MINI Teases New Electric Crossover Concept; Debut In July 2022
Highlights
- New electric crossover concept to debut in late July 2022
- Mini says its new models will move away from using leather and chrome
- New models to retain details like toggle switches & Union Jack tail lamps
MINI shared the first teaser for an all-electric crossover concept that is set to debut by end-July 2022. Alongside the teaser, the company also shared details on its new Charismatic Simplicity design language and what customers could expect from MINI's upcoming new generation models. MINI confirmed that its next-gen range of hatchbacks and SUVs would be designed from the ground up with electric mobility in mind with both the new 3-Door and Countryman replacement running all-electric drivetrains.
“Purely electrically powered models from MINI give us a unique opportunity to rethink our design. At the same time, we retain the attention to detail, sense of tradition and passion for innovation that MINI is renowned for,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design.
Leaked images of the new Mini 3-Door from 2021 reveals an evolutionary design.
Starting with the teaser, the image revealed a part of the upcoming crossover's front fender along with a silhouette of the model from the rear. Design details visible included a short front overhang, prominent wheel arches with cladding, cladding on the bumper and what looks to be the iconic rounded MINI headlights. The silhouette visible in the image meanwhile paints the picture of a model that is likely to get a design that has evolved from the company's current models.
This stays in line with the images of the new MINI 3-Door that surfaced online last year which revealed that the company's latest design will be an evolution of its current models.
MINI has said that its new-gen models will be more efficiently packaged than the current models offering greater comfort inside while retaining its fun-to-drive character. The company also confirmed details of its new model's interiors previously seen in spy images such as a circular central touch screen display and the retention of the toggle switches on the centre console.
“We combine the core of the MINI DNA with innovative, aesthetic and technological inspiration in our new design language. This means that every new MINI remains a genuine and at the same time future-proof original,” said Heilmer. The company citied the example of its iconic Union Jack tail-lamps which would use the latest developments in LED technologies to be displayed in different ways on different models.
Tail lamps will use the latest in LED technology to light-up in union sequences based on the model but retain the iconic Union Jack pattern.
The company also confirmed that its upcoming models would reduce the use of leather in the interior along with a near-complete reduction in the use of chrome-finished components.
Also read: Upcoming New Mini Cooper EV Undergoing Cold Weather Testing
Mini has been extensively testing the new 3-Door on international roads for a while now while the upcoming concept is likely to preview the successor to the Countryman.
Image Source: Motor1.Com and Motoring File
Last Updated on June 23, 2022