Reviving the Joyful Essence of the Original: Electric Minis

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【Summary】The new generation of Mini cars, including the Mini Cooper and Mini Countryman, are going electric and embracing a more minimalist design. The cars feature a simpler design language and a more integrated and streamlined appearance. Both models have an interior dominated by a circular touch-screen information display and the ability to select different driving modes.

FutureCar Staff Sep 06, 2023 6:40 AM PT

Reviving the Joyful Essence of the Original: Electric Minis

The BMW-era Mini has never been known for its small size. Over the years, cars have gotten bigger for various reasons, such as safety and battery sizes. However, the original 'new' Mini from 2000 fit nicely into the compact city car class.

Now, the fifth generation of the Mini has been unveiled ahead of the 2023 IAA International Motor Show in Munich. Alongside it is the third generation of the larger Mini Countryman. Both cars are available in all-electric versions, marking the first time for the Countryman. The design language of both models has been simplified and pared-back.

Mini refers to this new design approach as 'Charismatic Simplicity'. It aims to reset the distortion that has occurred over three generations, bringing back the original Mini's simplicity. The surfaces have been smoothed off, and elements like the rear lights have been integrated more seamlessly into the car's overall design.

There seems to be an influence from Paul Smith's minimalist Mini Electric on these new models. The materials and surfaces are rendered with less fuss, creating an overall minimal look.

The new Mini Cooper SE EV, shown here in two-door high-spec SE trim, is particularly impressive. The interior is dominated by a 24cm circular touch-screen information display, which is the evolution of the original Mini's central speedometer.

Other notable features include the abstracted houndstooth dash pattern and the new Mini Operating System 9, which includes an 'intelligent personal assistant' and seven different driving modes.

The larger Mini Countryman has also received tech upgrades and shares many features with its smaller sibling. It offers integrated semi-automated Level 2 driving and sophisticated self-parking capabilities. While both models will be available with traditional combustion engines, Mini is emphasizing the capabilities of the electric versions. The Countryman will have a range of around 287 miles, while the smaller Cooper will have ranges of 190 miles in 'E' trim and 250 miles in 'SE' trim.

Both the new Mini Cooper and Mini Countryman will be released next year. It will be interesting to see how they perform in real-world conditions.

MINI Cooper Electric will be available from £30,000 in spring 2024, while the MINI Countryman will be available from £28,500 in February 2024.

For more information, visit Mini.co.uk.