Meet the New MINI… and its Designer

WORDS Steve Smith

The all-electric MINI has just had its global unveiling. Here are the first images and a video of an interview VISI editor Steve Smith did with its designer, Oliver Heilmer.

Since the relaunch of the brand at the turn of the millennium, the MINI has reinvented without neglecting its own origins and tradition… namely a small vehicle that’s hugely fun to drive, offers a surprising amount of space and excellent fuel efficiency.

Now in its fifth generation, this latest generation sees it on its way to becoming an all-electric brand, with the all-electric MINI Cooper and it’s bigger sibling, the Countryman. They also represent an new design direction for the brand – one that head of design Oliver Heilmer and his team call “Charismatic Simplicity”. MINI describes it as combining the traditional MINI values with progressive innovations in a particularly authentic way, reducing the vehicle design to the essentials.

MINI Cooper

The MINI Cooper 3-door still represents the core of the brand and, as an all-electric vehicle, it’s available in the Cooper E variant and the Cooper SE that has a higher output and range. Within the new MINI family, “Cooper” refers to all MINI 3-door and 5-door models, as well as the MINI Convertible.

In the three-door Cooper, the design aesthetic is characterised by short overhangs, a short bonnet, a long wheelbase, and big wheels – all typical MINI. As are design cues in the visual three-part division into the vehicle body, the surrounding window area and the contrasting roof. The classic round headlights and the striking octagonal grille remain the dominant features of the front section, and they get new daytime running light elements for the LED headlights and the Matrix LED taillights with three different settings on all new vehicle models. Flush door handles, the absence of fender flares and side scuttles underline the clear and modern overall impression.

Inside, the dashboard’s design harks back to the minimalist design of the classic Mini with a slim and generous dashboard and a multifunction steering wheel for hallmark MINI go-kart feeling. The 240 mm diameter central OLED display, called the MINI Interaction Unit, is home to the MINI Operating System 9, which has been optimised for touch and voice control. It features the new MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant that’s activated by saying the words “Hey MINI”. It controls numerous functions with voice control, allowing you to concentrate on driving. The dash’s toggle bar has been reduced to five switches and this includes all driving functions.

And if you’re looking for a gearshift, you won’t find one … it’s been eliminated to create additional storage space between the front seats. In the wireless charging area in this storage space, mobile devices can be charged and conveniently accessed at any time.

The new interior also features textile surfaces made by a specially developed knitting process that creates an easy-care, versatile structure of the two-colour textile. All trims feature seats in high-quality Vescin artificial leather, while all textiles and yarns for the seat, knitted surfaces, vehicle headliner and floor are made from recycled materials.

The MINI Cooper E generates 290 Nm of torque thanks to a 135 kW electric motor, while the MINI Cooper SE gets 160 kW electric motor with 330 Nm. MINI quote 305 km range for the Cooper E, and 402 km for the Cooper SE.

MINI Countryman

MINI also revealed images of the a new all-electric MINI Countryman. Higher, longer, and with an additional six centimetres in height and thirteen centimetres in length, the new Countryman has grown noticeably compared to its predecessor, given its passengers more space, comfort, and safety.

Wider wheel arches and a clear, modern design enhance the Countryman’s crossover aesthetic appeal. It features new upright Matrix taillights that frame the rear of the vehicle and, below the model lettering, the body tapers across the entire width and, together with the striking, all-round vehicle band in black, emphasises the Countryman’s enhanced presence.

The MINI Countryman E gets a 150 kW electric motor that generates 250 Nm of torque, while the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 gets a motor on each axle for all-wheel drive and a combined torque of 494 Nm. MINI quote 462 km range for the Countryman E, and 433 km for the Countryman SE ALL4..

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