MINI Teases New 2023 Hatch, Confirms Next Countryman And EV Crossover

MINI is moving fast into the electric era with three officially confirmed new model debuts in the following years before becoming an all-electric brand in the early 2030s. Both the new-generation MINI Hatch and the successor of the Countryman in the premium compact segment will debut in 2023, followed by another fully-electric crossover in the small segment.

Starting with the MINI Hatch which has always been the core model of the brand, the all-new generation will be available in both ICE-powered and BEV variants. MINI said that “cars with highly efficient petrol and diesel engines will continue to be an ideal solution in future for target groups and regions where the mobility requirements are not met or not yet met with all-electric drivetrains”, thus keeping the ICE alive for a few more years.

Read Also: MINI Urbanaut Concept Might Lead To A Production Minivan, Company Says At Munich Motor Show

Official pictures of a camouflaged prototype show an evolutionary styling approach similar to the previous three generations from the 2001 reboot. The new MINI stays true to the three-door bodystyle with similar proportions to its predecessors. It appears smaller than before with enlarged headlights, shorter overhangs, large-diameter wheels, and the signature greenhouse.

Despite being fully electric as hinted by the stickers on the doors, the model keeps the characteristic bonnet scoop and the large grille which is mostly covered. Despite the camo, at the back we can see a roof-mounted spoiler and new taillights. We don’t have pictures of the interior but we expect a minimalist styling approach similar to the MINI STRIP by Paul Smith concept car with clever use of colors and a leather-free upholstery.

The MINI Hatch which will be produced in Oxford, UK, is expected to ride on a shortened version of the evolved FAAR platform that is set to underpin various BMW Group models including the 1-Series, 2-Series Active Tourer, X1, X2, and Countryman.

Speaking of the Countryman, MINI officially confirmed its successor as a crossover in the premium compact segment that will be available with both electrified and conventional powertrains. It will be built in BMW Group Plant Leipzig in Germany, alongside the BMW X1/X2 siblings. The model that is set to grow in size, will implement “creative solutions” in terms of space, comfort, and increased variability inspired by the MINI Vision Urbanaut concept.

See Also: 2024 MINI Countryman Makes Spy Debut Revealing Bigger Footprint

Last but not least, the British brand is also developing a smaller, fully electric crossover. This model will be manufactured at a “newly constructed automobile plant” in China starting from 2023 as with all “new models of the small-car segment developed for e-mobility”. When it arrives in the market it could rival the upcoming Smart electric crossover, and other future electric B-SUVs.

MINI has confirmed it will present its last new ICE-powered model in 2025. The goal is for electric vehicles to make up 50 percent of MINI’s global sales by 2027, before becoming an all-electric brand at the beginning of the 2030s. The electrification will also affect the John Cooper Works sub-brand since MINI is already working on electric JCW concepts.