Mini teases new crossover EV

Mini is changing its design language and is teasing a new electric crossover that will be officially unveiled by the end of July. The company is moving to what they call Charismatic Simplicity with every new model having a strong individual character. Minis of the future will have a restrained and clean look.

The design language will be applied across the brand's lineup and the interiors of the new models will not only be more minimalist but will no longer use leather or chrome. All materials used in the future cars will be chosen with a “keen eye on sustainability”. In plain English it means: say hello to recycled plastics, natural fibers, gray and brown colors. Cows across the fields in England must be celebrating with spontaneous parties.

What else can we expect from next generation Minis? Same old unmistakable look, the new design language will simplify things a bit but a Mini will be a Mini - a medium sized car pretending to be much smaller than it really is. The circular center console will be replaced with a industry first round display - fully operational touch controlled. It will be the only screen in the car - there will be no display behind the steering wheel. The car will retain some physical controls according to designers - lets hope they mean the classic toggle switches are staying.

The classic Union Jack incorporated into the tail light of current models will be waved goodbye. Instead each new Mini will have distinctive lights for onlookers to be able to tell one from another. Mini is supposed to share the new FAAR platform with the upcoming BMW X1 developed together with Chinese automaker Great Wall. All we know so far is that the battery is expected to have 50kWh capacity - nearly twice of the current Mini Cooper SE.

The EV versions of the new Mini will be manufactured in China with the fossil fueled models still coming from the production line in Oxford, England. With this new teaser the Mini is poised to revive a long forgotten name - Paceman. It will be followed later by the Countryman and all the usual Mini lineup. Hurry up July - lets see if this new Mini can still live up to its heritage.

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