While the BMW i3 will say goodbye to its production next July, its Mini cousin continues its trajectory to try to occupy the space that this one will leave. To achieve this, Mini is working on the fourth generation of the popular compact that will have an electric version and that has been hunted during winter tests.
If Mini wants to go all-electric from 2030, it needs to start ramping up its offering as soon as possible. Something that seems to happen in 2023 with the arrival of the fourth generation of a model that will stand out for its electric proposal.
As we can see in the photos, the next MINI will follow the guidelines of the current generation adding some modifications. For example, the headlights have a flatter design and give it a slightly more modern look.
It maintains the huge octagonal grille, now it is practically completely blinded, and according to rumors, it will come painted in the same color as the rest of the bodywork. A front that highlights the presence of a huge radar that is expected to serve to operate a driving assistance system.
Although elements such as the black pillars and the floating roof remain, MINI has not wanted to err on the side of continuity and “boring”. For this reason, it has introduced a small revolution in the rear of the vehicle, which loses its characteristic rectangular pilots in favor of new triangular optics joined by a black band. This configuration gives a more aggressive look to the flirtatious urbanite.
In the photos, it seems that the new Mini will finally live up to its name and will not grow in size. Rumors indicate that the three-door version will be closer to the length of the 2000 MINI Hatch Mk1 (3.63 meters long) than the 2013 MINI Hatch Mk3 (3.85 meters long), something that could mean the return of MINI to segment A (urban).
The passenger compartment, meanwhile, will have a simpler and more minimalist design, with a Head-up Display behind the steering wheel and a huge round screen presiding over the interior. In addition, the newcomer will launch a new customization program within the brand (the dashboard “will have surfaces that will act as canvases that the customer can adapt to his needs”).
What can we expect when it comes to motor, batteries, and autonomy? If nothing changes compared to the current three-door MINI Cooper SE, the engine will have a power of 135 kW (184 hp) and will pull from the front wheels, with the batteries being 32.6 kWh gross and 28.9 kWh useful.
But it is to be expected that BMW will apply some novelty, such as the installation of the battery with 120 Ah cells from the i3, which will allow, if the platform allows it, to reach 42 gross kWh or 37.9 useful kWh. Enough to substantially improve the current autonomy and reach 300 km WLTP and raise its charging power to at least 100 kW.
