MINI has announced plans to realign its lineup with a focus on expanding electromobility, strengthening their position in China, and enhancing their “commitment in the crossover and premium compact segments.”
Since a lot has happened in the 20 years since the brand was relaunched, MINI is changing with the times. As part of this effort, there will be a “core portfolio of all-electric vehicles” including a three-door hatch and two new crossovers.
However, the brand isn’t going electric-only as they will still offer petrol and diesel engines which “continue [to] be an ideal solution for target groups and regions whose mobility needs are not yet meet by all-electric vehicles.” That being said, the entire lineup won’t be offered with international combustion engines as they’ll apparently be limited to the brand’s “small” cars and upcoming compact crossover.
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The larger crossover will be electric-only, while the next-generation Countryman will be offered with conventional and electrified powertrains.
Speaking of future models, there will be a new vehicle in the “premium compact segment.” MINI didn’t say much about it, but suggested the car will be relatively large as it will “meet the increased demands of many customers in terms of space and versatility.” However, the company noted “Every new model of the brand will continue to be a typical MINI, with a maximum of interior space … achieved on the smallest footprint amongst its competitors.”
To increase sales in China, electric vehicles will be built in the country starting in 2023. They’ll be based on a new architecture and made in cooperation with Great Wall Motor.
While MINI didn’t go into many specifics, they might have dropped a scary hinted about the future of JCW variants. In particular, the company said “John Cooper Works models make up around five percent of total sales for the MINI brand, whilst the electrified models are steadily gaining in popularity.”
