I’m spying a Mini marvel says RAY MASSEY: New electric generation to be unveiled, but it will be built in China rather than UK
This is truly the new generation electric mini hatchback. Unfortunately, the British style icon will be built in China under a joint agreement between owner BMW and Great Wall Motors rather than in the UK.
The company has released the first undisguised photos after spy photos were “leaked” from a California shoot. Photos from behind show that it is a Mini Cooper S.
Built on a new front-wheel drive platform, this Mini has a more purist, understated style. Get rid of thick plastic wheel arches. There are creases and lines designed to create unusual highlights and reflections.
Super Cooper: The redesigned all-electric Mini range will be built in China
At the rear, quirky Union Flag brake lights have been replaced with a new triangular configuration.
The cleaner design follows a previous collaboration between chief designer Oliver Heilmer and British fashion designer Paul Smith on a stripped-down Mini concept car
It is understood that the Cooper name will be used on all future 3-door hatchback models, with an entry-level Cooper E, an S, a more powerful SE and an even spicier 250bhp John Cooper Works version.
Depending on the model, the battery capacity is expected to be 40 kWh – with acceleration from rest to 100 km / h in about seven seconds and a range of up to 400 km – and a battery of more than 50 kWh with more power and a range of 300 miles.
The range will hit UK showrooms from May 2024, with a petrol version – still built in Oxford – to follow.
At the rear, quirky Union Flag brake lights have been replaced with a new triangular configuration
Depending on the model, battery capacities are expected to be 40 kWh – with acceleration from rest to 100 km/h in around seven seconds and a range of up to 400 km
The range will hit UK showrooms from May 2024, with a petrol version – still built in Oxford – to follow
Munich-based BMW announced in October that all future electric models will be built abroad.
In March it said production of the new Mini Countryman will begin at its ‘green’ plant in Leipzig – the first German-made Mini.
BMW currently makes 40,000 electric Minis a year in Oxford, but production will end this year.
As a consolation, the 2,000 workers there will be building Mini Cooper three- and five-door petrol hatchback models, plus convertibles, from 2025.
