Mini announced that the new generations of the Cooper and the Countryman will premiere together on September 1st. The automaker chose to reveal the EV variants first, leaving their already-confirmed ICE-powered siblings for a later date.
The double debut will be broadcast live from Munich, Germany, on Friday, Sep 1st at 11.00 a.m. CEST (5:00 a.m. EST). Both MINI models will be exhibited at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich which opens its doors on September 5, before production starts at the BMW Group’s Leipzig plant in Germany.
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The latest teaser which is actually the preview photo of the video premiere only shows the evolutionary silhouette and lighting signature of the Cooper and Countryman EVs, although we have already seen them in the flesh. Besides the countless official photos of camouflaged prototypes, MINI has shown the exterior and interior design of the upcoming Cooper, while the Countryman has been spotted driving around fully undisguised. So here’s a recap of what we know about the new models as of today.
MINI Cooper E and SE
Photos: MINI
Starting with the new MINI Cooper it retains the three-door hatchback bodystyle of its predecessor, which has become a rarity in today’s world. The exterior is instantly recognizable thanks to the familiar silhouette and characteristic design traits including the round headlights, large grille, black pillars, and the white roof.
Inside, the new MINI family – including the Cooper – will feature a round OLED touchscreen as the centerpiece of the minimalist dashboard. The central display measure 9.4 inches, running on the Android-based MINI Operating System 9 with a virtual assistant named Spike and different skins thanks to the available “experience modes”. We also expect extensive use of sustainable materials for the upholstery, floor mats, and other components of the leather-free cabin.
MINI has already announced the specifications of the EV hatch. The entry-level MINI Cooper E will come equipped with a single electric motor producing 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and a 40.7 kWh battery, while the Cooper SE will get a 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) electric motor and a larger 54.2 kWh battery. There will also be a fully electric JCW variant with even more power although its specifications have yet to be announced. Range figures are estimated between 300-400 km (186-249 miles).
MINI Countryman E And SE
Photos: Baldauf
The new MINI Countryman shares its underpinnings with the BMW X1 and iX1, allowing it to offer the option between EV and ICE powertrains although the PHEV model will be discontinued. The crossover will be 130 mm (5 inches) longer than its predecessor, stretching to 4,429 mm (174.4 inches), something that translates to a more spacious cabin.
MINI has already given us the specs of the two electric variants. The Countryman E will be fitted with a single electric motor producing 188 hp (140 kW / 191 PS). The more potent Countryman SE ALL4 will get dual electric motors producing a combined 308 hp (230 kW / 313 PS), just like the BMW iX1. The EVs will share the same 64.7 kWh battery pack offering a maximum range figure of 450 km (280 miles) for the less powerful variant.
More details about the MINI’s upcoming EVs will be revealed in three days time in the video below.