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As expected, today MINI announced it’s building the new all electric MINI Cooper in Oxford starting in 2026. The move will bring production of the car to the UK alongside a heavily refreshed ICE range of MINI Coopers that will form the swan-song for the band ICE offerings. When will the last ICE MINI roll-off the assembly line? Through sources we have uncovered the exact date. The last ICE MINI Cooper JCWBackground – The Last ICE MINI MINI just debuted two new all electric models in the last two weeks yet they aren’t letting go of internal combustion engines (ICE) yet. In 2024 MINI will heavily revising the F56 to create the dramatically refreshed F66. Why not an entirely new model? New cars are billions to develop and MINI can’t afford two all new Coopers. The big investment was made on the all electric version (the J01) which we now have confirmation will be made not just in China but the UK starting in 2026. But MINI still needs to serve markets where the charging infrastructure and size mean EVs aren’t a single solution yet. The answer is an unprecedented move; two next generation MINI Coopers built (initially) on opposite ends of the planet on two different platforms. As you can tell by its codename, the F66 is an evolution of the F56 which is shared a chassis with. However MINI is refreshing the exterior design to better match the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper. That means we’ll see revised lights front and rear and even a fractionally shortened front overhang. The key theme appears to be creating design consistency with the future of the brand – the all electric J01 MINI Cooper. The goal is clearly to unify the design language across all models allowing consumers to have a choice that feels strictly about the drivetrain and nothing else. There will be three body styles and three levels of performance. However one key options missing will be the manual transmission. The New MINI FamilyDrivetrainPricingStart of ProductionF66 MINI Cooper155 HP (Petrol)TBD07/2024F66 MINI Cooper S200 HP (Petrol)TBD07/2024F66 MINI Cooper JCW231 HP (Petrol)TBD11/2024F65 MINI Cooper 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024F65 MINI Cooper S 5 Door200 HP (Petrol)TBD07/2024F67 MINI Cooper ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBDF67 MINI Cooper S Convertible200 HP (Petrol)TBDTBDF67 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible231 HP (Petrol)TBDTBDYou can read much more on our extensive report on the F66 ICE MINI here. The Exact Date of the Last ICE MINI Ever Now that you know MINI’s plans for its last ICE generation of cars, let’s dive into when production will end. In its release about the J01 electric MINI Cooper coming to the Oxford Plant, they mentioned only electric production would be happening there by 2030. But that’s a little misleading given what we know. The last ICE MINI Cooper is currently scheduled to roll off the assembly line in Oxford on December 31st 2030. This is the current plan that MINI has defined internally and for its large Tier 1 suppliers. So while that date may seem arbitrary, you can bet a lot of planning as already taken place to define that date. So of you’re already thinking about wanting one of the last petrol powered, ICE MINI Coopers, you’ll want to etch 12.31.30 into your memory now. But there is one more petrol powered MINI – in fact it was just was released. The German made U25 MINI Countryman debuted in electric form last week but will have a ICE version sold alongside of it as well. Its end of production date, perhaps unsurprisingly is identical; 12.31.30. If that holds true MINI’s switch to electric will be a rather dramatic event with the end of production for ICE models happening simultaneously in two different countries. For more coverage of the new generation MINI released today, check out the following articles and videos. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review The post Revealed; Production Date of The Last ICE MINI Cooper first appeared on MotoringFile. The post Revealed; Production Date of The Last ICE MINI Cooper appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

For those that read MotoringFile daily, this may seem like déjà. As we reported in March, MINI will be bringing production of its all new electric MINI Cooper (the J01) and MINI Aceman (J05) to the UK in 2026. This move not only brings production of the highly important new Cooper to its largest market but allows for easy import to countries with Chinese tariffs like the US. This morning BMW Group made the announcement official with a promise to invest over £600 million into the MINI factories located in Oxford and Swindon. With this the Oxford plant will be gearing up to produce two new all-electric MINI models starting in 2026, the MINI Cooper 3-door and the compact crossover MINI Aceman. By 2030, their production volume will be exclusively electric, and BMW Group will have invested more than £3 billion in their Swindon, Hams Hall, and Oxford plants since the year 2000. The UK Government has been supportive of this development, which will help secure jobs at the Oxford manufacturing plant and the body-pressing facility in Swindon. “With this new investment, we’re going to turn the Oxford plant into a place where the next generation of electric MINIs will be made. This sets us on the path to making only electric cars in the future.” Milan Nedeljkovi?, a Member of the Board of Management at BMW AG responsible for productionKemi Badenoch, the Business and Trade Secretary, expressed her support, saying, “This decision is a significant vote of confidence in the UK economy and in the efforts of our government to ensure the continued success of our world-leading automotive sector. We’re proud to support BMW Group’s investment, which will not only protect high-quality jobs but also strengthen our supply chains and boost economic growth in Britain.” Oxford remains the historic home of MINI, having celebrated its 110th anniversary this year. The plant has been successfully producing the current MINI Electric since 2019, seamlessly integrated into the production line alongside traditional (ICE) models. MINI’s journey toward full electrification gains momentum with an expanded model lineup and improvements to their production network. At present, the MINI Plant Oxford manufactures the MINI 3-door, MINI 5-door, MINI Clubman, and MINI Electric. Starting in 2024, the plant will begin production of the next generation MINI 3-door and MINI 5-door with traditional combustion engines, as well as the new MINI Convertible. These will be joined by the all-electric MINI Cooper 3-door and MINI Aceman in 2026. The factory is expected to reach a production capacity of around 200,000 cars annually in the medium term. Initially, both internal combustion engine and battery electric vehicles will be built on the same production line. However, by 2030, the Oxford Plant will exclusively produce all-electric MINI models. “MINI has always cherished its history, and Oxford will always be the heart of the brand. I’m thrilled that the two new, fully electric MINI models—the MINI Cooper and MINI Aceman—will also be made in Oxford. This confirms our commitment to an all-electric future.” Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI brandIn just a few weeks, production of the new MINI Countryman will commence at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig. This larger crossover model in the MINI lineup will be available with both pure electric drive and traditional combustion engines, providing consumers with a range of options. Additionally, production of the next-generation all-electric MINI Cooper 3-door and MINI Aceman will begin in China. This marks the establishment of a new manufacturing plant in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, through a joint venture with Great Wall Motor. Exports are set to begin in early 2024, further advancing MINI’s global push towards electrification. BMW Group is setting the stage for a bright electric future, with Oxford as the epicenter of this transformation. The F66 MINI Cooper Production Dates With the test mules progressing quickly, we believe we’ll see the refreshed F66 debut sometime in late 2023 or early 2024. We’d expect a tiered launch starting with the Cooper and Cooper S, followed by a JCW model. This will all happen in the shadow of the entirely new and all electric J01 MINI Cooper initially built in China and meant primarily for Asia, Europe and South America. Eventually we’ll see the J01 built in the UK and exported to the US. F66 MINI Cooper (ICE) / Oxford, EnglandStart of ProductionF66 ICE Cooper 3 door03/2024 (07/24 – US)F66 ICE Cooper S 3 door03/2024F66 ICE Cooper JCW 3 door11/2024F65 ICE Cooper 5 door07/2024 (11/24 – US)F65 ICE Cooper S 5 door07/2024F67 ICE Cooper Convertible11/2024F67 ICE Cooper S Convertible11/2024F67 ICE JCW Convertible03/2025The Entire New MINI Family Things kicked off with the new J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric & ICE) publicly debuting at the Munich Motor Show last week. While MINI hasn’t confirmed production timing, our sources have confirmed that the J01 will go into production this fall in China and will be sold in Europe, Asia and South America initially. The J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman will be followed by the internal combustion U25 Countryman which will be shown later this year. Then we’ll see the heavily revised F56 morph into the F66 internal combustion MINI Cooper, built in Oxford. This will be MINI’s answer to all those who want a Cooper but aren’t ready for electric. Finally in 2024 we’ll see the all electric MINI Aceman crossover which effectively takes the place of the beloved MINI Clubman. Built initially in China, the small crossover (roughly the size of the original MINI Countryman) will expand with Oxford production in 2026. The New MINI FamilyDrivetrainPricingStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper EElectric32,900€ 11/2023J01 MINI Cooper SE Electric36,900€ 11/2024U25 MINI Countryman CICE (Petrol)39.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman D ICE (Diesel)42.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman E Electric43.500€ 03/2024U25 MINI Countryman S ALL4ICE (Petrol)45.900€ 11/2023*U25 MINI Countryman SE ALL4Electric49.500€ 03/2024*U25 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4ICE (Petrol)56.500€ 03/2024*F66 MINI CooperICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper SICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper JCWICE (Petrol)TBD11/2024*F65 MINI Cooper 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F65 MINI Cooper S 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F67 MINI Cooper ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*F67 MINI Cooper S ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*J05 MINI AcemanElectricTBDTBDJ05 MINI Aceman SElectricTBDTBD* Available in the US at launchFor more coverage of the new generation MINI released today, check out the following articles and videos. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review The post Electric MINI Cooper Production Coming to the UK Allowing for US Imports first appeared on MotoringFile. The post Electric MINI Cooper Production Coming to the UK Allowing for US Imports appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI Design had a huge task at hand when they set out to reinvent an icon like the MINI Cooper. In talking with the designers and engineers who created the car, process took the best of the old world and married it with new tech. BMW and MINI design is known for its use of clay models. Why clay? It’s an old-school way to design but it’s also a great way for designers to literally form their ideas in full-sized dimensionality. But clay also slows down the process. To help solve for that MINI Design used some of the latest digital tools and virtual reality to help speed up the process and get a better feel for ideas as they took shape. Never-mind the wheels – this is a sneak peek at the JCW bodykitWe have a collection of images that demonstrate this process. What they show is a fascinating glimpse into not just how MINI Design goes about creating cars but also a few sneak peaks at what’s coming. Case in point the photo above is a very early look at the forthcoming electric JCW (or at the very least a JCW bodykit. The details map directly to the JCW test mule we spotted recently in Munich. This photo shows a very early design prototype in a dark blue which we have yet to see in production photos. It’s a great color and looks fantastic with white mirrors pictured. It’s also interesting to see how the matte Vibrant Silver trim looks on a dark color. Here you can see what appears to be an early version of the Countryman headlights that has an indent on the lower side. It’s interesting to see how that correlated with some of the other design elements we see not the Countryman – specifically the front splitter. Have a look at the gallery below for more easter eggs and let us know what you find in the comments below. The post The Design Process for new Electric MINI Cooper & Countryman first appeared on MotoringFile. The post The Design Process for new Electric MINI Cooper & Countryman appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Following their recent debut, the all-electric MINI Cooper and the brand-new electric MINI Countryman are set for their UK debut at Goodwood Revival 2023, happening from September 8th to 10th this year. The MINI Cooper Electric, unveiled at the IAA Mobility 2023 event in Munich, boasts a groundbreaking 24cm circular OLED screen, a digital-centric interior with fresh Experience Modes, and a choice of electric ranges – either 190 or 249 miles (WLTP rated). The new generation MINI Countryman will offer both electric and combustion powertrains for the first time ever. With an interior that mirrors the MINI Cooper’s simple, digital vibes, the MINI Countryman also introduces Level 2 semi-automated driving among other technology additions. But it’s not just getting smarter; it’s getting roomier, comfier, and more versatile due to a size increase and well. Both of these new models will be showcased inside Cooper’s, MINI’s retro-inspired hotspot with a modern twist, at the Earls Court Motor Show. And here’s the kicker: they’re rolling out giveaways to those who stop by. The showcase Cooper’s is all about an immersive experience. Every nook and cranny inside tells a distinctive MINI story. You’ll find cleverly branded items hinting at innovative new model features, like ‘Spike’s Kibble,’ giving a nod to MINI’s virtual dog assistant, knitwear that points to the fresh recycled polyester textile dashboard, and ‘Countryman Crunch’ cereal with adventure-themed packaging. And as you’d expect there’s plenty of classic Mini’s on display as well. The 2023 Goodwood Revival kicks off from September 8th to the 10th. For more information on the new model and Goodwood 2023, follow MotoringFile.com and on our Instagram and Threads. The post New Electric MINI Cooper & Electric Countryman Make UK Debut first appeared on MotoringFile. The post New Electric MINI Cooper & Electric Countryman Make UK Debut appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

What was once almost certain has now become a certainty. Earlier this year we reported that MINI was likely to cease all manual production in when the F56 makes way for the refreshed F66 ICE MINI Cooper, Cooper S and JCW models. However we now unfortunately confirm that the manual will indeed be dead when F56 production ends. This week Head of MINI, Stephanie Wurst official told Top Gear that “We won’t have a manual unfortunately,” in response to the question about the manual continuing with the F66 MINIs. That means MINI will be offering only one transmission across all its cars moving forward – a 7 speed dual clutch transmission. Why Is MINI Killing the Manual? It’s as shocking as it feel inevitable. Shocking because of the manual’s continued popularity in markets like the US. Currently 44% of F56 JCW hardtops sold in the US are equipped with the manual transmission. Clearly on some models and with some buyers it’s a very popular choice. It’s also a huge part of the brand’s history and slots well into the MINI’s core philosophy of creating cars that are engaging the drive. Why would MINI eliminate manuals despite the fact that the F66 (the replacement of for the F56) is mechanically identical and could easily carry over the current Getrag 6 speed? It’s likely about simplifying drivetrains components and cutting costs within manufacturing. And for Europe (where CO2 targets are much more stringent) the manual is slightly dirtier. However in markets like US, where CO2 targets don’t have the same impact, why not continue to offer it? That’s likely down to the business case. Offering it one country means that the volumes go down dramatically which means MINI is spending more per unit and MINI would lose a chance to simplify the production process just has it’s about to get more complex with new models. The Replacement – The Getrag 7 Speed DCT This Getrag 7 Speed DCT will be an evolution of the current one found in the F56 range. In our testing of the current DCT we’ve gotten to know it as a seamless shifting auto that’s slower to manually change gears than we’d want. We’ve been told through sources that MINI is improving some of that sluggish reaction through software on future versions. Last Manual Transmission Production Dates The MINI 1to6 Edition is billed last the last manual transmission MINI for several markets. But the reality is that many markets globally will retain the ability to order a manual on the F55, F56 and F57 until production end in March of 2024. That gives manual fans a chance to specify and order the exact manual transmission MINI they want. If you’re curious, here’s what we would order. If the 1to6 Edition is to your liking then you should get on with ordering one. In many markets globally they’re sold out and others (like the US) the supply seems to dwindling. We’ll have more on the death of the manual transmission and what it means for those of us who love them and the MINI brand itself. Until then join us in pouring one out for what we’d consider the single most important option on an ICE MINI Cooper. The post It’s Official – The MINI Manual Transmission is Dead first appeared on MotoringFile. The post It’s Official – The MINI Manual Transmission is Dead appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Autocar recently caught up with the Head of MINI Stefanie Wurst on the topic of the MINI brand and its support for for motorsports. For those that don’t know MINI has been apart of several racing series since the brand’s relaunch in 2001 including the incredibly entertaining MINI Challenge spec series that has raced in Europe and Japan for years. But with there brand going electric, what could the future of MINI’s racing program be? Autocar put the question to Wurst at the Munich IAA Motorshow and got some insight into what’s potentially on the table; “We don’t have the big budgets so we have to be inventive. It’s about looking at which kind of platforms can we credibly participate in to emphasise the go-kart feeling and the electric future of the brand” She said. The most recent MINI Challenge Race CarIt’s a prudent response that shows that MINI is clearly looking at continuing Motorsports involvement but in new ways. She went on, “There are two options. Either we say the MINI Challenge is a format we have to expand to new markets in the future, or we participate in one of the new electric platforms. This is the choice we have to make. What kind of engagement is the right one for us? If it’s one that we own [MINI Challenge] then we would have to export it more: we have it in the UK and Japan, but big markets like China are lacking. I would like to have a more unified strategy.” The Bulldog Racing MINI JCW that recently races the 24 Hours of the NurburgringIt’s great point she makes and one that is even more obvious in North America, one of MINI’s largest markets. Outside of the successful JCW Racing Team (which MINI USA supports, there’s no large-scale MINI visibility in the motorsports. Owning a series like the MINI Challenge surely costs more but that does give brand an opportunity to both control the show and market it from holistically. What do you think? Should MINI continue to go racing as it transforms into an electric brand or should it stick with ICE race cars as long as it can? The post MINI Considering an All Electric MINI Cooper Race Series first appeared on MotoringFile. The post MINI Considering an All Electric MINI Cooper Race Series appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The new J01 MINI Cooper is a massive step forward in many ways. But how does it compare to the previous generations? Is it an evolution or revolution? And more specifically does look better than the F56 – the previous generation MINI Cooper? Let’s take a close look. Note: This week MINI is launching its next generation with the new MINI Cooper Electric and MINI Countryman Electric. In anticipation of this release, MINI invited us to experience the new cars in Munich and talk to the people that created them. We’ve taken that knowledge and poured it into exclusive in-depth articles, reviews and videos you won’t want to miss. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review When the F56 was released it was panned by MINI faithful for its large mouth and huge overhang (compared to the previous generations). It went on to be the most successful new MINI ever and those views have generally softened. Which makes this comparison pretty interesting. The J01 clearly is similar to the F56 but as you look at the two closer you start to notice some distinct and important differences. It’s easy to see that the J01 is simpler and more minimal. But what you only get after repeated views is how many small but important differences there are. The higher belt-line makes the car look more aggressive and upright as does the taller but more taught hood. Also interesting are the lights. The J01 does away with the surrounding trim yet they somehow look smaller because of how simply they are in comparison. They also sit slightly higher on the car and thus feel more upright. Then there’s the clean sides which have real curve to them vs the very flat F56. The J01 introduced dimensionality we’ve never seen on a Cooper before. The result is a car that looks more athletic and aggressive. Around back things get pretty interesting. We’ve had the luxury of time with the J01 so the rear lights don’t look so shocking to us anymore. Maybe because of that we actually like the fact that they’re smaller and simpler than what those on the F56. We also prefer how angular they are compared to the F56’s which are a bit bulbous in comparison. But what do you think? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Is the J01 a worthy successor or has MINI gone too far? The post Comparison: the J01 MINI Cooper vs F56 MINI Cooper first appeared on MotoringFile. The post Comparison: the J01 MINI Cooper vs F56 MINI Cooper appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI has upped their game on the range, power and even charging speed on the all new Electric MINI Cooper and Electric Countryman. The reinvented models have fully embraced electrification but is it enough? Let’s take a deep look at the number and assess. While both are are fully electric, they have very difference philosophies in design. The J01 MINI Cooper was designed from the start as an electric car and will not have a ICE equivalent. A refreshed F56 known as the F66 will play that role in the line-up. The Countryman on the other hand is built on a platform designed to accommodate both ICE and electric power. Due to that there are some tradeoffs in packaging and likely range. The J01 MINI Cooper Electric The new MINI Cooper electric is a ground-up rethink from any MINI before it. For starters, it’s built on a dedicated electric platform allowing it to have more space efficiency, higher range and better performance. What does better mean. As you can see below it’s literally double the range on the WLTP cycle. 2025 J01 MINI Cooper E2025 J01 MINI Cooper SE2026 J01 MINI JCW2023 F56 MINI Cooper SEHorsepower184 hp218 hp250 hp*181 hpRange (WLTP)200 miles250 milesTBA125 milesRange (EPA)150 miles (Estimated)200 miles (Estimated)TBA110 milesBattery Size40kWh54kWh54kWh*32.6 kWh* Confirmed through unofficial sources but unconfirmed by MINIThe new J01 MINI is available in the Cooper E variant (with a higher output and higher range). The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor of the MINI Cooper E generates a torque of 290 Nm, accelerating the vehicle from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. There’s never been a base electric Cooper before, but that’s identical to the previous generation electric Cooper SE time and a second faster than the F56 ICE Cooper. With an output of 160 kW/218 hp, the MINI Cooper SE does 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds with a maximum torque of 330 Nm. That’s .6 seconds faster than the previous electric Cooper SE and the same time as the previous ICE powered Cooper S. The range determined according to the WLTP test cycle is up to 190 miles (305 kilometers) for the MINI Cooper E based on the high-voltage battery with 40.7 kWh of capacity. Using rough math that would put the Cooper at an estimated 148 miles range. In the MINI Cooper SE, the calculated WLTP range increases to a maximum of 250 miles or 402 kilometers with to a battery capacity of 54.2 kWh. Again using rough math that would be roughly a 195 mile range with EPA test procedures. However it’s important to note that this is using averaged data where the EPA range is typically around 20% lower than what we see with WLTP testing. In our experience the answer lies somewhere in the middle. The U25 MINI Countryman Electric The MINI Countryman Electric will be available in two performance levels that look to be a tangible increase in performance over the previous ICE models. While technically a base mode, the MINI Countryman E will have an output of 204 hp and 184 ft lbs of torque – more than even the previous ICE powered Countryman S. The headlining MINI Countryman SE ALL4 will deliver the most power ever seen in a MINI – 313 hp and staggering 364 ft lbs of torque. That dramatically increases straight-line performance. The F60 ICE powered Countryman All4 S can do 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) in 7.3 seconds. This new 313 hp MINI Countryman SE does the same in only 5.6 seconds – almost a 2 second improvement. Countryman E *Countryman SEWLTP Range – Europe287.073 miles269.054 milesEPA Range – United States ESTIMATED225 miles (EST)210 miles (EST)* MINI USA will not offer the Countryman EThe MINI Countryman will not only be the most powerful ever but offer the more electric range than we’ve seen from the brand. The base MINI Countryman E will have a WLTP calculated range of 287 miles from its 64 kWh battery. Looking at EPA figures compared to the WLTP we typically see a 20% decrease due solely to testing procedures that are intended to give a more conservative view of range. With that in mind we expect an EPA range of approximately 225 miles for the base Countryman E. The MINI Countryman SE ALL4 uses the same 64 kWh battery for a WLTP range of 269 miles. Using that same rough math, we’d expect an EPA range of around 210 miles. Like the new MINI Cooper Electric, the battery of the MINI Countryman can be charged via alternating current with 22 kW. Fast charging with direct current is possible in both all-electric models with 130 kW. This means that just under 30 minutes of charging at a fast charging station is enough to charge the battery from 10 per cent to 80 per cent. Depending on the weather conditions, active navigation (via MINI Navigation) to a fast charging station can ensure the battery reaches the ideal temperature for efficient charging in advance. This can significantly reduce charging time, especially in cold outdoor temperatures. While MINI hasn’t released details specs yet on the Countryman SE, we do have them for the BMW iX1 which it is based on. We don’t have global data (much less US specific data) but we do have European data on charging speeds which should give you a more detailed idea of what we’ll see with the 2025 MINI Countryman Electric. Charging PointMax. PowerPowerTimeRateStandard 11.0 kW On-Board ChargerWall Plug (2.3 kW)230V / 1x10A2.3 kW33h15m11 km/h1-phase 16A (3.7 kW)230V / 1x16A3.7 kW20h45m18 km/h1-phase 32A (7.4 kW)230V / 1x32A7.4 kW10h30m35 km/h3-phase 16A (11 kW)400V / 3x16A11 kW7 hours53 km/h3-phase 32A (22 kW)400V / 3x16A11 kW †7 hours53 km/hOptional 22.0kW On-Board Charger *Wall Plug (2.3 kW)230V / 1x10A2.3 kW33h15m11 km/h1-phase 16A (3.7 kW)230V / 1x16A3.7 kW20h45m18 km/h1-phase 32A (7.4 kW)230V / 1x32A7.4 kW10h30m35 km/h3-phase 16A (11 kW)400V / 3x16A11 kW7 hours53 km/h3-phase 32A (22 kW)400V / 3x32A22 kW †3h30m100 km/h* = Optional in some countries, standard in others. Check local specifications for details. † = Limited by on-board charger, vehicle cannot charge faster. Data provided by ev-database.orgThis is Just the Start – An Entire New MINI Family is Coming The new J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric & ICE) will publicly debut at the Munich Motor Show next week. While MINI hasn’t confirmed production timing, our sources have confirmed that the J01 will go into production this fall in China and will be sold in Europe, Asia and South America initially. Plans for North America are still being finalized as are plans for UK production. Both should be announced shortly. The J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman will be followed by the internal combustion U25 Countryman which will be shown later this year. Then we’ll see the heavily revised F56 morph into the F66 internal combustion MINI Cooper. This will be MINI’s answer to all those who want a Cooper but aren’t ready for electric. Finally we’ll see the all electric MINI Aceman crossover which effectively takes the place of the beloved MINI Clubman. The Aceman will be a small crossover roughly the size of the original MINI Countryman and will be released late next year. The New MINI FamilyDrivetrainPricingStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper EElectric32,900€ 11/2023J01 MINI Cooper SE Electric36,900€ 11/2024U25 MINI Countryman CICE (Petrol)39.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman D ICE (Diesel)42.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman E Electric43.500€ 03/2024U25 MINI Countryman S ALL4ICE (Petrol)45.900€ 11/2023*U25 MINI Countryman SE ALL4Electric49.500€ 03/2024*U25 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4ICE (Petrol)56.500€ 03/2024*F66 MINI CooperICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper SICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper JCWICE (Petrol)TBD11/2024*F65 MINI Cooper 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F65 MINI Cooper S 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F67 MINI Cooper ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*F67 MINI Cooper S ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*J05 MINI AcemanElectricTBDTBDJ05 MINI Aceman SElectricTBDTBD* Available in the US at launchFor more coverage of the new generation MINI released today, check out the following articles and videos. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review The post Range & Specs of the Electric MINI Cooper & MINI Countryman first appeared on MotoringFile. The post Range & Specs of the Electric MINI Cooper & MINI Countryman appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Starting off reminding you that MotoringFile.com is the only source for MINI Cooper news. If you disagree, or prefer to get MINI news elsewhere, please, let us know. Also, we have all pretty much stopped using X/Twitter and can find us on Threads (and, in my case, Mastodon too!). Before getting into it, this is your reminder that there was a brand new episode of Black Roof available, 100% free of charge! Ok, with that out of the way, click over to MotoringFile and start scrolling. I recommend that you start with Gabe’s take on the MINI Cooper Electric, then, check out his take on the Electric Countryman. From there, go where you like to get ALL of the information about these two MINIs. There is a ton, photos, specs, everything to make your MINI nerd heart happy! And, we promise the next show will be for us OG MINI people to talk about the R cars and cool stuff being done by our man Chad at Detroit Tuned and MINIs on the Mac (Spoiler: they did not break the record). It will be hoot! The post White Roof Radio 692: MINI is Going Electric first appeared on MotoringFile. The post White Roof Radio 692: MINI is Going Electric appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Hidden in all the releases on the new MINI Cooper and Countryman today was our first look at the next generation MINI Countryman JCW. Th big news is that it’s 100% ICE (internal combustion) and absolutely looks the part. However there are some surprises and not all good. While we only have German specifications to go on and a few photos, it gives us a clear picture of how the car will look and what power we should see. According to MINI Germany the Countryman JCW will have 295 hp with a top speed limited to 155 mph. However the big news there is that the power figure for the new Countryman JCW is down 11 hp from the current F60 JCW’s 306 hp. Even more interesting (or troubling) is that the torque has done down substantially by 36 lb-ft to 295 lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately it was exactly what we had predicted as the new Countryman JCW uses the same version of the B48 that the X1 M35i does. There is another interesting aspect of this new generation of Countryman JCW. In the EU the X1 M35i’s B48 is tuned down to 295 hp vs the 313 hp that it gets in the US. That’s likely due to CO2 emissions regulations. We’d fully expect the US spec MINI Countryman JCW to have the full 313 hp that the BMW X1 M35 does. The MIN Countryman JCW will go into production in March of 2024 and should reach European dealers late that month. Expect US deliveries to happy in April. The Full Countryman Range – Pricing and Availability Given that the MINI Countryman is based on a platform that can accommodate electric, petrol and diesel powertrains, it will be the most versatile model family that MINI sells. We should see the Countryman range have a total of eight variants and three distinctly different powertrain options. The New MINI FamilyDrivetrainPricingStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper EElectric32,900€ 11/2024J01 MINI Cooper SE Electric36,900€ 11/2024U25 MINI Countryman CICE (Petrol)39.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman D ICE (Diesel)42.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman E Electric43.500€ 03/2024U25 MINI Countryman S ALL4ICE (Petrol)45.900€ 11/2023*U25 MINI Countryman SE ALL4Electric49.500€ 03/2024*U25 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4ICE (Petrol)56.500€ 03/2024*F66 MINI CooperICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper SICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper JCWICE (Petrol)TBD11/2024*F65 MINI Cooper 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F65 MINI Cooper S 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F67 MINI Cooper ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*F67 MINI Cooper S ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*J05 MINI AcemanElectricTBDTBDJ05 MINI Aceman SElectricTBDTBD* Available in the US at launchThis is Just the Start – An Entire New MINI Family is Coming The new J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric) will publicly debut at the Munich Motor Show next week. That will be followed by the internal combustion U25 Countryman which will be shown later this year. Then we’ll see the heavily revised F56 morph into the F66 internal combustion MINI Cooper. This will be MINI’s answer to all those who want a Cooper but aren’t ready for electric. Finally we’ll see the all electric MINI Aceman crossover which effectively takes the place of the beloved MINI Clubman. The Aceman will be a small crossover roughly the size of the original MINI Countryman and will be released late next year. For more coverage of the new generation MINI released today, check out the following articles and videos. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review The post The New Countryman JCW Previewed first appeared on MotoringFile. The post The New Countryman JCW Previewed appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

After years of anticipation, the all new J01 MINI Cooper Electric is here. The evolved approach to the exterior design hides the revolution inside and underneath. This is nothing short of a rethink of the entire concept of a MINI. Fully electric from the start and centered around a ground-breaking digital experience, this new MINI Cooper might just be the most important product for the brand since 1959. And we have an exclusive first look. https://youtu.be/b62-Aym1KTo In this video we talk about the new approach to design of the new MINI Cooper Electric including a radical rethink of the rear. You’ll also see a full look at the new interior where MINI has rethought everything from the materials used to the digital experience that powers it all. The Electric MINI Cooper and Countryman Pricing & Availability The new J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric & ICE) will publicly debut at the Munich Motor Show next week. While MINI hasn’t confirmed production timing, our sources have confirmed that the J01 will go into production this fall in China and will be sold in Europe, Asia and South America initially. Plans for North America are still being finalized as are plans for UK production. Both should be announced shortly. The J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman will be followed by the internal combustion U25 Countryman which will be shown later this year. Then we’ll see the heavily revised F56 morph into the F66 internal combustion MINI Cooper. This will be MINI’s answer to all those who want a Cooper but aren’t ready for electric. Finally we’ll see the all electric MINI Aceman crossover which effectively takes the place of the beloved MINI Clubman. The Aceman will be a small crossover roughly the size of the original MINI Countryman and will be released late next year. The New MINI FamilyDrivetrainPricingStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper EElectric32,900€ 11/2024J01 MINI Cooper SE Electric36,900€ 11/2024U25 MINI Countryman CICE (Petrol)39.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman D ICE (Diesel)42.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman E Electric43.500€ 03/2024U25 MINI Countryman S ALL4ICE (Petrol)45.900€ 11/2023*U25 MINI Countryman SE ALL4Electric49.500€ 03/2024*U25 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4ICE (Petrol)56.500€ 03/2024*F66 MINI CooperICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper SICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper JCWICE (Petrol)TBD11/2024*F65 MINI Cooper 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F65 MINI Cooper S 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F67 MINI Cooper ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*F67 MINI Cooper S ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*J05 MINI AcemanElectricTBDTBDJ05 MINI Aceman SElectricTBDTBD* Available in the US at launch The post First Look Video: The new MINI Cooper Electric first appeared on MotoringFile. The post First Look Video: The new MINI Cooper Electric appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Note: Today MINI is launching its next generation with the new MINI Cooper Electric and MINI Countryman Electric. In anticipation of this release, MINI invited us to experience the new cars in Munich and talk to the people that created them. We’ve taken that knowledge and poured it into exclusive in-depth articles, reviews and videos you won’t want to miss. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review MINI is reinventing every aspect of the brand and it starts not just with what’s under the hood but what’s on the dash. We recently went hands-on in Munich with the new 2024 J01 MINI Cooper Electric and its circular OLED display, experiencing the new MINI OS9 in-person. What we found was an experience unlike any we’ve seen in the automotive world, let alone from MINI. A New Experience For All Future MINIs This digital experience will spread beyond just the all new J01 MINI Cooper Electric. We will see it in all new MINIs – from the all-new 2024 Countryman to the 2025 Aceman EV to even the heavily refreshed F66 ICE MINI Cooper. It’s also worth a reminder that the car we see here, the all electric J01 MINI Cooper Electric, will be available in Europe, Asia and South America at launch early next year. Plans are underway to bring the J01 in North America as soon as possible. The first product the North American market will get with this new experience will be the U25 MINI Countryman (available as both ICE and EV) followed by the heavily refreshed (ICE) F66 MINI Cooper and Cooper S. The circular OLED screen is 9.5” (240 mm) wide however, because of the bottom cutout, measures about 9” in height. While it may seem like unusual design given the rectangles we’re all used to, it feels very natural in person thanks to the way MINI has organized the information. The “Charismatic Simplicity” design language (as MINI calls it) is focused on both minimalism and a bit of MINI character. The circular OLED display seamlessly accommodates both static and dynamic elements, with a clear and intuitive hierarchy (despite the shape). This is all made possible not just by talented strategists and designers but a very thoughtful technical approach leveraging Android. Yes you read that right. But it’s not the Android you all know. It’s actually the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack which does several things for MINI. For one it allows MINI to leverage the massive scale of the Android App store of which MINI will create their own subset. But more importantly it allows MINI to leverage the army of Android engineers worldwide meaning that the platform MINI will rely on for future innovation is open and has a bright future. But don’t mistake the software stack as influencing the user experience. That’s 100% MINI’s own thinking and execution built on top of what is invisible but powerful technology. This is Just the Start – An Entire New MINI Family is Coming The new J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric) will publicly debut at the Munich Motor Show next week. That will be followed by the internal combustion U25 Countryman which will be shown later this year. Then we’ll see the heavily revised F56 morph into the F66 internal combustion MINI Cooper. This will be MINI’s answer to all those who want a Cooper but aren’t ready for electric. Finally we’ll see the all electric MINI Aceman crossover which effectively takes the place of the beloved MINI Clubman. The Aceman will be a small crossover roughly the size of the original MINI Countryman and will be released late next year. The New MINI FamilyDrivetrainPricingStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper EElectric32,900€ 11/2024J01 MINI Cooper SE Electric36,900€ 11/2024U25 MINI Countryman CICE (Petrol)39.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman D ICE (Diesel)42.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman E Electric43.500€ 03/2024U25 MINI Countryman S ALL4ICE (Petrol)45.900€ 11/2023*U25 MINI Countryman SE ALL4Electric49.500€ 03/2024*U25 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4ICE (Petrol)56.500€ 03/2024*F66 MINI CooperICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper SICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper JCWICE (Petrol)TBD11/2024*F65 MINI Cooper 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F65 MINI Cooper S 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F67 MINI Cooper ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*F67 MINI Cooper S ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*J05 MINI AcemanElectricTBDTBDJ05 MINI Aceman SElectricTBDTBD* Available in the US at launchFor more coverage of the new generation MINI released today, check out the following articles and videos. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review The post First Look Video: MINI OS9 and The Circular Display first appeared on MotoringFile. The post First Look Video: MINI OS9 and The Circular Display appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The all new MINI Countryman Electric represents a big step for the model. It’s bigger, more powerful and electric for the first time. But what’s it like in person? We went to Munich to get an exclusive first look at MINI’s new crossover and get a feel for just how different it is over the outgoing F60 Countryman. https://youtu.be/WnzBge3a4j0 For those alarmed that this new Countryman might be electric only, don’t be. Unlike the all new (J01) MINI Cooper Electric which was build on a bespoke EV platform, the Countryman makes use of the BMW Group’s FAAR platform that has the ability to underpin everything from ICE (internal combustion engine) to hybrid to full EV powertrains. MINI hasn’t yet released official information on the ICE powered models yet but we do know the full model line-up which includes a full assortment of petrol and even a diesel offering. This article will primarily focus on the Countryman Electric but we’ll have a bit more on the full model range later in the article. The Electric MINI Cooper and Countryman Pricing & Availability The new J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric & ICE) will publicly debut at the Munich Motor Show next week. While MINI hasn’t confirmed production timing, our sources have confirmed that the U25 will go into production this fall in Germany and unlike the J01 MINI Cooper Electric, will be sold globally. It will launch early next year in North America in both Electric and ICE models. And yes, a JCW model is coming. The New MINI FamilyDrivetrainPricingStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper EElectric32,900€ 11/2024J01 MINI Cooper SE Electric36,900€ 11/2024U25 MINI Countryman CICE (Petrol)39.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman D ICE (Diesel)42.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman E Electric43.500€ 03/2024U25 MINI Countryman S ALL4ICE (Petrol)45.900€ 11/2023*U25 MINI Countryman SE ALL4Electric49.500€ 03/2024*U25 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4ICE (Petrol)56.500€ 03/2024*F66 MINI CooperICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper SICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper JCWICE (Petrol)TBD11/2024*F65 MINI Cooper 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F65 MINI Cooper S 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F67 MINI Cooper ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*F67 MINI Cooper S ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*J05 MINI AcemanElectricTBDTBDJ05 MINI Aceman SElectricTBDTBD* Available in the US at launchThis is Just the Start – An Entire New MINI Family is Coming The new J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric) will be followed by the internal combustion U25 Countryman which will be shown later this year. Then we’ll see the heavily revised F56 morph into the F66 internal combustion MINI Cooper. This will be MINI’s answer to all those who want a Cooper but aren’t ready for electric. Finally we’ll see the all electric MINI Aceman crossover which effectively takes the place of the beloved MINI Clubman. The Aceman will be a small crossover roughly the size of the original MINI Countryman and will be released late next year. For more coverage of the new generation MINI released today, check out the following articles and videos. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review The post First Look Video: The New MINI Countryman Electric first appeared on MotoringFile. The post First Look Video: The New MINI Countryman Electric appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI is reinventing itself as an all electric brand starting today. But don’t worry if you’re not there yet. They will continue to make internal combustion MINIs (including the Countryman you see here) for quite some time. But a revolution has to start somewhere and it starts with the new Electric J01 MINI Cooper and U25 Countryman. The Electric MINI Cooper and Countryman Pricing & Availability This is Just the Start – An Entire New MINI Family is Coming The new J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric & ICE) will publicly debut at the Munich Motor Show next week. While MINI hasn’t confirmed production timing, our sources have confirmed that the J01 will go into production this fall in China and will be sold in Europe, Asia and South America initially. Plans for North America are still being finalized as are plans for UK production. Both should be announced shortly. The J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman will be followed by the internal combustion U25 Countryman which will be shown later this year. Then we’ll see the heavily revised F56 morph into the F66 internal combustion MINI Cooper. This will be MINI’s answer to all those who want a Cooper but aren’t ready for electric. Finally we’ll see the all electric MINI Aceman crossover which effectively takes the place of the beloved MINI Clubman. The Aceman will be a small crossover roughly the size of the original MINI Countryman and will be released late next year. The New MINI FamilyDrivetrainPricingStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper EElectric32,900€ 11/2024J01 MINI Cooper SE Electric36,900€ 11/2024U25 MINI Countryman CICE (Petrol)39.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman D ICE (Diesel)42.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman E Electric43.500€ 03/2024U25 MINI Countryman S ALL4ICE (Petrol)45.900€ 11/2023*U25 MINI Countryman SE ALL4Electric49.500€ 03/2024*U25 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4ICE (Petrol)56.500€ 03/2024*F66 MINI CooperICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper SICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper JCWICE (Petrol)TBD11/2024*F65 MINI Cooper 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F65 MINI Cooper S 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F67 MINI Cooper ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*F67 MINI Cooper S ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*J05 MINI AcemanElectricTBDTBDJ05 MINI Aceman SElectricTBDTBD* Available in the US at launchFor more coverage of the new generation MINI released today, check out the following articles and videos. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review The post First Look Video: The new Electric MINI Family first appeared on MotoringFile. The post First Look Video: The new Electric MINI Family appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Note: Today MINI is launching its next generation with the new MINI Cooper Electric and MINI Countryman Electric. In anticipation of this release, MINI invited us to experience the new cars in Munich and talk to the people that created them. We’ve taken that knowledge and poured it into exclusive in-depth articles, reviews and videos you won’t want to miss. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review Walking up to the all new MINI Countryman Electric for the first time you’re immediately struck by two things in quick succession. First, the size. This new Countryman now feels like a true crossover ready to fully compete in its segment. Then they it hits you – this thing has curves. Sculpture on the fenders. A vertical ridge just behind the front tire. There’s dimension to the car that we’ve never seen before in a MINI. The result is a Countryman that not only looks more mature but also is more upright, athletic and capable than ever. the New Countryman Electric – The Exterior Design Countryman looks a bit challenging when we first saw it in the leaked photos from earlier this year. But in person things immediately start to connect. For one you get a sense of accurate scale. While it’s indeed larger, (5 inches in length) this new Countryman is actually more proportionally correct than before. The wheelbase, wheel size and other dimensions work harmoniously. While we’ve always loved the original R60 for its size and brashness, there was a lot going on from a styling perspective. Then there’s the F60 which looks a bit ungainly from some angles owning to proportions that always felt a touch off. This new Countryman fixes all of those issues with a new, simplistic design language that MINI calls Charismatic Minimalism. The philosophy replies on reducing the elements down to the absolutely core, creating a more minimal and sophisticated appearance. One thing that has been lost in the need for aero efficiency is the grab-style door handles. In their place are door handles that, while more aero efficient, are hard to grab and will annoy anyone not used to them. Next to each other, you immediately can see how much more upright and broad-shouldered the U25 Countryman is compared to its predecessor the F60It works well on the new MINI Cooper Electric but when we went hands-on with both in Munich recently, it was the Countryman that got more of our attention. Not because we love crossovers (we’d vastly prefer a wagon) but because the interplay between shapes and the interesting juxtaposition between an upright, utility based elements and athletic, voluminous body shapes. In short, MINI has designed a car that draws you in and, over time, reveals new details that build on that overarching theme. The New Front-End The front of the new Countryman is much more angular and upfront that we’ve seen previously. While there’s a reduction in shapes and materials upfront, it’s not as starkly minimal as the new Cooper. Instead MINI has patterns in the plastic fenders (which are still here as oppose to the new Cooper) and indents on the front splitter and rear bumper. Simplified Lighting The lights upfront are a departure. But then again the Countryman has had a light design that never quite fit in with the rest of the line-up. Shape aside they are similar to the Cooper in that MINI has eliminated the chrome trim around the lights which actually reduces the overall visual size. That makes room for the grille surround which has grown in height substantially and extends into the lower air intake. The standard will be a LED design is what we see in all the photos. Not pictured (yet) are the optional LED matrix lights which offer a different look as well as deliver illumination that lights up the road while being aware of on-coming traffic. In other words you can have brights on and the lights will simply move the pattern away from oncoming traffic so as to not dazzle them. What’s interesting is that MINI has both added common elements to both cars where it matters (that grille) while pushing them further apart where it distinguishes based on their core attributes. the New Countryman Electric – The Interior Design Like the Cooper, the Countryman has done away with the cluster display and minimized other controls in the name of simplification. Not unlike the original MINI, the Countryman has been designed to do more with the space it has. For instance gone is the center console and shifter. In its place, just below the toggle switches is an optional Qi wireless charger for smartphones and behind that two large, integrated cupholders. You’ll be happy to know the design works well in that your phone is visible and continuously charging at the same time – all with no wires. And yes, the cupholders look big enough for most American-sized drinks. I say most because I am sad to report the ubiquitous Nalgene 32 oz water bottle will not fit in the door pocket as it does in the current F60. As a dedicated Naglene user who appreciates being hydrated, it feels like an unfortunate oversight. A few views of the secondary storage compartment in the center console. It’s removable and can theoretically be replaced with other accessories.Like the new Cooper, MINI is offering a system that allows you to personalize your console with several options storage areas. Want more cupholders? You can add them just like you can add larger storage units as well. If that sounds familiar it’s because this new system is inspired by the original Countryman’s center rail, this new system allows for several different configurations with MINI’s upcoming accessory plans. But what makes this different than the rail system is that it’s also functional storage with no accessories at all. However it would appear the two systems in the cars are not compatible due to the differences in width. Further back most will be happy to see that MINI has stuck with the console mounted armrest in the new Countryman as opposed to the seat-mounted version in the Cooper. Similar to the current F60, under the armrest is a large storage are has a large storage area. What’s different is what’s on the front of the armrest – power. MINI has moved two USB-C ports and a 12v dc power port. Also new is a complete lack of leather. Why? You can read our deep dive on the reasons and MINI’s replacement Vescin here. But no matter how you feel about the lack of leather, the feel of its replacement will likely be impressive. We were shocked at the quality -–especially the steering wheel as it felt like Nappa leather found on the optional MINI Yours steering wheel. Redesigned Seats The seats themselves are a completely new design. Again with a focus on simplicity MINI has eliminated the thigh bolster from the latest generation of sport seats and designed a bottom cushion that extends further outward reducing the need for additional support. I’m 6’2″ and have relied on that thigh bolster in every MINI and BMW that offers it. And yet I see how MINI has shaped this new seat to limit the need. No it’s not as supportive but it’s noticeably better than the R50 for R56 seats which also didn’t offer a thigh-bolster. Heating And Cooling – A Mix Of Digital & Physical Controls The heating and cooling controls have been moved into the center screen as MINI has gone to great lengths to eliminate physical controls. While that is is generally a recipe for disaster for in-car experience, we get a sense in talking to the designers that MINI has learned from the mistakes of brands like VW and even parent company BMW. But we’ll have more on that next week. Unlike the Cooper, the Countryman’s vents are all exposed and a bit more typical in their design and interaction. They’re also vertical following the more upright shape of the dash itself. Why Is There Fabric on the Dash? Relax. The world isn’t ending. Yes there’s fabric on the dash but trust us, it looks and feels great in person. In fact after spending some time with the new MINIs (both have this as standard) you wonder why we’ve had black foam on cars for so long. The move from polyurethane based foam rubber outer layer to fabric makes sense for several reasons. For one it’s cooler in hot conditions which will play well in hot climates (which seems to be much of the southern US these days). Then there’s the environmental impact as it’s both made from recycled fibers and itself is easily recyclable. Finally it allows MINI to be much more bold (or not) in its interior designs. How does it feel? Very robust and clearly designed for a very long life-span. However my first thought was, how do I clean it? I asked folks from MINI that question and the answer was pretty simple – a damp cloth. A Completely new Door Design Like the Cooper, the Countryman’s a new door design that is focused on not just look and feel but ergonomics. A bit less adventurous than the Cooper, the design feels somewhat evolutionary in terms of layout while being revolutionary in materials used. The New Vegan Friendly Steering Wheel That’s Secretly A Two-Spoke The new MINI steering wheel, like most elements here will spread across the entire MINI family as more models are introduced. As the center part of the driving experience, MINI has clearly done to great lengths to hone the look and (crucially) the feel. In hand it feels fantastic with excellent material quality and great feel in hand. Normally this wouldn’t be big news but this is MINI’s first fully vegan friendly model. One other interesting design note – it may not look it, but MINI has brought back the two-spoke steering wheel in the new MINI family. The center spoke is actually just a piece of fabric that visually connects the rim to the center of the wheel. It may sound like a recipe for disaster in terms of wear and tear but this is very thick and robust fabric that we’re told passed all of BMW’s rigorous durability tests perfectly. That New Circular Screen, the MINI OS9 Interface & A Projector? We’ve already done a full review of both so you’ll definitely want to check that out if you want all the details. But just like the Cooper, the new circular screen dominates the cabin in a good way, adding a clear focal point as well as being successful in combining enormous functionality into one screen. The other thing is does it clean-up the interior making the space more serene. The one thing that hasn’t been talked about much is the optional light projector behind the screen. It allows the car to extend the Experience Modes with projects light effects on the dash that, in the dark, is very striking. It may sound gimmicky but in real-life it’s a pretty compelling trick. And yes, it can also be turned off. Final Thoughts On the New Electric MINI Countryman It may sound strange given this is a crossover and about as far from the original Mini as possible. But there are few MINI’s since the R50 that we have immediately gelled with the design more than we did with the new Electric MINI Countryman. Yes it’s larger, heavier (not by much) and sure we’d prefer an updated Clubman. But putting aside philosophical differences MINI has nailed the the new Countryman in terms of the design and what the market wants. The aesthetic is modern yet unique. The interior is minimal but full of tech. And the Countryman itself isn’t massively larger but has real space improvement you will notice. And perhaps even more important it’s available in both electric and ICE forms. In fact it will be the only new electric MINI launching in the US next year as MINI USA formalizes plans to import the J01 MINI Cooper. In short we believe the U25 MINI Countryman will be a massive seller for the brand. Now let’s see how it drives. We should have answers early next year. This is Just the Start – An Entire New MINI Family is Coming The new J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric) will publicly debut at the Munich Motor Show next week. That will be followed by the internal combustion U25 Countryman which will be shown later this year. Then we’ll see the heavily revised F56 morph into the F66 internal combustion MINI Cooper. This will be MINI’s answer to all those who want a Cooper but aren’t ready for electric. Finally we’ll see the all electric MINI Aceman crossover which effectively takes the place of the beloved MINI Clubman. The Aceman will be a small crossover roughly the size of the original MINI Countryman and will be released late next year. Note: Today MINI is launching its next generation with the new MINI Cooper Electric and MINI Countryman Electric. In anticipation of this release, MINI invited us to experience the new cars in Munich and talk to the people that created them. We’ve taken knowledge and poured it into exclusive in-depth articles, reviews and videos you won’t want to miss. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review The post Hands-On Review: the All New Electric MINI Countryman first appeared on MotoringFile. The post Hands-On Review: the All New Electric MINI Countryman appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Note: Today MINI is launching its next generation with the new MINI Cooper Electric and MINI Countryman Electric. In anticipation of this release, MINI invited us to experience the new cars in Munich and talk to the people that created them. We’ve taken knowledge and poured it into exclusive in-depth articles, reviews and videos you won’t want to miss. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review The 3rd generation MINI Countryman is bigger, more powerful and electric for the first time. Growing noticeably over its predecessor, the all new U25 MINI Countryman Electric is a direct response to the growing small crossover segment. With customers asking for more of everything, MINI has delivered a crossover that is designed to appeal broadly while maintaining its unique MINI character. Perhaps more importantly it’s also the first time MINI has offered fully electric power in its best selling vehicle. For those alarmed that this new Countryman might be electric only, don’t be. Unlike the all new (J01) MINI Cooper Electric which was build on a bespoke EV platform, the Countryman makes use of the BMW Group’s FAAR platform that has the ability to underpin everything from ICE (internal combustion engine) to hybrid to full EV powertrains. MINI hasn’t yet released official information on the ICE powered models yet but we do know the full model line-up which includes a full assortment of petrol and even a diesel offering. This article will primarily focus on the Countryman Electric but we’ll have a bit more on the full model range later in the article. How Big Is The U25 MINI Countryman Electric? MINI has taken feedback from its customers (specifically the American market) seriously. They want more room, more utility and a more aggressive look. The result is a larger Countryman with a noticeable increase in length. The wheelbase is up about an inch while the rear overhang is a full five inches longer. This means slightly more room in the cabin but a noticeable improvement in rear cargo room. The latter will help the Countryman better compete with other crossovers in the category that are often larger. R60 Countryman (’10-’16) F60 Countryman (’17-’23)U25 Countryman (’24-’32)Length4097 mm / 161.3 in4298 mm / 169.2 in4429 mm / 174.37 inHeight1562 mm / 61.5 in1557 mm / 61.3 in1613 mm / 63.5 inWheelbase2596 mm / 102.2 in2670 mm / 105.1 in2670 mm / 105.11 inMINI Countryman Electric: Range & Performance The MINI Countryman Electric will be available in two performance levels that look to be a tangible increase in performance over the previous ICE models. While technically a base mode, the MINI Countryman E will have an output of 204 hp and 184 ft lbs of torque – more than even the previous ICE powered Countryman S. The headlining MINI Countryman SE ALL4 will deliver the most power ever seen in a MINI – 313 hp and staggering 364 ft lbs of torque. That dramatically increases straight-line performance. The F60 ICE powered Countryman All4 S can do 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) in 7.3 seconds. This new 313 hp MINI Countryman SE does the same in only 5.6 seconds – almost a 2 second improvement. Countryman E *Countryman SEWLTP Range – Europe287.073 miles269.054 milesEPA Range – United States ESTIMATED224 miles (EST)210 miles (EST)* MINI USA will not offer the Countryman EThe MINI Countryman will not only be the most powerful ever but offer the more electric range than we’ve seen from the brand. The base MINI Countryman E will have a WLTP calculated range of 287 miles from its 64 kWh battery. Looking at EPA figures compared to the WLTP we typically see a 22% decrease due solely to testing procedures that are intended to give a more conservative view of range. With that in mind we expect an EPA range of approximately 224 miles for the base Countryman E. The MINI Countryman SE ALL4 uses the same 64 kWh battery for a WLTP range of 269 miles. Using that same rough math, we’d expect an EPA range of around 210 miles. Like the new MINI Cooper Electric, the battery of the MINI Countryman can be charged via alternating current with 22 kW. Fast charging with direct current is possible in both all-electric models with 130 kW. This means that just under 30 minutes of charging at a fast charging station is enough to charge the battery from 10 per cent to 80 per cent. Depending on the weather conditions, active navigation (via MINI Navigation) to a fast charging station can ensure the battery reaches the ideal temperature for efficient charging in advance. This can significantly reduce charging time, especially in cold outdoor temperatures. Driving Dynamics Improved MINI has also paid attention to the driving dynamics of the new Countryman with an all new damping system and suspension. The results is a gain in steering precision and accuracy while increasing comfort on uneven surfaces. Engineers have focused on being more holistic in tuning with components from axles, steering and dampers through to ride and stability control systems tuned to work in conjunction with each other to deliver a more cohesive driving experience. There’s also a more direct steering rack ratio of 55 mm of rack travel per turn of the steering wheel. Like the Cooper, the Countryman has also seen a slightly increased track and longer wheelbase creating sharper turn-in while also increasing stability at speed. As this is all standard. We’ll see even more aggressive tuning on the S and JCW models. A New Height Adjustable, Adaptive Suspension The new Countryman has MINI’s first height adjustable suspension allowing drivers to change the performance characteristics easier. The option will not only firm-up the frequency-selective dampers in Sport mode but will lower 15 mm for less body-roll as well. This new options allows the Countryman to adapt to road conditions giving drivers more ability to tailor the driving experience. Larger Tire and Wheel Sizes In addition, the 19-inch and 20-inch wheels can be combined with high performance tires to further optimize the vehicle’s handling at the limit. However it’s that’s not your jam, MINI is 17-inch wheels that are aerodynamically optimized to slightly increase the range. Beyond the larger wheels MINI has also increase tire diameter by 30 mm to a total of 710 mm. This gives the new MINI Countryman Electric a bit more visual presence but perhaps more importantly offers improved driving dynamics and comfort. Additionally the tire width of the optionally available 19-inch and 20-inch rims has been increased by 20 mm to 245 mm in creating more grip at the limit. MINI Experience Modes – Integrating Software and Hardware to Create a Tailored Driving Experience The new MINI Cooper Electric and MINI Countryman will be the first models to introduce “MINI Experience Modes,” which are designed to amplify and personalize the connection from driver to car. Standard specification includes the Core, Green and Go-Kart Modes, each of which has its own specific driving experience, user interface and lighting design. GoKart Mode The various MINI Experience Modes can be activated with a flick of the toggle switch “Experiences”. GO-KART mode emphasizes the racing DNA of the MINI Countryman by adjusting the chassis set-up, creating a more dynamic experience. Quicker throttle mapping, more weight in the steering wheel and a specific DSC program all are key to Go-Kart Mode’s driving experience. The driver can further configure the mode with options change the steering response and even the intervention limits of the traction control. Influenced but MINIs past, the brand has also created a specific GoKart Mode driving sound that features marked pitch and load curves helping to deliver aural feedback. And as you’d expect, this is all configurable. Green Mode By contrast, Green Mode optimises the efficiency of the drivetrain, orienting the electric motor towards maximum range based on various parameters. Improved recuperation management in the new MINI Cooper is one of the contributing factors here: this feeds excess energy to the battery when braking or coasting, thereby increasing the vehicle’s range. The driving conditions and their influence on the range can be more easily understood through visualizations in the central display and tips for efficient driving and a power meter increase help connect you to the experience. For example, it’s easy to understand the effect of your driving behavior through gaining “bonus range”. Sound Design – Adding Feedback Where There is None MINI going electric and there’s a lot that will be gained by that transition. But there’s also a lot that can be lost. One of those things is the visceral qualities of driving. Acceleration and even steering feel can be retained but gone is the ability to change gears and the overall aural feedback that so often makes driving satisfying. The last part MINI intends to do something about. Enter the MINI Sound Design team and the all new MINI Sound Design for the all new J01 MINI Cooper electric. The MINI has made the brand and even Experience Mode soundscapes an integral part of the overall driving experience. From all-new driving sounds in the interior to an unmistakable MINI brand sound that aims to confirms the car’s identity from the outside there’s a lot here that’s new. Particularly well done are the new MINI Experience Modes, and a whole collection of 30 new sound signals with information and warning functions. The overall feeling is one that is both familiar yet futuristic. And that’s not by accident. The MINI Sound Design team went deep in the MINI product catalog to capture some of those sounds. Specifically the team spent time with an original 1959 Mini and a 2006 JCW GP to capture some of the more iconic sound moments from those two models. The Design of the U25 MINI Countryman Electric Design is subjective as evidenced by the wide-ranging feedback of the new MINI Counrtyman Electric when the first photos leaked earlier this year. And we’re not offering opinions here. If you want those you’ll want to read our Hands-On Review we published this morning. But that aside it is worth mentioning our initial reaction as the curtain was lifted for us in Munich recently. As we walked up to the new Countryman we were struck by how cohesive it all felt. You could argue that the first two generations of the Countryman weren’t the best looking MINIs and at times had elements that felt at odds with each other. Some might call that charm (we probably have) but there’s no question this 3rd generation feels like a more mature product from every angle. As a crossover it also didn’t feel as rugged as many would have liked. It also lacked the utility (and size) of most in its competitive segment. This feedback (much of it from the North American market) led MINI designers to not just increase the size of the Countryman but to rethink aspects of its character. Like the new MINI Cooper, this new MINI Countryman follows the brand’s new design direction of Charismatic Simplicity and its minimalistic approach to design. But here there’s an edge not seen on the Cooper. Details that reflect the Countryman’s expanded capabilities are everywhere from the pattern on the plastic fenders (yes they’re still here) to the indentations on the lower splitter. MINI Design has added figurative and literal texture as a juxtaposition to the minimalism. Gone is the side scuttle on the front fenders as MINI as moved that element to the C-pillar – a la the Land Rover Defender. MINI has big plans for that element as its highly visible element for differentiating between different models, equipment options and subsequent editions that are sure to come. The design is also heavily depends on the selected equipment and thus differentiates between the equipment variants. The car’s sculpted exterior is generally free from any adornment which is great considering how much MINI Design has shaped the metal exterior. Photos don’t do this aspect of the design justice – something we’ll discuss in our Hands-On Review of the car. Not surprisingly the new MINI Countryman Electric embraces an aerodynamic approach to design. The result is an impressive cd value of 0.26 for the MINI Countryman Electric. That’s substantially down from the 0.31 of the F60 Countryman and even better than the .29 of the new Cooper. Viewed from the side, the new MINI Countryman has a minimalist appearance but also looks more upright thanks both the increase in size but also due to key the styling. The distinctive design of the C-pillar supports the roofline at the rear of the vehicle while at the same time making it appear shorter. This makes the entire vehicle body look more upright, emphasizing the more rugged character MINI Design was after. Around back things aren’t nearly as provocative as the new MINI Cooper. Instead we have a rear that’s full of clear surfaces and vertical flush rear lights. Here, the vertical light cluster quotes the classic MINI lights and frames the large central section of the vehicle’s rear. This emphasizes the wider stance of the new MINI Countryman while at the same time giving the body an upright appearance. Like the front headlights, the rear lights are also controlled by three difference light signatures. The pronounced shoulder section reinforces the powerful appearance of the new MINI Countryman. The rear tapers off below the model inscription, visually dividing the rear into two sections. The rear apron in the lower area emphasises the solid stance of the vehicle, while the generous surfaces in the upper area make the vehicle look lighter. Four Individual Trims Offer New Personalization The U25 MINI Countryman Electric is available in four different trims that effectively package a number of exterior and interior changes in easy to choose packages. Essential Trim The Essential Trim is standard and features trim in Vibrant Silver. Based on early information Essential will be available with a limited selection of brighter colors such as the new Indigo Sunset Blue. Certain functional parts on the inside and outside are highlighted with the new accent color Vibrant Silver – essentially a matte silver with a hint of champagne Classic Trim In the Classic Trim, MINI uses a modern 2D knitted textile in the interior of a production vehicle for the first time. On the dashboard and door handles, two-tone black knitted textile provides a contrast to the high-quality synthetic leather seat. Additionally Classic offers the option of Vibrant Silver for the roof matching the contrasting front grille. Favored Trim Favored Trim is the most expressive option, featuring a two-tone houndstooth pattern on the knitted-textile instrument panel. Available in two colors and with traditional accent stitching, the perforated Vescin sports seats complement in dark and light colors. The exterior with the front grille in Vibrant Silver can be combined with the all-new Spray-Tech roof which features a blending of three different colors. JCW Trim Similar to BMW’s M Sport trim, MINI will offer a JCW Trim even on non JCWs. The JCW Trim has a distinctive front and year design. The frame of the front grille and the logo in high-gloss black are unique to this trim. Additionally the JCW Trim will offer a Chili Red roof for the first time on a non-JCW car. Finally JCW bonnet stripes will be offered in Chili Red or black. Inside the JCW Trim offers the sportiest interpretation of the new material concept. Combined with multi-colored knitted textile and black synthetic leather with red stitching, the JCW seat with sports seat geometry echoes the color concept of the dashboard and door trim. new MINI Countryman Electric Interior Immersive and minimal, the MINI Countryman Electric has an interior that is a massive departure from what we’ve seen from the brand previously. The new layout does away with the cluster display behind the steering wheel as all relevant content is projected onto circular display and the optional head-up display. This reduction to the essentials opens the interior and creates a much different, more relaxing feel. Like the new MINI Cooper, the spacious, curved dashboard in Classic, Favored and JCW trim is also made of easy to care for textile surfaces for the first time. Unlike the MINI Cooper, the optional panoramic glass roof can still be retracted back. A specially developed knitting process is used to create the versatile, easy-care structure of the textile in two-colour design made of recycled polyester. The entire interior is divided into an upper and lower section along a horizontal line below the new circular display. Above this, all design elements such as the air vents and door handles are vertically aligned, matching the character of the car. Clear shapes in the cockpit and the increased space in the front seats give the interior a modern, relaxed feel. The driver and front passenger enjoy significantly enhanced comfort in the new MINI Countryman, with almost three centimetres of additional width in the shoulder and elbow area. The shoulder width of the rear seats has also been increased by 2.5 centimeters thanks to a wider track and better use of space. Massaging Seats – The First Time on a MINI Not only are they electronically controlled and heated but MINI’s new front seats can be had with an optional massage function. The function has several setting that mimics different massage technique and workouts keeping the driver alert and relaxed on long trips. This is a welcome addition. Speaking of seats, unlike the MINI Cooper the armrest is not seat mounted. Instead the Countryman has a more traditional armrest that is both wide and adjustable. Enhanced Utility in the Rear The rear of the new Countryman offers more space than we’ve ever seen in a MINI. But more impressively there’s more options as well.. The position of the rear row of seats can be adjusted in length by up to 13 centimeters providing more legroom at the rear or additional volume in the luggage compartment. The backrest of the three rear seats is also individually adjustable in six positions by up to 12 degrees. This means that the seat either offers the option to lean back or positioned upright to allow for more cargo room. Additionally the rear seats can be folded down increasing the 460-liter trunk to a 1,450-liter luggage compartment. An additional floor compartment provides convenient space for the charging accessories in MINI Countryman Electric or storage in the ICE variants. The optionally available trailer hitch (coming to the US finally) offers an additional plus in practicality. The trailer hitch can be electrically retracted and extended. The towing capacity is up to 2646 LBS or 1,200 kg. MINI OS9 – A New Digital Experience For All Future MINIs Unlike the exterior, the interior is where MINI has gone full-on revolution. The circular OLED screen houses a unique yet modern user experience that looks as it could have been designed in California by Apple and not in Munich. Let’s start with the specs. The circular OLED screen is 9.5” (240 mm) wide however because of the bottom cutout measures about 9” in height. While it may seem like unusual design given the rectangles we’re all used to, it feels very natural in person thanks to the way MINI has organized the information. The “Charismatic Simplicity” design language (as MINI calls it) is focused on both minimalism and a bit of MINI character. The circular OLED display seamlessly accommodates both static and dynamic elements, with a clear and intuitive hierarchy (despite the shape). “The new MINI Operating System 9 is characterised by simple, emotional touch operation that is specific to MINI. Together with the new cloud-based MINI Navigation for particularly precise and fast route calculation, high-speed connectivity and optional 5G capability, the new MINI Cooper takes a giant leap into the digital world, thereby underlining the brand’s charismatic heritage.” Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINIThe top portion is dedicated to critical driving information which is close to your direct line of sight when looking through the windshield. While we didn’t drive the car we did sit in it for quite awhile and it felt like something we’d get use to within a drive or two. For those opting for the optional Head-up display, vital driving details are projected directly into the driver’s field of view. At the bottom are three zones. The left and right house the dual climate zones which felt very different than other similar experiences due to micro-animations. The center is what Mac users will likely refer to as the dock. Like a smartphone to allows you to place shortcuts for commonly used apps as well as open the full app view much like the home screen on an iPhone. The pixel density is so high we couldn’t even see any. But perhaps more important was the responsiveness. While this was a pre-production J01 MINI, the experience was fluid and full of micro-animations that felt immediately more modern than even the latest iDrive system in new BMWs. The experience felt almost at iOS levels of intuitive and the interactions and animations felt natural. The Optional Navigation Package Why would you want to pay for navigation if you have it on CarPlay? That was MINI’s challenge when they began creating this navigation experience. Their answer was to create an experience that was faster with just as much data as Google Maps while tying into the car’s technology directly. When driving, the complete MINI Navigation Package in conjunction with the optional MINI Connected Package provides support in the form of realistic 3D visualizations in complicated turning situations, display of the current traffic situation even without activated route guidance, information on parking options including digital payment options and much more. Perhaps even more impressive is the optional augmented reality function that helps with turn-by-turn directions. Finally a charge-optimized route can be calculated for the MINI Cooper electric taking into account a detailed assessment of the car’s condition, traffic and even terrain. In addition, MINI Connected Upgrades allow flexible bookings of additional vehicle functions – simply digital. In conjunction with the optionally available MINI Connected Package, the MINI Connected Store will offer access to an evolving collection of apps, including gaming, music and video streaming. The new AirConsole app provides a unique form of in-car gaming for all passengers, making the smartphone the controller of the game on the OLED display. The Surprising Tech Behind This New Experience Built on Android Open Source Project (AOSP), the new MINI OS9 is designed for anyone who known Android to easily build apps for it. Thus it’ll have its own (optional) App Store and the entire OS will be updated over the air quarterly. Before you ask, yes it will also offer wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. And no, it will not feel like Android in use. AOSP is simply the foundational platform that underpins it all. This digital experience will spread beyond just the all new J01 MINI Cooper Electric. We will see it in all new MINIs – from the all-new 2024 Countryman to the 2025 Aceman EV to even the heavily refreshed F66 ICE MINI Cooper. It’s also worth a reminder that the car we see here, the all electric J01 MINI Cooper Electric, will be available in Europe, Asia and South America at launch early next year. Plans are underway to bring the J01 in North America as soon as possible. The first product the North American market will get with this new experience will be the U25 MINI Countryman (available as both ICE and EV) followed by the heavily refreshed (ICE) F66 MINI Cooper and Cooper S. The Redesigned toggle bar Underneath the dashboard, the MINI designers have gone to great lengths to simplify. One of the key factors here is the newly designed toggle bar. Here, the most important driving functions (parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle, volume control) are directly accessible. Its design is individual in accordance with its function. The Center Rail is Back With the shifter move to the dash, MINI has a chance to rethink the entire center console. In its place is an open space that allows for movable cupholders and storage bins. Want more cupholders? You can add them just like you can add larger storage units as well. If that sounds familiar it’s because this new system is inspired by the original Countryman’s center rail, this new system allows for an almost infinite number of configurations with MINI’s upcoming accessory plans. But what makes this different than the rail system is that it’s functional storage with no accessories at all. MINI’s First Autonomous Driving System The front end of the all-electric MINI Countryman is defined by a new octagonal front grille full of sensors. But it’s a particularly small radar sensor is integrated flush into its surface is key to unlocking MINI’s first ever Level 2 Autonomous Driving system. The U25 MINI Countryman is the first vehicle with Level 2 assistance systems that enable semi-automated driving. While information is still limited this should correspond with the same system offered in the BMW X1 which allows the car to stop, go and even follow clearly marked roads. Intended for stop and go traffic or highway use, it’s a great system for lessening the cognitive load on long trips. MINI LED headlights with Signature Modes The daytime running light elements of the LED lights support this striking look with fresh radiance due to unique light signatures. Optionally, the daytime running light elements can be switched to create three light signatures in the front and rear LED lights, thereby reinforcing the distinctive character of each vehicle. In addition, all light modes start and end with a specially orchestrated welcome and goodbye animation. This interaction with the vehicle increases the anticipation of the MINI even before you set off. A Focus on Recycled Materials and Sustainability. The new MINI Countryman combines emission-free electric mobility with the highest possible level of environmental compatibility in production. This includes eliminating all chrome decorative elements in the exterior and interior as well as manufacturing the light alloy cast wheels from up to 70% secondary aluminum. In combination with the fact that green electricity is used for production, MINI has dramatically reduced CO2 emissions compared to conventional manufacturing processes. In addition, no rare earths are needed for the production of the electric motors. The surfaces, the inside of the doors and the vehicle floor and floor mats are all made of recycled polyester. This high-quality, colourful and comfortable alternative to traditional materials significantly reduces CO2 emissions along the value chain and uses less water in production than cotton. ICE Countryman To Get a Power Boost The ICE powered Countryman are also getting a power upgrade. We expect MINI to use the 1.5 three cylinder B38 engine in the base model with a 155 hp output. The Countryman S will carry on with the B48 but will be tuned to a full 200 hp. Finally the JCW Countryman should see the revised B48 from the just announced BMW X1 M35i making 312 hp and 295 lb-ft. We’ll have much more information on the ICE line-up the coming days. The Full Countryman Range – Pricing and Availability As we mentioned above the new MINI Countryman is based on a platform that can accommodate not only electric but also petrol and diesel powertrains. That will make the Countryman the most versatile product in the MINI family with eight variants and three distinctly different powertrain options. The New MINI FamilyDrivetrainPricingStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper EElectric32,900€ 11/2024J01 MINI Cooper SE Electric36,900€ 11/2024U25 MINI Countryman CICE (Petrol)39.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman D ICE (Diesel)42.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman E Electric43.500€ 03/2024U25 MINI Countryman S ALL4ICE (Petrol)45.900€ 11/2023*U25 MINI Countryman SE ALL4Electric49.500€ 03/2024*U25 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4ICE (Petrol)56.500€ 03/2024*F66 MINI CooperICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper SICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper JCWICE (Petrol)TBD11/2024*F65 MINI Cooper 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F65 MINI Cooper S 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F67 MINI Cooper ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*F67 MINI Cooper S ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*J05 MINI AcemanElectricTBDTBDJ05 MINI Aceman SElectricTBDTBD* Available in the US at launchThis is Just the Start – An Entire New MINI Family is Coming The new J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric) will publicly debut at the Munich Motor Show next week. That will be followed by the internal combustion U25 Countryman which will be shown later this year. Then we’ll see the heavily revised F56 morph into the F66 internal combustion MINI Cooper. This will be MINI’s answer to all those who want a Cooper but aren’t ready for electric. Finally we’ll see the all electric MINI Aceman crossover which effectively takes the place of the beloved MINI Clubman. The Aceman will be a small crossover roughly the size of the original MINI Countryman and will be released late next year. For more coverage of the new generation MINI released today, check out the following articles and videos. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review The post Premier: MINI Countryman Electric is Biggest, Most Powerful MINI Ever first appeared on MotoringFile. The post Premier: MINI Countryman Electric is Biggest, Most Powerful MINI Ever appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Note: Today MINI is launching its next generation with the new MINI Cooper Electric and MINI Countryman Electric. In anticipation of this release, MINI invited us to experience the new cars in Munich and talk to the people that created them. We’ve taken knowledge and poured it into exclusive in-depth articles, reviews and videos you won’t want to miss. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review I’m sitting inside of a nondescript commercial building on the outskirts of Munich staring at the car that so many of us have waited to see. The all new J01 MINI Cooper Electric at first glance seems like it’s only been tweaked here and there to modernize it for electrification. But the more you look the more you realize how MINI has rethought everything in an effort to get back to its roots. To get into this building I had to give up my phone, put tape over my computer’s webcam and there’s a good chance that I’ve signed over my children in the paperwork. But this moment has been years in the making and it might just be worth it. It may look nearly the same but every millimeter as been rethought and re-designed from the ground-up.The overall design pays off what the Head of MINI Design Oliver Heimler has been hinting towards for years; minimalism and simplicity that is inspired by the original Mini. MINI’s name for this new approach is known internally as “Charismatic Simplicity.” with this new approach, there’s almost a stark minimalism compared to what we’ve seen over the last decade. At first glance the Blazing Blue MINI Cooper SE looked evolutionary until the proportions start to register and you notice the details. Once you give it a few seconds you begin to notice the stark simplicity of the front. Gone are the faux vents, scoops and creases. In fact there’s really not a single design element that doesn’t have purpose functionally. That in itself is a massive departure from most modern MINIs save the original R50. With the J01 we have something that feels honed and evolved with a less is more philosophy. The new face. The old face but a bit more restrained.The Simple Face of the MINI Cooper Electric As the curtains raised our view of the car was the front. In many ways it was immediately reassuring. As we mentioned at first glance it seems very similar to what we’ve known with the F56. But that fades away quickly as you study the details or lack there of. Like leather, Chrome has been eliminated from MINI’s palette of options due to environmental reasons. But we’re not personally morning its passing. Since the R50/R53 it felt like an after-thought and something MINI felt obligated to offer rather than a core part of the design language. In its place is either the matte Vibrant Silver or gloss Piano Black trim depending on the model. But more telling is that MINI as simply eliminated trim and other embellishments. The front is particularly striking with smaller, more proportional details than the F56 generation. In the grill the lines are thinner and the shapes are simpler. Where there’s an air intake (the bottom) it’s obviously functional. Where there is no cooling function (the upper part of the bumper) MINI has made it gloss black and used it for various sensors. Interesting we had assumed the lights were smaller than the F56 because they lack the outer trim. However that’s not entirely true. If you take away the trim from an F56 the new headlights on the J01 are actually a little larger. However without an outer ring of trim they seem simpler and more proportionally correct for the car. It’s worth noting that, what we see in these photos are the standard lights and not the adaptive LEDs that will be optional. Those will feature a horizontal bar and two different matrix units above and below. A proper evolution in design in our eyes.Upfront the J01 feels a bit more subtle and sophisticated than the F56 when you have the two next to each other. As if the J01 has been eating right, going to the gym and leaning into the fashion philosophy of quiet luxury. Everything is more minimal and yet feels no less expressive. In fact when you view them next to each other its the J01 (despite having less flair) that feels more aggressive. That’s down to the stance, it’s slightly more upright nature up front and the sculpted fenders. At certain angles MINI’s new curves become more obvious.Sculpted Sides and Simple Shapes Speaking of those sculpted sides, they’re more visible the longer you look. They’re also accentuated by the inset crease (one of only a few on the car) that helps define them. Together with the 18″ wheels on Cooper S in these photos they help create a muscular vibe despite the elimination of the plastic fender flares. Yes those plastic fender flares have been removed in an effort to reduce components. While we’ve always loved the concept of them on the R50, R56 and even the F56, here MINI has replied on dimensional sculpting to eliminate the visual need for them. The side scuttles that have been other car since the R50 are also gone. In their place is absolutely nothing. It was that change more than even the rear that felt odd at first. But the more we took-in the dimensionality of the J01 the more we understood the approach. The most controversial part of the car?Controversial Rear Design Finally around to the rear, things get a bit controversial. We say that of all the spy shots and leaked photos, it’s the rear that has garners the majority of the negative comments. And its those rear lights are the biggest departure from previous MINI exterior design language. But if you don’t think that hard about the last few generations of MINIs and just look at the car with fresh eyes, they start to make a lot of sense. Yeah maybe we drank some kool-aid while in Munich but hear us out. The shape has a dynamic quality to it that visually widens the car. It also acts as an end-point for that voluminous rear fender as it wraps to the back of the car. Finally the shape comes to life when you realize they allow for three different lighting signatures. Add in how the brake lights work an the whole thing seems rather brilliant when you see it in person and functioning. Where we do have a problem with the rear is the stretched typeface and extra space for the “S”. Call us type nerds but it comes across a bit garish given how considered every other element is on this car. The GoKart Mode interface with the center speedo turned on.The Interior Revolution Sitting in the new J01 electric MINI Cooper you can’t help but notice the openness compared to the current F56. Like the exterior there’s a focus on simplicity driven by the original Mini’s interior concept. For instance gone is the center console and shifter. In its place is an open space that allows for movable cupholders and storage bins. Want more cupholders? You can add them just like you can add larger storage units as well. If that sounds familiar it’s because this new system is inspired by the original Countryman’s center rail, allowing for an almost infinite number of configurations with MINI’s upcoming accessory plans. But what makes this different than the rail system is that it’s functional storage with no accessories at all. Also new is a complete lack of leather. Why? You can read our deep dive on the reasons and MINI’s replacement Vescin here. But no matter how you feel about the lack of leather, the feel of its replacement will likely be impressive. We were shocked at the quality – especially the steering wheel as it felt like Nappa leather found on the optional MINI Yours steering wheel. Minimal Armrest Design Another big change is the armrest which has become much more minimal. In an effort to simplify the center console area further MINI has designed the armrest into the driver’s seat itself. It’s much smaller than before but in practice feels comfortable and seems perfectly placed for the job. The fit and finish of the Vescin seats was a step-up from the current offerings. Time will tell if it can match the quality of the Lounge Leather.Redesigned Seats The seats themselves are a completely new design. Again with a focus on simplicity, MINI has eliminated the thigh bolster from the latest generation of sport seats and designed a bottom cushion that extends further outward reducing the need for additional support. I’m 6’2″ and have relied on that thigh bolster in every MINI and BMW that offers it. And yet I see how MINI has shaped this new seat to limit the need. No it’s not as supportive but it’s noticeably better than the R50 for R56 seats which also didn’t offer a thigh-bolster. The center vents are cleverly identical behind the central toggle switches.Heating And Cooling – A Mix Of Digital & Physical Controls The heating and cooling controls have been moved into the center screen as MINI has gone to great lengths to eliminate physical controls. While that is is generally a recipe for disaster for in-car experience, we get a sense in talking to the designers that MINI has learned from the mistakes of brands like VW and even parent company BMW. But we’ll have more on that next week. But MINI’s rethink of heating and cooling doesn’t end there. Even the vents have been radically simplified with a design that is both minimal and blends them into the dash. In fact the center venting system is almost completely hidden just below the circular OLED display. But crucially the controls for all the vents (even the hidden ones) are intuitive and designed with a very tactile and satisfying feel. 100% recycled and 100% recyclable, the new textile dash material is a massive departure.Fabric Replaces Foam Yes you’re seeing that correctly, that is fabric (or textile) on the dash and doors. They both have gone from a polyurethane based foam rubber outer layer to fabric that is both made from recycled fibers and itself easily recyclable. It’s also crucially designed to keep the car cooler as well and reportedly won’t fade in the sun. How does it feel? Very robust and clearly designed for a very long life-span. However my first thought was, how do I clean it? I asked folks from MINI that question and the answer was pretty simple – a damp cloth. One thing that is a bit puzzling relating the dash is the vertical piece of fabric just to right of the screen. It would appear it’s a functional strap for holding things. But alas it’s just ornamental and something that feel out of place both philosophically and literally on the new MINI Cooper. Worried about the textile surface getting dirty? MINI Claims they’re engineered for easy cleaning and longevity.MINI Goes Modern With A New Door Panel Design Also new is the entire interior door panel design which has moved away from the design themes we’ve seen since the R50 and to something that feels more modern and minimal. The grab handle is now cleanly integrated into the design that then flows directly into the speakers (in this example with the optional H/K speakers). That fabric strap is a thick, robust piece of textile unlike anything we’ve seen before in a car.The New Vegan Friendly Steering Wheel That’s Secretly A Two-Spoke The new MINI steering wheel, like most elements here, will spread across the entire MINI family as more models are introduced. As the center part of the driving experience MINI has clearly gone to great lengths to hone the look and (crucially) the feel. In hand it feels fantastic with excellent material quality and great feel. Normally this wouldn’t be big news but this is MINI’s first fully vegan friendly model. One other interesting design note – it may not look it, but MINI has brought back the two-spoke steering wheel is the new MINI family. The center spoke is actually just a piece of fabric that visually connects the rim to the center of the wheel. It may sound like a recipe for disaster in terms of wear and tear but this is very thick and robust fabric that we’re told passed all of BMW’s rigorous durability tests perfectly. The circular OLED display is a game-changer that has allowed MINI to declutter the interior.The Revolutionary New Digital Experience of MINI OS9 The digital experience wasn’t entirely functional when we had our time with the car but from what we could see and use we were blown away. Let’s start with the specs. The circular OLED screen is 9.5” (240 mm) wide however, because of the bottom cutout, measures about 9” in height. While it may seem like unusual design given the rectangles we’re all used to, it feels very natural in person thanks to the way MINI has organized the information. The “Charismatic Simplicity” design language (as MINI calls it) is focused on both minimalism and a bit of MINI character. The circular OLED display seamlessly accommodates both static and dynamic elements, with a clear and intuitive hierarchy (despite the shape). We predict it won’t be long for F56 owners to begin looking at retrofit options. It’s that good.The pixel density is so high we couldn’t even see any. But perhaps more important was the responsiveness. While this was a pre-production J01 MINI, the experience was fluid and full of micro-animations that felt immediately more modern than even the latest iDrive system in new BMWs. The experience felt almost at iOS levels of intuitive and the interactions and animations felt natural. The one thing that hasn’t been talked about much is the optional light projector behind the screen. It allows the car to extend the Experience Modes with projects light effects on the dash that, in the dark, is very striking. It may sound gimmicky but in real-life it’s a pretty compelling trick. And yes, it can also be turned off. For a deep dive on the digital experience check out our video review here. Final Thoughts Like any new MINI, negative reactions are par for the course. If time has taught us anything, new MINI designs might challenge a bit at first but eventually become familiar and accepted for most. We believe the J01 will follow on that trend and will quickly make the F56 look a bit dated and perhaps even off proportionally. More importantly the J01 MINI Cooper is, to our eyes, the best looking MINI since the R50/R53. It’s proportionally better than the F56, more modern and athletic than the R56 and is designed with a restraint that we haven’t seen from MINI is 20 years. The material quality is good and in most cases better than we’ve seen from MINI to date. The ergonomics and interior design is thoughtful and at times even brilliant in its rethink of expected layout and design. But above all else this is a MINI. It feels born from the same philosophy as the original classic Mini while being entirely forward looking. The J01 left us buzzing with excitement and left our time in the studio feeling more optimistic about the brand and its products than we have since the original R50 was launched. This is Just the Start – An Entire New MINI Family is Coming The new J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric) will publicly debut at the Munich Motor Show next week. That will be followed by the internal combustion U25 Countryman which will be shown later this year. Then we’ll see the heavily revised F56 morph into the F66 internal combustion MINI Cooper. This will be MINI’s answer to all those who want a Cooper but aren’t ready for electric. Finally we’ll see the all electric MINI Aceman crossover which effectively takes the place of the beloved MINI Clubman. The Aceman will be a small crossover roughly the size of the original MINI Countryman and will be released late next year. The New MINI FamilyDrivetrainPricingStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper EElectric32,900€ 11/2024J01 MINI Cooper SE Electric36,900€ 11/2024U25 MINI Countryman CICE (Petrol)39.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman D ICE (Diesel)42.900€ 11/2023U25 MINI Countryman E Electric43.500€ 03/2024U25 MINI Countryman S ALL4ICE (Petrol)45.900€ 11/2023*U25 MINI Countryman SE ALL4Electric49.500€ 03/2024*U25 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4ICE (Petrol)56.500€ 03/2024*F66 MINI CooperICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper SICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F66 MINI Cooper JCWICE (Petrol)TBD11/2024*F65 MINI Cooper 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F65 MINI Cooper S 5 DoorICE (Petrol)TBD07/2024*F67 MINI Cooper ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*F67 MINI Cooper S ConvertibleICE (Petrol)TBDTBD*J05 MINI AcemanElectricTBDTBDJ05 MINI Aceman SElectricTBDTBD* Available in the US at launchFor more coverage of the new generation MINI released today, check out the following articles and videos. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review The post Hands-on Review: The All New MINI Cooper Electric first appeared on MotoringFile. The post Hands-on Review: The All New MINI Cooper Electric appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Note: Today MINI is launching its next generation with the new MINI Cooper Electric and MINI Countryman Electric. In anticipation of this release, MINI invited us to experience the new cars in Munich and talk to the people that created them. We’ve taken knowledge and poured it into exclusive in-depth articles, reviews and videos you won’t want to miss. MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review After years of anticipation, the all new J01 MINI Cooper Electric is here. The evolved approach to the exterior design hides the revolution inside and underneath. This is nothing short of a rethink of the entire concept of a MINI. Fully electric from the start and centered around a ground-breaking digital experience, this new MINI Cooper might just be the most important product for the brand since 1959. Article Sections Performance & Range of the New MINI Cooper ElectricImproved driving dynamicsMINI Experience Modes – Integrating Software and Hardware to Create a Tailored Driving ExperienceGoKart ModeGreen ModeThe Design of The J01 MINI Cooper ElectricLooking to the Past to Inspire the FutureThe Most Aero Efficient MINI EverCustomizable LED Lighting Design Front and BackMINI Cooper Electric – Four Optional TrimsEssential TrimClassic TrimFavored TrimJCW TrimA Reinvented Interior – a Revolution in both Simplicity & Digital ExperienceCloth Dashboards?Better Use of Interior SpaceLeather is Dead – Long Live VescinMINI OS9 – A New Digital Experience For All Future MINIsThe Optional Navigation PackageThe Surprising Tech Behind This New ExperienceThe Redesigned toggle barThe Center Rail is BackDriver Assistance UpgradesThe J01 MINI Cooper Electric Pricing & AvailabilityThe Rest Of The New MINI Family While the headline most will focus on is that MINI is going electric with a usable 200 mile range, there’s much more here. First is the performance. While on paper it’s fractionally quicker than before, it’s primed to be the best handling MINI since the original due to its low center of gravity, instant torque and clever software powering it all. But for many the real revolution will be the all new digital experience which is unlike anything we’ve seen from MINI or the automotive world in general. It is beautiful, responsive and fully compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Finally there’s a completely rethought interior which ditches leather and introduces new materials and a fresh approach to design. The result is closer to the 1959 original than anything we’ve seen in the last 20 years. “With its electric drive and purist design, the new MINI Cooper is a perfect fit for an urban lifestyle. In the fifth generation of the MINI Cooper, we combine the traditional MINI DNA with innovative, future-oriented technology while enabling locally emission-free driving fun that is typical of MINI. Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINIFor all this talk about MINI going electric, it’s important to note that there is another (almost) new MINI Cooper that will retain the ICE (internal combustion) powertrain that we’ve known. The F66 MINI Cooper will be an evolution of the F56 that we’ve known since late 2013. Designed to mimic the styling while taking much of the digital experience of the J01 MINI Cooper electric, it will continue to be sold alongside this all new model until the end of the decade. But we’ll have much more on that car later this year. For today, our focus is on MINI’s first all new car in ten years and the most important in 60. With the new MINI family, the brand is leaning into the core DNA that started back in 1959 with the Classic; fun to drive, socially responsible (in both size and efficiency) and unmistakably designed. Performance & Range of the New MINI Cooper Electric The new MINI Cooper electric is a ground-up rethink from any MINI before it. For starters, it’s built on a dedicated electric platform allowing it to have more space efficiency, higher range and better performance. While we won’t know exactly how it drives until we get behind the wheel early next year, we do have some numbers. 2025 J01 MINI Cooper E2025 J01 MINI Cooper SE2026 J01 MINI JCW2023 F56 MINI Cooper SEHorsepower184 hp218 hp250 hp*181 hpRange (WLTP)200 miles250 milesTBA125 milesRange (EPA)148 miles (Estimated)195 miles (Estimated)TBA110 milesBattery Size40kWh54kWh54kWh*32.6 kWh* Confirmed through unofficial sources but unconfirmed by MINIThe new J01 MINI is available in the Cooper E variant (with a higher output and higher range). The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor of the MINI Cooper E generates a torque of 290 Nm, accelerating the vehicle from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. There’s never been a base electric Cooper before, but that’s identical to the previous generation electric Cooper SE time and a second faster than the F56 ICE Cooper. With an output of 160 kW/218 hp, the MINI Cooper SE does 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds with a maximum torque of 330 Nm. That’s .6 seconds faster than the previous electric Cooper SE and the same time as the previous ICE powered Cooper S. The range determined according to the WLTP test cycle is up to 190 miles (305 kilometers) for the MINI Cooper E based on the high-voltage battery with 40.7 kWh of capacity. Using rough math that would put the Cooper at an estimated 148 miles range. In the MINI Cooper SE, the calculated WLTP range increases to a maximum of 250 miles or 402 kilometers with to a battery capacity of 54.2 kWh. Again using rough math that would be roughly a 195 mile range with EPA test procedures. However it’s important to note that this is using averaged data where the EPA range is typically around 22% lower than what we see with WLTP testing. In our experience the answer lies somewhere in the middle. Improved driving dynamics The new platform has been designed from the ground-up to not only be an EV but to also offer better driving dynamics. MINI has increased track width for better turn-in while the extended wheelbase provides increased stability at speed. With highly preloaded stabilizer mounts on the axles, the driver experiences a significantly improved body response during cornering as well as material gain in steering precision and accuracy. The result is excellent body control combined with greater levels of comfort. Both the MINI Cooper and Cooper S are equipped with a strut brace for increased torsional rigidity. The tire diameter has increased to 635 mm giving the car more grip at the limit along with a bit more visual presence. In addition, the tire width of the optionally available 17-inch and 18-inch rims is increased as well. The 17″ is has grown 10 mm to 205 while the 18″ has widened 20mm to 225 mm. Available rim sizes range from 16- to 18-inch. Combined with some clever software, the new MINI Cooper Electric should deliver a more precise and engaging driving experience. The revised suspension, steering design, powerful brakes and a low centre of gravity (thanks to the battery mounted low in the floor) should give this new MINI an even greater corner carving feel. However all of this is hypothetical until we get behind the wheel early next year. MINI Experience Modes – Integrating Software and Hardware to Create a Tailored Driving Experience The new MINI Cooper Electric and MINI Countryman will be the first models to introduce “MINI Experience Modes,” which are designed to amplify and personalize the connection from driver to car. Standard specification includes the Core, Green and Go-Kart Modes, each of which has its own specific driving experience, user interface and lighting design. GoKart Mode The various MINI Experience Modes can be activated with a flick of the toggle switch “Experiences”. GO-KART mode emphasizes the racing DNA of the MINI Cooper by adjusting the chassis set-up, creating a more dynamic experience. Quicker throttle mapping, more weight in the steering wheel and a specific DSC program all are key to Go-Kart Mode’s driving experience. The driver can further configure the mode with options change the steering response and even the intervention limits of the traction control. Inside the projector behind the central OLED display also bathes the cockpit in the John Cooper Works- inspired shades of anthracite and red. Green Mode By contrast, Green Mode optimises the efficiency of the drivetrain, orienting the electric motor towards maximum range based on various parameters. Improved recuperation management in the new MINI Cooper is one of the contributing factors here: this feeds excess energy to the battery when braking or coasting, thereby increasing the vehicle’s range. The driving conditions and their influence on the range can be more easily understood through visualizations in the central display and tips for efficient driving and a power meter increase help connect you to the experience. For example, it’s easy to understand the effect of your driving behavior through gaining “bonus range”. The Design of The J01 MINI Cooper Electric The new design language is known internally as “Charismatic Simplicity.” It’s a concept that MINI designers say combines the traditional MINI values with progressive innovations but in a uniquely MINI way. The result reducing the vehicle design to the essentials. Gone are the fake vents, scoops and non-functional plastic bits (most of them). In their place is simple forms and minimal elements – much like the original. Like all MINIs it starts with the compact silhouette. But here MINI has pushed the wheels even further into the corners creating shorter overhangs that feel closer to the R56 or even R50 compared to the outgoing F56 MINI Cooper. Looking to the Past to Inspire the Future If it all sounds familiar that’s because MINI designers looked back to 1959 as a grounding for their work. So much so that they actually had an original press photo printed in large format and hung in the studio to remind them of the genius of the original. Simplicity was a hallmark of that car and we see it here right away. Everything feels less fussy and gimmicky. And looking back at that original classic you see the consistency of that design philosophy in modern terms. MINI Designers validating an early J01 example. Details such as the flush door handles and the absence of fender flares and classic side scuttles support the modern design of the exterior by giving the surfaces a striking clarity. This reduction to the essentials places even more emphasis on the body paint finish on the larger body surface. In this way, typical MINI design features such as the visual three-part division of the vehicle body, the all-round window area and the contrasting roof have a greater impact, helping the new design style to take effect. It’s the side of the car new MINI Cooper Electric where the reduction in elements feels most obvious. For the first time since the 2001 R50, we have a MINI without the plastic wheel arches. Also gone is the side scuttle and side turn signal indicator. That light has now moved discreetly into the rear view mirror. The new rear section will likely be the most controversial part of the exterior as it’s the biggest departure. Featuring clear surfaces and flush rear lights, designers have extended that simplistic approach here as well. Between those lights is a gloss black bar with the model name (Cooper S in the photos) spelled out larger than ever before. While the changes seem subtle at first, the more you look the more you see how MINI has evolved the shape from the F56. The Most Aero Efficient MINI Ever The shape of a MINI isn’t the most aero efficient. Which is why the new MINI Cooper’s .28 drag co-efficient (down from .30) is so impressive. To achieve this MINI designers angled the windshield back further than before, added flush door handles and applied a number of subtle but important aero tricks. And these changes are noticeable – looking at the new J01 next to the previous F56 you can clearly see the windshield is now more angled. The three light signatures that owners can choose to further differentiate their MINI.Customizable LED Lighting Design Front and Back MINI’s new lighting is also striking yet more minimal than before. The headlights once again dominate the front which connects back to all generations of MINIs. Yet they’ve actually shrunk slightly here and lost the chrome trim surround. And the day-time running lights are actually variable based on which signature mode you’ve chosen. The horizontal light graphics you see in some of these photos are part of the Essential Trim. Optionally, the daytime running light elements can be switched to create three adjustable light signatures. In addition, all light modes start and end with a specially orchestrated welcome and goodbye animation. And speaking of animations, true to MINI’s cheekiness, the left light will wink at you when you unlock it. The rear lights are where things are most controversial. Having experienced the car in person we have our own thoughts on the lights (and much more) at our first look review. But the key differences are in the shape and elimination of the trim. They have now taken on a triangular shape that helps to visually widen the rear of the car and create a bit more dynamic feel. They also are customizable and have three different lighting patterns (similar to the headlights) based on the driver’s preference. MINI Cooper Electric – Four Optional Trims The J01 MINI Cooper Electric is available in four different trims that effectively package a number of exterior and interior changes in easy to choose packages. Essential Trim The Essential Trim is standard and features trim in Vibrant Silver. Based on early information, Essential will be available with a limited selection of brighter colors such as the new Sunny Side Yellow. Essential also has the new, optional Spray-Tech design of the Multitone Roof with a combination of three different colours as well as a front grille in Vibrant Silver. According to MINI the Essential Trim features an interior of maximum clarity and reduction. Black sports seats with distinctly patterned multitone textile visually connect to a colored textile band on the dashboard. Certain functional parts on the inside and outside are highlighted with the new accent color Vibrant Silver. Classic Trim In the Classic Trim, MINI uses a modern 2D knitted textile in the interior of a production vehicle for the first time. On the dashboard and door handles, two-tone black knitted textile provides a contrast to the high-quality synthetic leather seat. It’s available in grey and black featuring a perforated houndstooth pattern, while the side contrasts in a blue textile. Favored Trim Favored Trim is the most expressive option, featuring a two-tone houndstooth pattern on the knitted-textile instrument panel. Available in two colors and with traditional accent stitching, the perforated Vescin sports seats complement in dark and light colors. The exterior with the front grille in Vibrant Silver can be combined with the all-new Spray-Tech roof which features a blending of three different colors. JCW Trim Similar to BMW’s M Sport trim, MINI will offer a JCW Trim even on non JCWs. The JCW Trim has a distinctive front and rear design. The frame of the front grille and the logo in high-gloss black are unique to this trim. Additionally the JCW Trim will offer a Chili Red roof for the first time on a non-JCW car. Finally JCW bonnet stripes will be offered in Chili Red or black. Inside, the JCW Trim offers the sportiest interpretation of the new material concept. Combined with multi-colored knitted textile and black synthetic leather with red stitching, the JCW seat with sports seat geometry echoes the color concept of the dashboard and door trim. A Reinvented Interior – a Revolution in both Simplicity & Digital Experience On the inside, the design of the front area echoes the famous minimalist design of the original classic Mini. For the first model in 1959, Mini inventor Alec Issigonis designed an interior with a round instrument cluster in the centre and the characteristic toggle bar below. In the J01 MINI Cooper, it is exactly these two elements, in combination with the steering wheel, that define the interior. Reducing everything to the essentials, the new interior makes do with a smaller number of components that are cleverly designed and implemented to a higher standard than before. There’s no more cluster behind the steering wheel as MINI expects the center OLED screen to suffice. However there’s an optional head-up display that gives all the relevant content in the driver’s field of vision. The result is a sparse and and simpler design that feels much more open. Cloth Dashboards? The curved dashboard features textile surfaces for the first time. It’s a move intended to create a warm, inviting atmosphere while increasing the amount of recycled materials in the car. A specially developed knitting process is used to create the versatile, easy-care structure of the textile in two-color design made of recycled polyester. There is a choice of different colors for the textile surfaces and seats depending on the trim design. Also noteworthy MINI has made the air vent very flat in an effort to decrease the overall size of the dash. Better Use of Interior Space The clear lines and generous space in the front seats give the interior a modern, airy feel – notably more so than the F56 MINI. It’s also slightly roomier. The seats are available in a basic version and in a JCW version, with side panels that are laminated with high-quality textile covering the adjustment buttons. The armrest is now mounted on the driver’s seat itself (a la an office chair) freeing up considerable room in the center console. While it looks small, in our experience it works perfectly. The rear of the vehicle feels very similar to the current F56 with some tweaks to the overall design. For one the split folding rear seats are now a 60/40 configuration. One again there’s additional underfloor storage facility in the luggage compartment – despite this car being electric and full of batteries. By folding down the rear seat in a 60:40 ratio, the luggage compartment can be flexibly expanded from 200 litres to provide a volume of up to 800 litres in total. Leather is Dead – Long Live Vescin Vescin is MINI’s new synthetic material designed to replace leather. Why? A few things. For one leather isn’t a great material to mass produce for things like car seats. There’s some serious concerns around its production and amount of impact it has on the environment. Then there’s the quality of the stuff. In the vast majority of cars its a very thin layer or highly processed leather that feels more like plastic than anything else. MINI found that they could create a product that’s both better for the environment (it’s based on recycled material and can be fully recycled) while being even better to the touch than the standard leather we’re used to seeing in MINIs. While we were skeptical, in our brief time with the new MINI Cooper electric we came way convinced that MINI’s not only found a better material for the environment but one that might even feel better than MINI’s typical standard leather. For more, be sure to read our full review of the Vescin seats. MINI OS9 – A New Digital Experience For All Future MINIs Unlike the exterior, the interior is where MINI has gone full-on revolution. The circular OLED screen houses a unique yet modern user experience that looks as it could have been designed in California by Apple and not in Munich. Let’s start with the specs. The circular OLED screen is 9.5” (240 mm) wide however, because of the bottom cutout, measures about 9” in height. While it may seem like unusual design given the rectangles we’re all used to, it feels very natural in person thanks to the way MINI has organized the information. The “Charismatic Simplicity” design language (as MINI calls it) is focused on both minimalism and a bit of MINI character. The circular OLED display seamlessly accommodates both static and dynamic elements, with a clear and intuitive hierarchy (despite the shape). “The new MINI Operating System 9 is characterised by simple, emotional touch operation that is specific to MINI. Together with the new cloud-based MINI Navigation for particularly precise and fast route calculation, high-speed connectivity and optional 5G capability, the new MINI Cooper takes a giant leap into the digital world, thereby underlining the brand’s charismatic heritage.” Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINIThe top portion is dedicated to critical driving information which is close to your direct line of sight when looking through the windshield. While we didn’t drive the car, we did sit in it for quite awhile and it felt like something we’d get used to within a drive or two. For those opting for the optional Head-up display, vital driving details are projected directly into the driver’s field of view. At the bottom are three zones. The left and right house the dual climate zones which felt very different than other similar experiences due to micro-animations. The center is what Mac users will likely refer to as the dock. Like a smartphone, it allows you to place shortcuts for commonly used apps as well as open the full app view much like the home screen on an iPhone. The pixel density is so high we couldn’t even see any. But perhaps more important was the responsiveness. While this was a pre-production J01 MINI, the experience was fluid and full of micro-animations that felt immediately more modern than even the latest iDrive system in new BMWs. The experience felt almost at iOS levels of intuitive and the interactions and animations felt natural. The Optional Navigation Package Why would you want to pay for navigation if you have it on CarPlay? That was MINI’s challenge when they began creating this navigation experience. Their answer was to create an experience that was faster with just as much data as Google Maps while tying into the car’s technology directly. When driving, the complete MINI Navigation Package in conjunction with the optional MINI Connected Package provides support in the form of realistic 3D visualizations in complicated turning situations, display of the current traffic situation even without activated route guidance, information on parking options including digital payment options and much more. Perhaps even more impressive is the optional augmented reality function that helps with turn-by-turn directions. Finally a charge-optimized route can be calculated for the MINI Cooper electric taking into account a detailed assessment of the car’s condition, traffic and even terrain. In addition, MINI Connected Upgrades allow flexible bookings of additional vehicle functions. In conjunction with the optionally available MINI Connected Package, the MINI Connected Store will offer access to an evolving collection of apps, including gaming, music and video streaming. The new AirConsole app provides a unique form of in-car gaming for all passengers, making the smartphone the controller of the game on the OLED display. The Surprising Tech Behind This New Experience Built on Android Open Source Project (AOSP), the new MINI OS9 is designed for anyone who knows Android to easily build apps for it. Thus it’ll have its own (optional) App Store and the entire OS will be updated over the air quarterly. Before you ask, yes it will also offer wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. And no, it will not feel like Android in use. AOSP is simply the foundational platform that underpins it all. This digital experience will spread beyond just the all new J01 MINI Cooper Electric. We will see it in all new MINIs – from the all-new 2024 Countryman to the 2025 Aceman EV to even the heavily refreshed F66 ICE MINI Cooper. It’s also worth a reminder that the car we see here, the all electric J01 MINI Cooper Electric, will be available in Europe, Asia and South America at launch early next year. Plans are underway to bring the J01 in North America as soon as possible. The first product the North American market will get with this new experience will be the U25 MINI Countryman (available as both ICE and EV) followed by the heavily refreshed (ICE) F66 MINI Cooper and Cooper S. The Redesigned toggle bar Underneath the dashboard, the MINI designers have gone to great lengths to simplify. One of the key factors here is the newly designed toggle bar. Here, the most important driving functions (parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle, volume control) are directly accessible. Its design is individual in accordance with its function. The Center Rail is Back With the shifter moved to the dash, MINI has a chance to rethink the entire center console. In its place is an open space that allows for movable cupholders and storage bins. Want more cupholders? You can add them just like you can add larger storage units as well. If that sounds familiar it’s because this new system is inspired by the original Countryman’s center rail, this new system allows for an almost infinite number of configurations with MINI’s upcoming accessory plans. But what makes this different than the rail system is that it’s functional storage with no accessories at all. Rethinking Sound Design for Electric MINIs MINI’s going electric and there’s a lot that will be gained by that transition. But there’s also a lot that can be lost. One of those things is the visceral qualities of driving. Acceleration and even steering feel can be retained but gone is the ability to change gears and the overall aural feedback that so often makes driving satisfying. The last part MINI intends to do something about. Enter the MINI Sound Design team and the all new MINI Sound Design for the all new J01 MINI Cooper electric. The MINI has made the brand and even Experience Mode soundscapes an integral part of the overall driving experience. From all-new driving sounds in the interior to an unmistakable MINI brand sound that aims to confirms the car’s identity from the outside there’s a lot here that’s new. Particularly well done are the new MINI Experience Modes, and a whole collection of 30 new sound signals with information and warning functions. The overall feeling is one that is both familiar yet futuristic. And that’s not by accident. The MINI Sound Design team went deep in the MINI product catalog to capture some of those sounds. Specifically the team spent time with an original 1959 Mini and a 2006 JCW GP to capture some of the more iconic sound moments from those two models. Driver Assistance Upgrades MINI is adding several new driver assistants to the MINI Cooper but not the highway style autonomy features we were expecting. At least not yet. Instead they’ve added a new optional Parking Assistant Plus which is focused on making the parking process easier. Thanks to 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround-view cameras, the vehicle can identify possible parking spaces more clearly and can even independently initiate space-restricted parking maneuvers. In addition, a manual parking process can be transferred to Parking Assistant Plus at any time. MINI has also added Explore Mode which offers autonomous parking via smartphone – a first for a vehicle this segment. This is particularly helpful if the space available is too tight to enter and exit the vehicle. Also new is the MINI Digital Key Plus option which uses the smartphone as a key with the help of ultra-sideband tech. The welcome projection of the front and rear lights begins as soon as the driver is within 10 feet of the car and the doors unlock when the driver is two feet away. Additionally the digital key can be transferred to different users and replaces the handover of the classic vehicle key for easier car sharing. The MINI App also offers other functions that increase user safety. With the Remote 360 option, for example, the exterior and interior of the parked car can be viewed in the MINI App. And using the interior camera, the Snapshot function offers the opportunity to capture shared moments in a photograph and to upload them via WiFi-Direct to the smartphone. The J01 MINI Cooper Electric Pricing & Availability The new J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric & ICE) will debut at the Munich Motor Show next week. While MINI hasn’t confirmed production timing, our sources have confirmed that the J01 will go into production this fall in China and will be sold in Europe, Asia and South America initially. Plans for North America are still being finalized as are plans for UK production. Both should be announced shortly. J01 MINI Cooper (BEV) / ChinaStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper E11/2023J01 MINI Cooper SE 11/2023J01 MINI Cooper JCW*01/2025* UnconfirmedGiven that the J01 MINI Cooper Electric won’t have a full global release, we can only give you pricing in Euros at this time. Market specific pricing from their UK should be announced shortly. Since the J01 will see a delayed debut for the US market, we expect pricing announcements to be focused on the new U25 Countryman. ModelDrivetrainPricingJ01 MINI Cooper EElectric32,900€ J01 MINI Cooper SE Electric36,900€ U25 MINI Countryman CICE (Petrol)39.900€ U25 MINI Countryman D ICE (Diesel)42.900€ U25 MINI Countryman E Electric43.500€ U25 MINI Countryman S ALL4ICE (Petrol)45.900€ U25 MINI Countryman SE ALL4Electric49.500€ U25 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4ICE (Petrol)56.500€ * UnconfirmedThe Rest Of The New MINI Family There are two other key additions to the MINI range we’ll see in the next 18 months. The forthcoming ICE powered F66 MINI Cooper will be a massive seller in the US and the electric J05 MINI Aceman (effectively a Clubman replacement) will follow in the footsteps of the J01 about a year later. And remember, all of these models will see the same digital experience you see above. If you want the details you’ll not find anywhere else on any of the new MINI’s head to our 4th Generation MINI Section. If you’ve made it to the end, then you might be interested in the other articles we’ve released today with details about this reimagined new generation of MINIs: J01 MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review J01 MINI Cooper EV: Video Review MINI Countryman EV: In-Depth MINI Countryman EV: FIRST Review MINI Countryman EV: Video Review The post Premier: The Reinvented MINI Cooper Electric Is The Most Important MINI in 60 Years first appeared on MotoringFile. The post Premier: The Reinvented MINI Cooper Electric Is The Most Important MINI in 60 Years appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Leaking low-res photos seems to be an unfortunate inevitability of a car launches. That’s now happened with the highly anticipated New MINI Countryman. Several poor quality images of the new crossover were just leaked on Instagram give the world its first view of official photos of the all new Electric MINI Countryman. What these photos shoe is the more upright yet minimal look of the new U25 Countryman. Also seen here is the all new interior which differs in design from the forthcoming MINI Cooper Electric that we previewed last month. But this these poor quality images are just a glimpse of what we will have for you when both the new MINI Countryman and MINI Cooper Electric launch at 5:01 AM est. We will have an in-depth look at both cars and our own hands-on first impressions followed by exclusive video walk-throughs. The post New MINI Countryman Leaks Ahead of Official Debut first appeared on MotoringFile. The post New MINI Countryman Leaks Ahead of Official Debut appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The all new (J01) Electric MINI Cooper and (U25) Electric Countryman will be debuting this Friday morning right here on MotoringFile. The simultaneous debut will include not just official information but our own exclusive hands-on reviews and videos. Debuting Friday at 5:01 am EST, the Cooper and the Countryman are the first two models from MINI’s new generation of cars and will set the tone for design, performance and technology we’ll see for many years to come. MotoringFile will have exclusive coverage with in-depth articles, first-look reviews and a collection of hands-on videos all dropping simultaneously at 5:01 am EST on right here. Buckle up, it’s going to be pretty cool. Trust us. The post The All New Electric MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman Debuting Friday first appeared on MotoringFile. The post The All New Electric MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman Debuting Friday appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

Several weeks ago we gave you an early look at MINI’s all new digital experience and MINI OS9. It’s revolutionary for the brand and, with its circular OLED display, a first for the industry. But how there’s surprising powering it all behind the scenes; Android. But this isn’t Android Auto. It’s something different and in many ways much more important. One of MINI’s biggest problems (and the industry as a whole) is technology inside of cars rapidly becoming dated in comparison to smartphones and other devices. The answer isn’t as easy and simply allowing for over the air updates as some carmakers have found out. Often the tech is cars is based on platforms and coding languages that’s either hard to create for or is simply obscure. Then there’s the problem of automakers not understanding (or willing) to plan and execute like a software company. What MINI (and BMW) has set out to do with this new experience is to future proof it by using one of the most widely known platforms in the world. One that has millions of developers and apps ready to go. This coupled with 5G powered over the air updates and a renewed focus on software development seemingly sets MINI’s 4th generation of cars well. That future-proofing starts with Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack which does several things for MINI. For one it allows MINI to leverage the massive scale of the Google Play App store which MINI will create their own subset of. But more importantly it allows MINI to leverage the army of Android engineers worldwide meaning that the platform MINI will rely on for future innovation is open and easy to create apps for. But don’t mistake the software stack as influencing the user experience. That’s 100% MINI’s own thinking and execution which is built on top of this invisible but powerful platform. We’ll reiterate – it’s important to remember we’re not talking about Android Auto here. That is what is known as projection software. AOSP is the the open source layer MINI’s system is built on. Android Auto and CarPlay will continue to run on top of it as projection layers should owners prefer that experience. MINI is keenly aware that most consumers have never heard of AOSP. They want an infotainment system that is intuitive, has the services they need and allows them to use CarPlay and Android Auto. This new MINI OS 9 not only allow that but does so with experience design that is uniquely MINI’s. Wireless CarPlay And Android Auto One of the reasons AOSP is so interesting for automakers is that it allows them to still run wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – both will be standard on the new MINI OS9. Both will work inside of the circular screen as a 4×3 rectangle allowing for the critical drive and climate functionally to be present and functional. That means we’ll see a slightly different layout from CarPlay putting the “dock” at the bottom. However it’s MINI’s hope that it’s new navigation and other apps lessen the appear of these projection offerings. Which MINIs Will Get This New Experience? The new MINI Digital Experience and MINI OS9 will be available across the entire new MINI family; the J01 MINI electric, U25 MINI Countryman (electric & ICE), J05 MINI Aceman (electric) and likely on the heavily refreshed ICE MINI Cooper (F66). Related Articles The post Android – The Surprising Tech Behind MINI’s New Digital Experience first appeared on MotoringFile. The post Android – The Surprising Tech Behind MINI’s New Digital Experience appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

In the build-up to the new MINI Cooper Electric and Countryman Electric reveal next Friday, we’re getting an sneak peek of the center of it all: the MINI Circular Display (or as MINI calls it – the Interaction Unit). This round OLED display, born from a collaboration with Samsung Display Corporation, is set to be the first of its kind in the industry housing perhaps the most inventive interface we’ve seen in the automotive world. Note: If you haven’t, read and watch our hands-on review of the new Circular Display and it’s incredible digital experience. For their showcase at gamescom, MINI has chosen a cutting-edge laboratory theme. Nestled within this MINI Lab, you’ll find a colossal incubator tank, evoking memories of beloved science fiction, gaming legends, and anime classics. Notably, MINI takes the spotlight as the primary sponsor of the gamescom merchandise area for the second time running, and they’re also adding their flair to the Cosplay Awards at the globe’s most massive gaming extravaganza. From August 23 to 27, 2023, gamescom will play host to hordes of passionate gamers from across the globe, spanning a colossal 230,000 square meters of gaming nirvana at Koelnmesse. Embracing the World of Technology. When it comes to glimpsing the future and its technological wonders, few genres rival the immersive experience of science fiction. MINI is steering this year’s narrative in a direction that complements their past playful endeavors. You might recall last year’s MINI Concept Aceman, which introduced the world to the whimsical Pokémon Mode. Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI, enthuses, “MINI’s affinity with gamescom is a natural fit because MINI is all about creating experiences and fostering a vibrant community. Last year, our spotlight was on the MINI Concept Aceman. This year, we’re shifting gears to put the spotlight on the technological masterpiece within our new MINI family—the round OLED display. And we’re doing it through a playful, digital experience. Science fiction, as an homage to the future, sets the stage perfectly for our innovations.” At the core of the new MINI family lies the iconic MINI Interaction Unit, showcasing the cutting-edge OLED technology from Samsung Display Corporation. MINI and Samsung Display are at the forefront of advancing mobility and user interface solutions, all centered around enhancing the human experience. MINI is synonymous with individuality, and the MINI Interaction Unit is a testament to that ethos. Depending on your chosen Experience Mode, the interface and experience transforms, offering various designs and content. One of our favorite Experience modes is the Personal Mode, which allows drivers to radically change the look of the experience. In this mode, you can set an image (via your phone) as the backdrop of the central display via the MINI app, creating a personalized cockpit ambiance. Visitors to gamescom will have the chance to explore these modes firsthand at the MINI booth. But MINI’s engagement doesn’t stop there. They’re not just inviting gamescom attendees to their MINI Lab in Hall 5.2; they’re also embracing the cosplay community. At the Cosplay Awards, the renowned cosplayer Ben Bergmann, known as Maul Cosplay, will represent MINI as a judge. The winners of this competition will score an exclusive invitation to MINI UNITED—the grand launch party for the new MINI family. Up Next: IAA MOBILITY. For gamescom visitors, there’s an extra treat—a glimpse of the forthcoming MINI family. At IAA MOBILITY 2023 in Munich, this very center display will be seamlessly integrated into the new models, acting as their nervous system, and bringing them to life, just like something out of a mesmerizing science fiction epic. Related Stories The post MINI & Samsung Preview the New MINI Circular Display first appeared on MotoringFile. The post MINI & Samsung Preview the New MINI Circular Display appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI has formatted announced it will debut the all new MINI Cooper electric (J01) and MINI Countryman electric (U25) at the 2023 IAA Mobility Show in Munich. The highly anticipated debut will be out first official look at both cars in their entirety and will usher the most important new models for the brand since 2001 and perhaps since 1959. The debuts will happen simultaneously at a pre-show event and right here on MotoringFile next Friday September 1st. Look for exact timing of the debut next week as we prepare our typical in-depth look at the cars and our first hands-on review as well. How You Can See The New MINIs At the IAA Munich Both the new MINI Cooper electric and new MINI Countryman electric will both be on show for the full public from 5 – 10 September. The IAA Mobility Summit at the exhibition centre and the BMW Group’s Open Space at Max-Joseph-Platz in the heart of Munich will be the main arenas where BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad present their new products. Among the models visitors can acquaint themselves with here alongside the BMW Vision Neue Klasse is the fully electric BMW i5. And they can also experience the world premieres of the new fully electric BMW CE 02 eParkourer as well. The post The Next Generation MINI Cooper Electric & MINI Countryman Electric Official Debut Annoucned appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

MINI USA and the MINI John Cooper Works Team kicked-off the second half of the 2023 SRO TC America season with an impressive performance at the iconic Road America circuit. Their campaign yielded a grand total of four podium finishes, comprising a first-place victory, a second-place finish, and two hard fought third-places as well. The 4.1 mile track saw Clay Williams (#60) clinching a close victory in Race 2 of the Touring Car (TC) class – the final race of the weekend. Cristian Perocarpi, #3, made it the podium twice despite some software struggles. His stellar performance secured a well-deserved second place in Race 1 (missing a win by thousands of a second) and a respectable third place in Race 2 of the TC class. P.J. Groenke, behind the wheel of the #62 MINI JCW, built upon his prior success at VIR by claiming the third spot in Race 1 for the Touring Car A (TCA) class. SRO America Road America 2023 – The traditional parade at Elkhart Lake.Hailing from Brownsburg, Indiana, the LAP Motorsports team, responsible for the operation of the MINI JCW Team, received invaluable support throughout the weekend from a certified MINI Dealer technician. This technician, none other than the skilled Miguel Ponce de Leon from International MINI in Milwaukee, has steadfastly stood by the team’s side for the past four races at Road America. Ponce de Leon was a tireless presence throughout the weekend at Road America, highlighting the importance of the technical expertise that underpins the team’s racing endeavors. Luis Perocarpi, the illustrious team owner of LAP Motorsports, commended the team’s resilience in the face of numerous challenges over the weekend. Their determination bore fruit with a multitude of podium finishes, keeping them at the top of the TC class standings for the year. Perocarpi proudly stated, “I’m incredibly proud of this team and our continued success this season. With just four races left in the season, we’re ready to face the pressure from our competitors and defend our spot at the top.” SRO America Road America 2023 – The Hyundai attempting a move (which failed) into turn 1Although the MINI JCW Team didn’t quite replicate the sweeping victories of the previous year at Road America, the results from the recent weekend underscored their position as the undisputed leaders in the 2023 TC class standings. Clay Williams, the pilot of the #60 MINI JCW Pro, remains atop the individual driver standings in the TC class, boasting a commanding points lead after a streak of consecutive wins. Williams also wrapped up the 2022 season in second place in the Driver’s Championship within the TC class. The next race in the 2023 SRO TC America series is scheduled for September 22 to 24 at the Sebring International Raceway followed by the season finale October 5 to 8 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway SRO America Road America 2023SRO America Road America 2023SRO America Road America 2023SRO America Road America 2023SRO America Road America 2023SRO America Road America 2023SRO America Road America 2023SRO America Road America 2023The post The MINI JCW Team Wins at Road America appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article

The MINI brand is dripping with heritage. While every modern MINI has had plenty of nods to the classic Mini stylistically, the brand is looking to make the connection even stronger with the upcoming electric MINIs. One of the ways it’s doing this is with the “Timeless” Experience Mode that will add a classic Mini-inspired interface design and sounds taken directly from an original 1959 Mini. What’s an Experience Mode? With the new MINI family (the first models debuting this September), the brand is introducing “MINI Experience Modes,” which are designed to amplify the connection between drivers and their cars. Standard specification includes the Core, Green and Go-Kart Modes, each of which has its own specific user interface design. However it’s the optional Timeless Experience Mode that will likely appeal to a lot of long time MINI fans. Timeless Experience Mode – The Details With Experience Modes MINI aims to immerse drivers in a personalized driving experience. By combining light and sound, they aim to elevate the overall driving encounter. Timeless brings the aesthetic of the original 1959 Classic Mini with a unique user interface and speedometer design that takes cues directly from the original. Also present is sound that isn’t just inspired by the 1959 is actually taken directly from one of the first Minis ever built. MINI has synthesized the actual sound of the engine and other mechanicals to create an ode to the original. In the MINI “Timeless” driving sound, MINI merged the past and present. The Sound Design team worked to capture the sound from an original 1959 Mini to seamless blend that retro vibe with a futuristic interpretation of the MINI driving sound. Timeless brings the classic Mini aesthetic back with a refined serif typeface and a prominent speedometer, elegantly juxtaposed against a cream backdrop. Timeless Mode is particularly beautiful at night when the display and projections shift darker. 2024 MINI Cooper Electric & 2024 Countryman Debut And Release Timing We can confirm both the J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric & ICE) will offer Experience Modes at launch. Additionally we’re expecting the heavily revised F56 ICE MINIs to also have some elements of the Experience modes as well. The J01 and U25 will debut at the Munich Motor Show this September. While MINI hasn’t confirmed production timing, our sources have confirmed that the J01 will go into production this fall in China and will be sold in Europe, Asia and South America initially. Plans for North America are still being finalized. J01 MINI Cooper (BEV) / ChinaStart of ProductionJ01 MINI Cooper E11/2023J01 MINI Cooper SE 11/2023J01 MINI Cooper JCW11/2024** UnconfirmedSimilarly our sources have confirmed that we will see the all new U25 MINI Countryman begin production in Leipzig Germany in November with global exports happening in the months following. U25 / Leipzig, GermanyStart of ProductionU25 ICE Countryman11/2023U25 ICE Countryman S11/2023*U25 ICE Countryman JCW11/2023*U25 BEV Countryman E03/2024U25 BEV Countryman SE03/2024*U25 BEV Countryman JCWTBD** UnconfirmedRelated Stories The post Timeless Experience Mode Aims to Turn the New MINI Electric into a Classic appeared first on MotoringFile. View the full article