Mini’s electric transformation began with the Mini Electric. Now its replacement has been spied.
Though the current Mini Electric is the brand’s only electric car at present, the company is transitioning to an EV-only line-up by the early 2030s.
The next-generation Mini hatchback range is reportedly set for a 2023 launch.
It was due sooner, but the BMW Group extended the lifespan of the current car “for cost reasons and because of Brexit”.
The extension of the current car’s lifespan led Mini to give the seven-year old car a second facelift this year.
The next generation Mini isn’t expected to look much different due to the brand’s evolutionary design language.
A closer look at this Mini Electric prototype reveals headlights that appear larger than the current car’s and a windscreen that looks to have a steeper rake.
There don’t appear to be any circular elements in the interior, though this is still a prototype.
It’s not yet known whether the new car will produce more power or achieve superior range.
The current Mini Electric has a front-mounted electric motor producing 135kW of power and 270Nm of torque.
Claimed driving range is 233km on the stricter WLTP cycle.
The next-generation Mini three-door and five-door hatchbacks will be some of the last products from the brand to offer an internal combustion engine.
Mini has said it’ll introduce its last new vehicle with combustion power “as early as 2025”.
With the Countryman expected to debut in 2023 and an upcoming, smaller crossover developed with Great Wall Motors set to offer only electric power, it isn’t clear what the last petrol/diesel Mini will be.
In addition to the hatchbacks and Countryman, Mini also sells the Clubman wagon and the hatch-based Mini Convertible.
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