at 191 hp. The SE variant will feature an additional electric motor at the rear, providing all-wheel drive and 313 hp. Both options will have a 64-kWh battery with an estimated range of up to 450 km.

More information about MINI's next-generation line-up will be revealed at the IAA Mobility 2023 event, which will also showcase other models and the latest G60 5 Series' plug-in hybrid variants.

Source: paultan.org

FutureCar Staff