The next Mini Cooper could come as a gasoline engine model, hybrid, or electric vehicle

Image: BMW (illustrative)

The development of the next generation of the Mini Cooper has already begun. According to Autocar, the upcoming model is set to undergo the most significant transformation since BMW acquired the British brand three decades ago. This involves a shift from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive.

The new Cooper is said to be built on BMW’s Gen6 platform. This architecture serves as the foundation for the company’s electric vehicle platform called “Neue Klasse,” which will first be introduced under the core brand with the SUV iX3 and sedan i3. Since this platform is primarily designed for rear-wheel drive (with all-wheel drive as an option), Mini’s powertrain concept could change fundamentally.

Currently, the smaller front-wheel drive units for Gen6 platform all-wheel drive variants do not come equipped with transmissions, which might make true front-wheel drive difficult to implement. BMW’s head of development, Joachim Post, was cautious about the technical implementation. In an interview with Autocar, he said the company would choose “the optimal solution for the overall package” and that pure driving pleasure would be a priority in future models.

The current Cooper Electric is based on a platform developed in collaboration with Great Wall Motor in China. The new generation, however, is expected to use BMW’s next-generation architecture. Despite the technical advancements, design chief Holger Hampf emphasized to Autocar the importance of brand identity. According to the automotive portal, he stated that every Mini can be recognized by its proportions alone, which he described as “non-negotiable.”

The future design is intended to be a modern interpretation of classic elements. It includes smart use of space and surprises inside the vehicle. A certain degree of “British flair” is meant to be preserved. There may also be a greater visual difference between the gasoline and electric versions.

The current internal combustion engine Cooper is likely to remain available well into the 2030s, according to Autocar. Hybrid powertrain options might be added, though they are expected to continue using front-wheel drive for now.

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About the author

Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with professional experience in the automotive and financial industries. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.

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