Munich. Safety has always been a core development objective at MINI. Numerous five-star ratings in the Euro NCAP crash tests provide impressive proof of this commitment. At the heart of this is a consistently advanced safety concept of the highest standard, delivering an exceptionally high level of protection straight from the factory.

Integrated safety at MINI: Sensors, cameras and radar systems working together.

The integration of up to twelve ultrasonic sensors, five cameras and five radar systems forms the technological foundation for a wide range of driver assistance systems and safety functions. All MINI models come equipped as standard with a comprehensive package of active safety features. These systems support the driver by identifying potentially hazardous situations at an early stage and, ideally, helping to avoid accidents altogether.

Standard equipment includes Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention, Front Collision Warning with approach warning and automatic braking intervention, including during turning maneuvers and in complex junction situations, continuous information on applicable speed limits, as well as cruise control with braking function. In addition, all MINI derivatives are equipped with the Driving Assistant, which includes functions such as Lane Change Warning with collision warning in the blind-spot area, Exit Warning, Rear Collision Warning for approaching vehicles, and Rear Cross Traffic Warning to support safe reversing out of parking spaces.

MINI Pre‑Crash technologies: Occupant protection activated before an accident.

Integral safety in the current MINI models also incorporates intelligent Pre-Crash functions that actively prepare the vehicle ahead of a potential collision. Based on comprehensive driving dynamics data, sensor input and environmental information, the system detects critical situations at an early stage and initiates targeted, reversible protective measures. These include the automatic closing of windows and sliding roofs, as well as the anticipatory positioning of seat backrests.
Through this preventive interaction, MINI further enhances occupant protection even before an accident occurs. As a result, every MINI offers a high level of active safety as standard – in urban environments and beyond.

For the MINI Cooper family, the MINI Aceman and the MINI Countryman, the Driving Assistant Plus is available as an option. It enables partially automated driving and includes features such as the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, and the automatic Speed Limit Assistant. The radar- and camera-based system supports the driver in maintaining lane position, distance and speed.

With the Driving Assistant Professional, the MINI Countryman further expands this range with additional safety and comfort features such as the Lane Change Assistant and Active Lane Guiding. When route guidance is active, the system alerts the driver to upcoming lane changes or exits. After the indicator is activated, the vehicle supports the lane change by adjusting the speed and applying a gentle steering input towards the target lane, including stabilization.  Additional features include side collision protection for motorway driving and traffic light recognition for urban use.
With this combination of standard and optional functions, a new level of driver assistance is achieved. MINI combines a high degree of safety with enhanced comfort and everyday convenience.

MINI parking assistance systems: Precision and safety in urban environments.

The range of functions designed to ensure safe and relaxed driving is complemented by high-performance parking assistance systems. From the factory, features of the Parking Assistant such as the Parking Maneuver Assistant, Reversing Assistant, Active Park Distance Control and the Reversing Camera support safe and confident maneuvering. Depending on the model, enhanced systems are also optionally available.

Within the Parking Assistant Plus, four surround-view cameras generate 360-degree views of the vehicle’s surroundings, which can be used both for the Anti-Theft Recorder and for particularly precise parking maneuvers. Remote-controlled parking via smartphone and the MINI App becomes possible with the Parking Assistant Professional.

Passive safety at MINI: Body structure, airbags and restraint systems.

All current MINI models come equipped with a comprehensive package of passive safety features as standard, providing effective protection in frontal, side and rear impacts. A particularly rigid body structure, precisely defined crumple zones and state-of-the-art restraint systems form the foundation for the high level of safety.

Depending on the model and market, up to nine adaptive front and side airbags are deployed. In Germany, for example, the MINI Countryman is equipped as standard with seven airbags, including a central airbag designed to enhance the protection of both front-seat occupants. The MINI Cooper family as well as the all-electric MINI Aceman additionally feature two side airbags in the second row of seats.

A key element of passive safety is the seat belt system. MINI combines adaptive force limiters and automatic belt tensioners to create a finely tuned overall system that adapts to different collision scenarios depending on the situation.
In the all-electric MINI Cooper models and in the MINI Aceman, buckle-mounted belt tensioners are also used. This technology specifically improves restraint in the pelvic area. Another important safety feature is the Seat Belt Reminder, which is activated as standard on all seats. The second row of seats is likewise equipped with belt force limiters and automatic tensioners.

For almost all MINI models, the comprehensive safety concept also includes an active bonnet. In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, the bonnet is raised in a targeted manner, helping to reduce the risk of injury.

MINI’s safety commitment: Standard across all models and independently confirmed. 

The intelligent combination of vehicle structure, state-of-the-art airbag and seat belt technology, and well-engineered protection systems for all occupants, paired with numerous Driving Assistant Systems, reflects MINI’s high standards in terms of safety. The repeated five-star Euro NCAP ratings are testament to this consistently rigorous development work.

Munich / Beijing. At Auto China 2024 in Beijing, the BMW Group presents the latest progress in its change towards electrification, digitalisation and circularity. World premieres of new BMW and MINI models take centre stage. The BMW Vision Neue Klasse, which heralds the next generation of BMW vehicles, is on show for the first time in China.

„With the NEUE KLASSE, we are carrying BMW into the future: in design, technology and philosophy. It begins already next year when we will release the NEUE KLASSE onto the market. Not with niche models – but starting in our most successful, highest-volume segments,“ says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse signals the start of a new era of individual mobility and provides a glimpse of the BMW brand's future model generation. It is rich in digital experiences, locally emission-free and circular in the long term to ensure typical BMW driving pleasure for future generations. Production of the Neue Klasse series models will start in 2025, initially at the BMW Group plant in Debrecen and shortly afterwards in China.

The brand's most popular electric vehicle worldwide is currently the BMW i4, the new version of which will celebrate its world premiere at Auto China 2024. The success of the BMW i4 confirms the BMW Group's open technology approach, which makes it possible to produce vehicles with purely electric drive systems and highly efficient combustion engines on a common platform. In Beijing, the new BMW i4 will be shown to the public for the first time together with the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé's combustion engine variants, which have also been further developed.

The world premiere of the MINI Aceman at Auto China 2024 marks the third member of the brand's new model family. The all-electric crossover model closes the gap between the new MINI Cooper and the new MINI Countryman.

"What the NEUE KLASSE is to BMW, the New MINI Family is to MINI: the most desirable product range in the history of the brand and the biggest investment we ever made in MINI. At just over four metres long, the Aceman embodies the basic idea of the original, iconic MINI of 1959: progressive design, optimal use of space and a minimal footprint.," said Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Customer, Brand and Sales.

The Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, in short: Auto China, is one of the most important trade fairs in the international automotive industry. The 18th edition of the exhibition, which alternates with Auto Shanghai, will be held under the theme "New Era, New Cars" and will be open to the public from 25 April to 4 May 2024. At the China International Exhibition Centre in Beijing, car manufacturers, suppliers and service providers from all over the world will present their new models, products and technologies. The BMW Group brands will present their current product range on an exhibition area of around 2,000 square metres.

China premiere: The BMW Vision Neue Klasse.

The BMW Vision Neue Klasse combines the BMW Group's innovative strength and development expertise in the key future fields of electrification, digitalisation and circularity. A reinterpretation of the brand's typical design goes hand in hand with the progress embodied by the Vision vehicle. A clear design language reduced to the essentials with generous surfaces and few striking lines creates an almost monolithic body. Characteristic features such as the BMW radiator grille and the Hofmeister kink counter-swing on the C-pillar. are brought into even sharper focus.

In the interior, the next generation of BMW iDrive offers a unique digital user experience that merges the real and virtual worlds. It consistently puts the driver and his needs at the centre. In addition to the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel and the Central Display, the driver can interact with the vehicle using the innovative BMW Panoramic Vision. For the first time, it projects information across the entire width of the windscreen and is complemented in the Neue Klasse series by the enhanced BMW 3D Head-Up Display. Analogue controls are reduced to a minimum in the BMW Vision Neue Klasse.

The increased use of secondary raw materials, resource-conserving production methods and all-electric drive with sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology will reduce the CO₂ footprint of the Neue Klasse over the entire life cycle of the vehicles. In order to increase recyclability and take a decisive step towards a circular economy, the variety of materials used has also been reduced. An improved dismantling concept also helps to optimise the recycling of Neue Klasse vehicles.

World premiere: The new BMW i4, the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé.

The appeal of pure electric premium mobility is also being consistently enhanced in the current model range of the BMW brand. The BMW i4 will be available in four model variants on the world's automotive markets as part of an extensive model revision. The Connected Home Charging Package for intelligent, solar- and load-optimised charging at home will be offered in the first pilot markets. The BMW i4 also offers the Plug & Charge Multi Contract function, which enables charging at fast charging stations without an app or card.

The latest advances in digitalisation are represented by the latest generation of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect based on BMW Operating System 8.5, which is available in both the new BMW i4 and the combustion engine models of the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé. With the BMW Curved Display and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the enhanced BMW iDrive is consistently geared towards operation via touch functions and natural speech. The digital update in the new BMW i4 and the new BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé is accompanied by a redesign of the instrument panel. New steering wheels, interior trims and seat upholstery add modern accents to the premium ambience of all model variants.

On the exterior, the sporty profile of the premium mid-range models, which are extremely successful with both all-electric and conventional drive systems, has been sharpened by the redesign of the BMW radiator grille and headlights. In conjunction with the optional adaptive LED headlights, all models also feature exclusive laser rear lights. The range of exterior colours for the BMW i4 and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé has been extended to include the new Cape York Green metallic and Fire Red metallic variants. New aerodynamic 19-inch and 20-inch wheels are also available.

World premiere: the new MINI Aceman.

With its all-electric drive, progressive crossover proportions and innovative digital features, the new MINI Aceman brings fresh impetus to the premium small car segment. It combines the brand's hallmark agility with creative use of space and high functionality, making it the ideal companion in the city. With four doors and a large tailgate, the MINI Aceman is just over four metres long and offers room for five passengers and plenty of storage space for everyday use and weekend excursions.

As a character in its own right, the MINI Aceman appeals to customers who value the expression of individuality and personality in an urban environment. Its reduced, purist exterior design with clearly defined contours and strong edges is an expression of the new MINI design language "Charismatic Simplicity".

The intelligent interior concept maximises space by cleverly arranging seats and stowage compartments to make the most of the available room. The expressive and colourful interior design is made possible by the use of high-quality materials and innovative technologies such as the 3D knitting process for the textile surfaces. The MINI Interaction Unit with circular OLED display, MINI Experience Modes and dynamic projections on the dashboard and door sills provide a holistic user experience of light, motion, interaction and sound.

In case of queries, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Steven Wörns, Spokesperson BMW Group Design
Telefon: +49-151-601-16992
E-Mail: Steven.Woerns@bmw.com

Almut Stollberg, Head of Communications Innovation, Design, Technology, Digital Car
Telefon: +49-151-601-96543
E-Mail: Almut.Stollberg@bmw.com

Renate Heim, Product Communication BMW Automobiles
Phone: +49-89-382-21615
E-mail: Renate.Heim@bmw.de

Alexandra Landers, Head of Product and Brand Communication BMW
Phone: +49-89-382-30871
E-mail: Alexandra.Landers@bmw.de

Franziska Liebert, Press Officer MINI
Phone: +49-151-601-28030
E-mail: Franziska.Liebert@mini.com

Andreas Lampka, Head of Communications MINI
Phone: +49-89-382-23662
E-mail: Andreas.Lampka@mini.com

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

E-mail: presse@bmw.de

Mr. Heilmer, when you joined MINI in 2017, how did you set about developing a vision to lead the models into the future?

Given that MINI is a very traditional brand, the question was: how do you evolve a brand like this into the future? To answer that, we went right back to the birth of the classic Mini to understand the spirit of Sir Alec Issigonis and derive from this where the MINI brand is heading in today’s context. The next step was to explore the essence of the original Mini together with our very diverse team and derive our own creative mindset. This was our foundation to develop an overall brand design vision to serve as a guiding principle in designing the new products.

What was your biggest challenge in developing a completely new design language?

The biggest challenge was and still is the profound engagement with the brand's strong history. The first MINI was an absolute disruption – but that is also part of the story. We could just say that MINI is disruption and let everything that happened before stay in the history books. But that would be to discard the heart of the brand. Instead, we now talk about independent characters – and the MINI Cooper immediately shone as the icon in our eyes. You get closer to the quintessential ethos of the original model: a powerful character, but with as few fancy frills as possible – “Charismatic Simplicity” expresses this.

What does the new MINI “Charismatic Simplicity” design language represent and how is this reflected in the new MINI Aceman?

It’s about strong characters and about each family member having their own individual place within the MINI family. For example, the MINI Aceman has a unique design language when viewed from the side, and a unique graphic for the wheel arch trims. It is compact, agile and exudes a determination to forge ahead. That is what highlights this charismatic aspect. At the same time, we have consciously kept away from superfluous stylistic elements. Our challenge was to define a distinctive character with as few design elements as possible.

How would you describe the MINI Aceman character?

The MINI Aceman is both a practical and expressive, unique companion in everyday life. It steps out into the world fresh and carefree and takes up its place at the centre of the MINI family. It is an independent character that can be quite ‘edgy’ and appeals to customers who – irrespective of their age – value individuality and distinctiveness in urban spaces.

The MINI Aceman is the first of its kind. What makes the MINI Aceman the signature vehicle for the urban environment?

The MINI Aceman fits perfectly into the urban environment as it reinterprets the classic MINI values in a modern, all-electric crossover format. It offers an elevated seating position that conveys a feeling of safety and a generous amount of space without losing the compactness and manoeuvrability that are the MINI hallmarks.

Where do you draw fresh inspiration to develop new MINI models?

Inspiration never happens by chance but comes from a regular and targeted exchange of views within our team, in which each member contributes their inspiring and fascinating experiences. One team member builds skateboards, for example, while another lived on a sailing boat for two years. I would say it is roughly split between direct and indirect inspiration. Indirect inspiration involves everything that fuels a spirit, which comes across in the materials we use as well as in the surfaces and the digital aspects. Direct inspiration is in the architecture or fashion, for example. However, creative debate within the team throughout is crucial.

How do new, sustainably produced materials influence the design process at MINI?

Our brand design vision is based on our “creative mindset”, which consists of four guiding values: heartbeat, curiosity, responsibility and daredevil. These values stand for our basic principles such as heritage, curiosity for the new, sustainability and the courage to stand out from the crowd. For us, sustainability and the responsible use of resources have nothing to do with compromise, but rather exploring new possibilities in our creative process. Instead of materials such as leather, we use alternative technologies that allow more design freedom and individualisation, for example through using patterns or two-tone colours. The 3D knit is an example of one of the central design elements inspired by the sneaker industry. We are also replacing elements: for example, chrome with our new Vibrant Silver colour for aesthetic reasons.

Which of the MINI Aceman design innovations are you particularly proud of?

Two things in particular, and they are both about size. The MINI Aceman is very compact because of its very short overhangs at the front and rear. Even so, the vehicle is extremely safe. This is the result of truly outstanding engineering work. But it’s not just the things you can see that make it special. I would also make particular mention of how the sense of space is brought throughout the interior to achieve maximum lightness.

Are there any hidden design element that you would only see on closer inspection?

The idea behind us hiding little Easter eggs was knowing that people love discovering surprises. Not always in plain sight, but a little further down the line. Digital innovation allows for this sort of playfulness: for example, the navigation arrow can be depicted as a small MINI, or a large spinning record can be displayed on the central interface. And that’s how Spike was born, an animal friend who has always been a loyal companion to the brand. This gave rise to the idea of offering a kind of digital companion. That’s how Spike got on board the MINI and now lives in the display, so to speak.

What direction do you want the MINI design to take in the future?

As a team, we believe that our “creative mindset” will remain just as relevant to us as a guiding principle for future products. At the same time, we will focus even more strongly on the value of responsibility. Curiosity and responsibility – these are the values that we are introducing into the minds of the next generation.

If there was a product outside the car segment that you could design – what would it be?

Many things come to mind, but if I had to choose one, I would say: a sailing boat. I’ve only been sailing maybe five times in my life, but I still have a fascination for open water and dealing with the natural forces that prevail there. I designed a trimaran together with a fellow student for my degree dissertation, with the question of whether it is possible to design “automotive” in an area of mobility that is not necessarily confined to the road – I believe that there is still enormous potential there.

Munich. Creative use of space – reinterpreted: MINI celebrates the premiere of the first crossover model for the premium small car segment. The new MINI Aceman combines compact exterior dimensions with as much room as possible for occupants and an all-electric drive. The result is a contemporary interpretation of classic Mini inventor Sir Alec Issigonis’ underlying vision: maximum utilisation of space with a minimum footprint combined with a modern drive concept. The progressive design of the new MINI Aceman provides space for five comfortable seats within a vehicle length of just over four metres. MINI draws on innovative technologies to enhance the interior with an immersive digital user experience, while the MINI Aceman’s all-electric drive gives a fresh boost to the characteristic MINI go-kart feeling. Combined with modern assistance systems and hallmark design, traditional brand values pave the way for an all-electric MINI future.

From the outside, the MINI Aceman embodies sporty agility and a self-assured presence. The vehicle architecture of the new crossover model is based on a fully electric drive concept.

Measuring just under four metres in length, the new MINI Aceman has five seats and a versatile luggage compartment with a load volume of 300 litres, while numerous adjustment options enable this capacity to be extended individually to as much as 1,005 litres. With a range of up to 405 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle, the MINI Aceman is perfectly equipped for locally emission-free mobility beyond the city limits, too.

New design style “Charismatic Simplicity”.
The entire new MINI family features a clear, reduced design, giving the various models a contemporary look that exudes effortless assurance. The minimalist design style of the MINI Aceman also powerfully conveys its progressive character.

“The MINI Aceman is a strong character with his own young personality within the new MINI family. It has an independent form language, is compact and looks agile. With its distinctive expression, it is the perfect everyday companion for those who value individuality in urban areas.” emphasizes Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design

The exterior.
Expressive crossover with compact proportions.
With its striking front-end, robust contours and athletic stance, the sporty MINI crossover model epitomises agility and self-assured presence. Measuring 4.07 metres in length, 1.75 metres in width and 1.50 metres in height, the MINI Aceman is positioned between the MINI Cooper and the MINI Countryman.

Featuring a streamlined front, short overhangs and the functional two-box design, the brand’s hallmark “Clever Use of Space” design principle has been given a new, distinctive character, while the all-electric drive opens up a whole range of fresh possibilities in terms of vehicle design. Creative space utilisation ensures the new MINI Aceman is agile and nimble in urban traffic while at the same time providing ample room for occupants.

Continuous surfaces give centre stage to the expressive and elegant colours of the body. The versatile and adventurous character of the MINI Aceman is emphasised by the standard roof rails, visually accentuated wheels in sizes from 17” to 19”, and underride protection at the front, rear and sides of the vehicle.

Modern front-end design with striking LED headlights.
The front-end design of the MINI Aceman conveys a powerful presence, reinterpreting typical MINI design elements such as the expressive headlights and the characteristic front grille. Its remodelled, octagonal shape builds on the traditional underlying theme of the hexagon. The grille surround in the MINI Aceman extends into the solid underride protection on the front apron. In the new Vibrant Silver finish or in high-gloss Jet Black, the front grille sets highly contrasting accents, helping to make the crossover model instantly identifiable.

With their individual design, the car’s angular LED headlights also lend emphasis to the distinctive standing of the MINI Aceman within the MINI model family. Their shape is perpetuated in the clarity of the bonnet design with its precise lines, giving the front of the vehicle its distinctive character. The daytime running light elements of the LED headlights can be switched to three different modes, underpinning the expressive character of this new MINI family member.

Distinctive body design with eye-catching details.
The surface design of the MINI Aceman contributes to the clarity and freshness of the new model’s aesthetic style. Tautly stretched body surfaces are accentuated by precise lines and robust angles. While making a progressive statement, this eye-catching styling of the MINI Aceman also forges a link to the brand’s history, enabling it to be instantly identified as a MINI.

The classic tripartite division of body, surrounding window graphics and roof has been reinterpreted. In keeping with idea of reducing everything to the essentials, a flush transition between the vehicle body and glass surfaces optimises the car’s aerodynamic properties. Flat integrated door openers emphasise the progressive expression of the MINI Aceman, while diagonal contours in the body below the A-pillars echo the weld crease of the classic Mini models in the front area of the side panels. Harmonious surfaces and horizontal lines between the wheel arches create an intriguing waistline, giving the vehicle body its unmistakable dynamic flair. The strikingly shaped wheel arches with their long rearward sweep and relatively steep downturn are an entirely unique feature of the MINI Aceman within the MINI Family. Sills in matt black round off the design of the side view towards the road, and their shape is carried on into the door area, giving the vehicle body a slim, upright and athletic appearance.

The rear of the vehicle reflects clarity of design, featuring large horizontal surfaces that emphasise the vehicle’s broad and stable stance. The aerodynamically bevelled and retracted rear window ensures a pronounced, powerful shoulder section, an effect that is further emphasised by the elongated roof spoiler. The hallmark MINI upright rear lights frame the centre section of the rear of the vehicle. With three distinctive graphics, the Matrix rear lights bear out the character of the MINI Aceman in differing ways. A wide, dark surround at the lower edge of the rear apron and the underride protection element integrated in the centre make for sporty proportions, thereby conveying the crossover model’s versatile characteristics.

Expressive body finishes and four individual trims .
The subtle three-dimensional quality of the body surfaces is stylishly highlighted by means of expressive colours. Shadows cast by the accentuated bodywork can be perceived to varying degrees, depending on the incidence of light and perspective. In combination with four contrasting finishes for the roof in hallmark MINI style, this conveys the expressive character of the MINI Aceman with particular clarity.

The MINI Aceman is available in four different trims. An oblong-shaped badge in the design of the respective equipment variant is attached to the front area of the side sill. The Essential Trim presents maximum clarity and a reduced overall appearance, highlighting certain functional parts such as the logo in the new Vibrant Silver finish. In connection with the Classic Trim, the contrasting roof and exterior mirrors can be selected in black or white. The front grille is finished in high-gloss black, while the inner surface of the grille and the bumper are finished in body colour.

The Favoured Trim extends the individual expressive capabilities of the MINI Aceman to include the option of the characteristic Multitone Roof, combined with white mirror caps and a grille frame in Vibrant Silver. The maximum sporty flair of the new crossover model is particularly evident in the JCW Trim. This equipment variant inspired by motorsports has its very own distinctive front and rear design. The front grille is featuring a frame and the variant-specific JCW logo in high-gloss black, while a contrasting roof in Chili Red and red bonnet stripes underline the powerful overall appearance. Meanwhile the rear sculpture is much more muscular in shape and the all-round panelling is finished in high-gloss black.

Various aerodynamic wheel rim designs in sizes between 17 inches and 19 inches further complement the exterior equipment options available for the MINI Aceman.

The interior.
Purist design and wide-ranging material concept.
The new MINI design style “Charismatic Simplicity” is expressed particularly clearly in the interior. With its consistent reduction in terms of interior design, the MINI Aceman follows the original vision of Alec Issigonis, the inventor of the classic Mini. With its easy-to-handle steering wheel, a central OLED display and the remodelled hallmark toggle bar, the cockpit echoes three key design elements of the classic Mini. By means of this contemporary styling in the entirely new crossover model, MINI transports the history of the brand into the here and now.

Spacious door interiors along with comfortable dimensions in the shoulder area and convenient legroom give the bright cockpit an open and amply proportioned atmosphere, while the panoramic glass roof enhances this effect by providing additional light from above. In the dark, the ambient lighting along the roof frame creates the selected lighting mood in the interior. The free-standing door handles and the speaker covers in the new Vibrant Silver finish are aligned diagonally and create a fascinating contrast with the horizontal design in the front area of the cockpit.

The gentle, rounded design style of the interior is further reflected in the curved surfaces of the dashboard: the latter’s surface is covered with a knitted material in which the lower colour shines through the upper one. This gives the interior a homely character with starkly accentuated colour contrasts. Extending to the interior door trim, the easy-care, versatile structure is made of recycled polyester. Rounding off the high-quality fittings in the cockpit are comfortable seats, optionally featuring a textile surface or made of perforated Vescin.

The amply sized rear of the vehicle offers space for three passengers. Thanks to the 60:40 folding rear seat backrest, the luggage compartment can be extended from 300 litres to up to 1,005 litres as required.

High-resolution OLED display for contemporary ride comfort.
With innovative technologies, the circular OLED display lends the interior additional expressive quality. With a diameter of 240 mm, the central instrument features an extremely flat design and a high-quality glass surface. The innovative MINI Operating System 9 enables all driving functions to be operated intuitively by touch or voice. A centre for both comfort and experience, the MINI Interaction Unit is handled in a similar way to a smartphone.

The graphic presentation of the vehicle-related data is contemporary and minimalistic in style, with the speed and battery status shown prominently at the top of the display, directly in the driver’s field of vision. Tapping the speed display opens a large full-screen speedometer that clearly focuses on the driving experience. The other widgets are shown in thumbnail view in the Home menu, to the left and right of the current menu function. These can be moved to the centre and selected by means of a horizontal swiping movement. In the lower area of the OLED display, the menu items Navigation, Media, Telephone and Climate can be selected directly at any time.

MINI Experience Modes enhance the driving experience.
The emotional MINI Experience Modes enhance the interior with immersive user experiences. In the MINI Aceman, two projector units beam special illuminated graphics onto the dashboard with differing patterns and colours. Changes are made to the colour scheme of the light patterns and to the ambient lighting in the entire interior depending on the Experience Mode selected. The newly created MINI Driving Sounds enhance the experience of all-electric mobility. Together with specific graphic elements on the OLED display, vehicle occupants enjoy an entirely new driving experience in the interior of the MINI Aceman.

Among the eight modes available for selection, Personal Mode offers innovative options for customising the cockpit. In this mode, a personally selected image can be uploaded from a smartphone via the MINI app and chosen as the display background. A digital colour picker then identifies the dominant colours of the photo for projection onto the textile dashboard surfaces. The ambient lighting under the dashboard and in the door mirror is also colour-coded to match these projections.

The other modes available for selection are Go-Kart Mode, Vivid Mode, Core Mode, Green Mode, Timeless Mode, Balance Mode and Trail Mode, each of which focusses the display on a “Mode App” to match the ambience. In Go-Kart Mode there is a highly dynamic focus on MINI’s racing DNA, for example. The display and the interior as a whole then feature the colours anthracite and red, while specific analogue displays for driving dynamics complement this MINI Experience Mode inspired by John Cooper Works.

Typical MINI: historic toggle bar in a new design.
In the classic Mini, the feel of the toggle bar at the centre of the cockpit enhanced the emotional connection between driver and vehicle. MINI also draws on this characteristic equipment detail to transport brand history into the latest of its models. The most important driving functions (parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle, volume control) are directly accessible in the MINI Aceman via five individually designed toggles. This means that no additional gear selector is required, making room for practical and spacious storage options in the centre console. In addition to the cup holders, there is an additional tray for wirelessly charging smartphones.

Four individual equipment options.
All the models of the new MINI family feature four trims with individual customisation options, each conveying the contemporary feel-good concept in the interior of the MINI Aceman in a different way.

In the Essential Trim, the interior is designed with maximum clarity and a reduction of equipment details. Black sports seats with distinctly patterned multitone textile harmonise with a coloured textile inlay on the dashboard. From the Classic trim upwards, the two-spoke basic steering wheel is replaced by a three-spoke steering wheel with a textile band in differing colours. In addition, the equipment variant with a black and blue knitted surface on the dashboard and doors provides a diversified contrast to the seats in high-quality fabric or Vescin.

In the Favoured Trim, the interior features a strikingly expressive design. The dashboard comes in the elegant Dark Petrol, complemented by an accentuated colour gradient in orange on the passenger side. The dynamic appearance is further reflected in the sports seats made of perforated Vescin. These are available with traditional accent stitching and an embroidered MINI logo in two colours. The JCW Trim presents the versatile material concept of the MINI Aceman in maximum sporty style. The JCW seat with sports seat geometry and additional lateral support noticeably enhances comfort. Combined with multi-coloured knitted textile and black synthetic leather with red stitching, the colour concept echoes the design of the dashboard and door trim.

Digital services.
Simplified communication with the first MINI voice assistant.
The brand’s first fully-fledged voice assistant can be activated in the MINI Aceman by saying “Hey MINI!”. Alternatively, the push-to-talk steering wheel button is also available for this purpose. Voice-controlled interaction is visualised on the circular OLED display by means of an animation of graphic elements, typography and an avatar. Communication with the virtual travel partner – either a stylised MINI or the character “Spike” – is particularly fluent and intuitive thanks to improved speech recognition. Navigation, telephony, entertainment and numerous vehicle functions can be controlled simply and conveniently by speaking the relevant command.

The MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant learns continuously through dialogue and is able to take on day-to-day tasks on repeated routes. Based on geo-based data, for example, the vehicle can identify the entrance to a multi-storey car park and automatically open the window. This means that individual routines can be handled more conveniently.

Advanced assistance systems increase safety.
Driving Assistant Plus provides the MINI Aceman with an additional steering and lane assistant for lateral guidance. Convenient and cooperative steering helps the driver stay on track. The increased comfort offered by the system combines relaxed and superior control of the vehicle while relieving the driver of the monotonous and less demanding aspects of driving. The clear-cut appearance of the displays, operating elements and easy-to-understand functional features result in a high degree of system security. The new Trailer Assistant helps when manoeuvring into a parking space with a trailer as standard, also offering advice on the required steering wheel angle when reversing.

Thanks to twelve ultrasonic sensors and four Surround View cameras, the MINI Aceman is able to identify vacant parking spaces with greater precision, automatically initiating parking manoeuvres where space is limited, while the new Remote Parking function of the optional Parking Assistant Pro enables the vehicle to be parked using a smartphone. This function allows the MINI Aceman to be driven out of a parking space automatically, making it easier to get into the vehicle if space to the side is too limited.

The innovative MINI Digital Key Plus option likewise utilises the user’s smartphone to ensure a convenient and personalised vehicle experience, transforming the smartphone into a vehicle key. The front and rear lights start the welcome projection as soon as the driver is less than three metres away, and the doors unlock automatically. Replacing the conventional vehicle key, the digital key can be transferred to several users.

Convenient connectivity and intuitive interaction.
The modern aesthetics of the digital user interface in the MINI Aceman combine functional and emotional elements. Its minimalist design adapts the new graphics to the circular shape of the MINI Interaction Unit, simplifying operation by means of a clear structure. Static and dynamic elements combined with micro-animations ensure that the interaction between the driver and the central instrument is harmonious and intuitive. This emphatically digital character of the MINI Aceman is enabled by the MINI Operating System 9.

At the centre of the screen is the start menu, while at the bottom of the screen the fixed status bar can be seen with the menu items “Navigation”, “Media”, “Telephony”, “All Apps” and, in certain situations, “Home” – all of which can be selected directly. As customers are used to from numerous consumer electronics devices, a so-called toolbelt can be made to appear by swiping upwards from the bottom edge of the screen. Preferred functions such as navigation destinations and radio stations can be saved for quick retrieval at any time. The toolbelt can also be activated via the star button on the multifunction steering wheel. The upper screen area is reserved for driving-related content such as speed and important vehicle status information. The optional head-up display presents the most important information in the driver’s line of sight.

The temperature is shown permanently for the driver and front passenger at the left and right-hand edge of the screen. The climate settings are always integrated at the top level of the MINI Interaction Unit and are operated by either touch or voice. Depending on the Experience Mode, a single tap on the speed display transforms the entire MINI Interaction Unit into a typical MINI speedometer.

MINI Connected upgrades allow additional driving functions to be activated flexibly at any time, including an optional augmented reality function that is able to visualise complicated turning situations realistically and in three-dimensional display, for example. In conjunction with the optionally available MINI Connected Package, the digital MINI Connected Store provides access to a constantly evolving variety of practical and entertaining apps, including in the area of gaming, music and video streaming. The new AirConsole app offers a unique form of in-car gaming for all passengers, turning the user’s smartphone into a game controller on the OLED display.

The drive.
All-electric and efficient.
The MINI Aceman is available solely with an all-electric drive, enabling locally emission-free mobility. The efficient electric motor ensures hallmark MINI driving fun both in urban areas and on excursions beyond the city limits. At market launch, the new MINI Aceman will be available in the MINI Aceman E (electricity consumption combined: 14,7 – 14,1 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km; CO2-class: A; Range in km according to WLTP: 298 - 309) version and also as the MINI Aceman SE (electricity consumption combined: 14,8 – 14,0 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km; CO2-class: A; Range in km according to WLTP: 382 – 405) with increased output. 

The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor of the MINI Aceman E generates a torque of 290 Nm, accelerating the car from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 160 km/h. With an output of 160 kW/218 hp, the MINI Aceman SE generates a torque of 330 Nm, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 km/h.

With an energy content of 42.5 kWh, the battery of the MINI Aceman E achieves a range of 309 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle. The high-voltage battery of the MINI Aceman SE has an energy content of 54.2 kWh, giving it a range of 405 kilometres according to the WLTP.

Sporty agility and outstanding driving dynamics.
Its chassis gives the new MINI Aceman a sporty character, and this is also reflected in the driving fun that is typical of the brand. The tyres with a diameter of 654 mm give the vehicle a more powerful visual presence, enhancing driving dynamics and ride comfort in equal measure. The Aceman is equipped with a precise damping system that features highly prestressed stabilisers: these improve steering precision and accuracy while at the same time ensuring sound roll support. The precise adjustment of the steering and all driving stability control systems to either comfortable or sporty driving guarantees an exceptional driving experience in every situation. The response of the electric drive to pressure on the accelerator pedal is optimised for a sporty driving style.

Meanwhile, agile and dynamic handling is emphasised by the direct steering, with a rack ratio of 59.5 mm rack travel per turn of the steering wheel. Combined with a short and firm feel when braking, the integrated braking system increases ride comfort by means of reliable stabilisation. In conjunction with the numerous driver assistance systems, short braking distances increase safety.

The MINI Experience Modes with various suspension set-ups are available for a customised driving experience, while driving fun can be intensified by adjusting the steering response and also specially calibrated intervention limits for the traction control.

Quick and easy: charging the battery.
The battery of the MINI Aceman can be charged via alternating current with 11 kW. Fast charging with direct current is possible in the MINI Aceman E with 75 kW and in the Aceman SE with up to 95 kW. At a fast charging station, this allows the battery to be charged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just under 30 minutes. When MINI Navigation is activated, the high-voltage battery can be set to the ideal temperature for efficient charging in advance, depending on weather conditions. This significantly reduces charging time, especially in cold outdoor temperatures.

For a transparent and simple charging process, the customer can optimise vehicle battery charging by means of easy-to-understand setting options. The start time for charging can be selected or a specific time window for charging can be set, for example. A precise target level for battery capacity can be determined in advance, too. For a particularly pleasant start, charging can be set to be completed by a selected departure time, and the vehicle interior can be air-conditioned to the desired temperature by this time. The MINI App provides a convenient overview of the charging process, even if the customer is not near the vehicle. This provides details of the current battery status, a charging-optimised route plan, and charging history to date – including all costs and savings.

In case of queries, please contact:

Corporate Communications

Julian Kisch, Press Spokesperson Product Communication MINI
Phone: +49-89-382-38072
E-mail: julian.kisch@mini.com

Micaela Sandstede, Head of Communication MINI
Phone: +49-89-382-70-61611 
E-mail: micaela.sandstede@bmw.de

Munich/Beijing. MINI fans can look forward to the 18th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition 2024. From April 25 to May 4, MINI will be presenting the new generation of the new MINI Family at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing. As part of the Chinese motor show with the theme “New Era, New Cars,” MINI is celebrating the world premiere of the first-ever MINI Aceman. With its independent, all-electric vehicle concept, the MINI Aceman occupies the position between the MINI Cooper and the MINI Countryman.

Together with the electric MINI Cooper in both power levels “E” and “SE” and the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 with intelligent all-wheel drive, MINI is presenting the range of its new product portfolio at the Auto China 2024.

Auto China has been held in Beijing every two years since 1990. On more than 200,000 square meters of exhibition space, over 700 exhibitors present their portfolio in what is currently the world's largest automotive market.

The MINI Cooper: Maximum emotion in a minimal footprint.
With a fully electric drive, the MINI Cooper is available as Cooper E and with higher performance and range Cooper SE. Together with the octagonal front grille, the iconic round headlights define the distinctive face of the all-electric vehicle. As with the entire new model family, four vehicle trims (Essential, Classic, Favoured, JCW Trim) are available for the MINI Cooper.

At Auto China 2024, MINI presents the Cooper E in Favoured Trim. The exclusive exterior details of the equipment variant are expressively showcased in Sunny Side Yellow with contrasting roof and mirror caps in white. The MINI Cooper E impresses with 135 kW/184 hp and thrilling acceleration without delay. The battery of the MINI Cooper E (combined power consumption: 14.3-13.8 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km; CO2 class: A) achieves a range of 305 kilometers in the WLTP test cycle with a capacity of 40.7 kWh.  28 minutes of charging time at 75 kW is enough to charge the MINI Cooper E battery from 10 percent to 80 percent.

Electrified go-kart feeling with increased range.
In the MINI Cooper SE (combined power consumption: 14.7 — 14.1 kWh/ 100 km according to WLTP; combined CO ₂ emissions: 0 g/km; CO2 class: A), the spontaneous power delivery of the 160 kW/218 hp electric motor creates even more emotions. The high-voltage battery with a capacity of 54.2 kWh achieves a range of up to 402 kilometers in the WLTP test cycle.

At Auto China 2024, the MINI Cooper SE in British Racing Green is a reminiscent of the racing successes of its classic predecessor.
In Classic Trim, the two-tone black and blue knit surface on the dashboard and doors provides an elegant contrast to the high-quality seats made of vescin. The interior of the MINI Cooper is based on the new MINI design language “Charismatic Simplicity.”
The round OLED display, the characteristic toggle switch bar and the redesigned steering wheel characterize the minimalistic look of the cockpit.

 At its booth in Beijing, MINI also presents the Cooper SE
in John Cooper Works Trim. The red contrasting roof adds a characteristic highlight to the Legend Grey shade. Exclusive design features such as the distinctive diffusers in the front and rear areas, the radiator grille and the JCW logo in high-gloss black emphasize the sporty character of the trim. In the interior, JCW sports seats with multi-colored knitwear and black synthetic leather with red stitching reflect the color scheme of the dashboard and door panel.

The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4:
Powerful versatility even off paved roads.
Also in Beijing: The largest MINI. With standard ALL4 all-wheel drive and 221 kW/300 hp high-performance engine, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 (combined fuel consumption: 8.3 — 7.8 l/100 km in accordance with WLTP; combined CO ₂ emissions: 187 — 177 g/km; CO2 class: A) sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.

The typical JCW, contrasting chili red on the mirror caps, the roof and the inlays on the air outlets, together with the shiny Midnight Black shade, accentuate the sportiness of the model. The interior of the versatile MINI model offers plenty of space.
This means that even bulky items can be transported in the luggage compartment with a volume of up to 1,450 liters when the bench is folded down.

The MINI Experience Modes are available for particularly immersive driving experiences. In addition to specific graphic elements on the
OLED display, MINI fans can experience the entire interior in a new way through special lighting graphics in different colors and patterns.

Whether MINI Cooper, MINI Aceman or MINI Countryman — the new MINI Family combines the MINI typical driving pleasure with efficient drive technologies and numerous options for customization.

Munich. With 218 electrically generated hp (160 kW) and 330 Newton metres of maximum torque, the MINI Cooper SE (electricity consumption combined: 14.7 - 14.1 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km) is way out in front with zero emissions, especially with its ability to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. The high-voltage battery installed in the MINI Cooper SE with an energy content of 54.2 kWh enables a range of up to 402 kilometres as determined in the WLTP test cycle. To give your MINI a particularly sporty look it can be ordered in John Cooper Works Trim. With many details the equipment variant emphasises the brand's motorsport genes – achieved through numerous racing successes, including three victories at the Monte Carlo Rally in the 1960s.

“The all-electric MINI Cooper SE in the new John Cooper Works Trim combines a passion for iconic design, legendary performance and sustainable mobility. It is the epitome of efficiency and driving pleasure”, says Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI brand.

Individual front and rear design with a motorsport look.

The new John Cooper Works logo, which is characterised by clear outlines, stands out particularly well with its traditional red, white and black colour scheme and the symbolised chequered flag on the octagonal front grille. The powerful appearance of the MINI Cooper SE in JCW Trim is achieved, among other things, by 18-inch wheels in Lap Spoke 2-tone design with ten spokes each and JCW brake callipers in eye-catching red. Bonnet stripes on the body emphasise the sporty character.

As standard the MINI Cooper SE in JCW Trim includes striking diffusers at the front and rear. The radiator grille surround and logo are finished in high-gloss black. Visual highlights include the contrasting roof and the mirror caps in Chilli Red.

The MINI LED headlights have individual light signatures. With the selected JCW signature, the front lights only show two horizontal stripes as daytime running lights and emphasise the minimalist design of the new MINI Cooper SE. The graphics of the matrix rear lights underline the width of the rear of the vehicle.

Racing-inspired interior.

The JCW seats combine synthetic leather with red stitching and multi-coloured knitted material in the shoulder section. The black and red colour concept is continued on the 2d-knit covering the interior of the door and the dashboard – the passenger side of which is adorned with the JCW-specific pattern in style of a chequered flag.

The central, high-resolution OLED display with a diameter of 240 mm bundles vehicle-related data and provides information on navigation, media, telephone and climate settings. With the MINI Experience Modes, it offers new possibilities for individualisation. These include the John Cooper Works-inspired GO-KART Mode, which colours the display and interior lighting anthracite red. In addition to the special GO-KART sound, the optimised throttle response of the accelerator pedal in this mode enhances the sporty driving experience.

New driver assistance systems and efficient charging.

With 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround cameras, Parking Assistant Plus simplifies parking and identifies free parking spaces. The advanced EXPLORE Mode offers a unique solution for this vehicle segment: it allows parking via smartphone without the driver having to sit in the MINI.  A significant plus in convenience when parking space is tight at the side.

Fast charging with direct current is possible with up to 95 kW. This means that the battery can be charged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just under 30 minutes at a quick-charging station. The high-voltage battery is charged with 11 kW using alternating current. When navigation is activated, the high-voltage battery of the MINI Cooper SE is prepared to the ideal temperature for efficient charging depending on the weather conditions. The advantage: a significantly shorter charging time, especially at low outside temperatures.

1. INTRODUCTION.

Blue-skies thinking, seeing challenges as opportunities, taking the wishes and needs of individuals into account openly and unconventionally – all these facets are firmly anchored in the tradition of the MINI brand. MINI is now charting the course for the future on the platform of this self-assured mindset. This involves MINI taking up the current challenges in the areas of mobility, energy economy and climate protection and facing up to them with independent solutions for the driving fun of tomorrow that is so typical of the brand. The strategy developed for this is based on the campaign slogan BIG LOVE. This symbolises the close commitment of the brand to the fundamental natural requirements of our planet, to human beings in all their diversity, to technological progress and to profitable growth as a manufacturer of premium cars.

The classic Mini was the ideal answer for contemporary issues of the time. It was developed during the era of the Suez oil crisis and was primarily an economical car that took a creative approach to space, occupied a minimal amount of space on the road and fitted into tiny parking spaces in urban centres. The classic Mini had a small footprint but offered enough space for four people and their luggage. Its revolutionary vehicle concept helped the pint-sized car to achieve its status as a classless car, which boasted a broad community of enthusiasts for unique driving fun all over the world. For the past 20 years, the modern MINI has been transferring these principles to the premium segment of small cars. Sustainability, social diversity, a spirit of innovation and the opportunity to tap into new target groups and markets are therefore elementary strengths of the brand. MINI is deploying these characteristics to meet the current challenges in the area of urban mobility and adopts a confident approach.

A clear acknowledgement of sustainability is expressed in a continuous reduction of the CO₂ footprint for each car over the entire production lifecycle. This encompasses the supply chain and the exclusive use of green electricity in production. Further contributing factors will be complete electrification of the model range by the early 2030s and a steadily increasing proportion of natural and recyclable materials used in the vehicles.

There is much more to the social responsibility being taken on by MINI. The classless car of yesteryear has long become the ideal vehicle for a diverse community. Male and female MINI drivers are individualists and at the same time part of a big community that interprets diversity as an enrichment for everybody. The team developing, producing and selling MINI models is diverse. As a manufacturer of premium cars operating on the global stage, MINI is committed to social diversity and supports initiatives that promote tolerance and an open society. The extent to which MINI feels committed to the positive zest for life of people is also demonstrated by a further commitment. MINI progresses solutions through the accelerator URBAN-X which improve life where the majority of people live: in towns and cities.

MINI is working up fresh ideas on the design of urban mobility in the future. Alongside innovative vehicle concepts such as the MINI Vision Urbanaut, this entrepreneurial approach includes pioneering developments in the area of digital services and products. Consequently, the User Experience associated with the use of the display and control system of MINI makes a major contribution to the driving fun so typical of the brand. Seamless integration of their smartphones empowers MINI customers to remain fully connected with their digital life while they are in their car. Furthermore, the MINI App is morphing into a community platform that not only deepens the relationship between driver and car but also connects MINI fans with each other.

“MINI was always the answer to very special challenges for individual mobility. And the willingness to rethink the status quo defines the brand to the present day,” commented Bernd Körber, Head of MINI. “Alongside electromobility, the development of new target groups and sales markets is a key factor for the future of MINI.” Starting as early as 2023, MINI is presenting a new generation of all-electric models. Two of the models developed from the ground up for pure electric mobility are being produced in China. Local production offers MINI optimised opportunities as a provider to participate more extensively than before in the dynamic growth in the Chinese automotive market. From 2023, the successor to the current MINI Countryman will be built at the BMW Group Plant Leipzig, powered by an electrified drive and with a combustion engine. All other MINI models will be produced at the MINI Plant Oxford, which remains the heart of MINI production. The United Kingdom will continue to be the home of the MINI brand.

2. BIG LOVE FOR THE PLANET. THE MINI STRATEGY FOR CONSISTENT SUSTAINABILITY.

Anyone selecting MINI will always be opting for sustainability. The principle of achieving more with less is part of the brand’s tradition. Way back in 1959, the designer of the classic Mini, Alec Issigonis, showed how effective and sustainable a car can be if it has a footprint on the road with a length of slightly over three metres while providing transport for four passengers and their luggage from A to B. The revolutionary design principle with the four-cylinder engine fitted crosswise at the front and the wheels positioned at the corners of the car also resulted in exceptionally agile driving characteristics at a low fuel consumption.

As a brand of the BMW Group, MINI is also dedicated to the strategic sustainability goals of the company. In 2020, the BMW Group developed its own agenda, which was even more ambitious than the goal of the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015, to limit global warming to less than two degrees Celsius. The company is therefore ready to meet the requirements of the EU programme “Fit for 55”, which provides for reducing the CO₂ emissions of new car fleets by 55 percent from 2030. The contribution by MINI includes consistent electrification of the model range. As early as the beginning of the 2030s, MINI will be an all-electric brand.

Consistent CO₂ reduction over the entire value chain.
In order to achieve this objective, the CO₂ footprint will be consistently reduced over the entire value chain, including production and upstream supply chain. By 2030, the BMW Group is planning a per-vehicle reduction of CO₂ emissions in this area by at least 40 percent compared with 2019. Over the long term, the BMW Group has defined the objective of establishing a climate-neutral business model over the entire value chain by the year 2050.

Binding environmental standards ensure that the CO₂ emissions within the supply chain will undergo a 20 percent reduction by the year 2030. The fact alone that the suppliers involved in the production of battery cells for vehicles powered by an electric drivetrain use exclusively green electricity means that over the coming ten years around ten million tons less CO₂ will be released into the atmosphere. MINI uses comparatively small energy storage systems for the design of high-voltage batteries. These ensure a range appropriate for urban mobility while simultaneously not impairing electricity consumption and the agility of the vehicles through excessively high weight. Transparent procurement monitored by the BMW Group ensures that the raw materials necessary for the construction of high-voltage batteries are compliant with environmental and social standards. The high-voltage batteries developed for electrically-powered models of MINI secure a long lifetime. After their application in the car, they can also be used in stationary storage systems for buildings also over a very long period. The storage units only have to be recycled after this repurposing and secondary use has finished. At the present time, more than 90 percent of the raw materials used in the batteries can be recycled.

Also after the year 2030, a reduction of CO₂ emissions by 80 percent is projected in the production of each vehicle. This means that the sustainability standards already achieved in BMW Group plants to date will be once again ramped up. At present, each MINI is already manufactured with a carbon-neutral footprint. Use of 100 percent green electricity at the MINI Plant Oxford makes a contribution to this. A proportion of this electricity is generated on site locally. One of the biggest photovoltaic generation systems in the United Kingdom has been installed on the roof of the production facilities. Around 11 500 solar cells with an output of around three megawatts generate electricity from solar energy and thereby save around 1 500 tons of CO₂ each year. 18 LNG-operated trucks are also being deployed in Oxford. They are powered by organic Liquid Natural Gas and thereby contribute to additional CO₂ reduction in the production process. The successor to the current MINI Countryman will be manufactured at the site of the BMW Group Plant Leipzig from 2023 onwards and wind turbines located here generate green electricity for vehicle production.

By 2030, a reduction of at least half of the CO₂ emissions compared with 2019 is projected for each vehicle and each kilometre driven. The electrification of the drivetrain plays a key role here. At an early stage, MINI took on a pioneering function in the development of local emission-free premium mobility. The field trials launched with a test fleet of 600 MINI E cars in 2009 yielded important findings about the use of an all-electric drive under practical, real-life working conditions in everyday urban traffic.

The brand already has two models in its product range with plug-in hybrid model MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 (combined fuel consumption: 2.1 – 1.7 l/100 km, combined electricity consumption: 15.5 – 14.8 kWh/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 47 – 39 g/km in compliance with WLTP) and the all-electric powered MINI Cooper SE (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km, combined electricity consumption: 17.6 – 15.2 kWh/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km in compliance with WLTP) that permit local emission-free driving fun. If the high-voltage battery of the MINI Cooper SE is charged with energy from the conventional EU electricity mix, the CO₂ footprint is reduced by around 36 percent in comparison with a like-for-like MINI 3-door car powered by a petrol engine. If electricity is only used from renewable sources, the reduction is even as much as up to 70 percent.

The MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 and the MINI Cooper SE meanwhile make up 15 percent of the total global sales of MINI. This proportion is projected to increase to 50 percent by 2027. At the beginning of the 2030s, MINI will only have all-electric powered models in its range.

Innovative materials, greater use of secondary raw materials.
Engineers at MINI are always finding new ways to provide maximum protection for natural resources in their selection of raw materials. For example, the proportion of secondary raw materials used in each vehicle is gradually being significantly increased for this purpose. By comparison with primary materials, this approach once again permits a substantial reduction of CO₂ emissions in production. An increasing proportion of secondary aluminium is another measure that will be used in future.

Recycled materials will also be employed in areas such as the roof liner, and for upholstery materials, seats, foot mats and floor coverings. In future, natural-fibre materials and plastics obtained from recycled PET bottles will be used instead of leather. Recycled fishing nets will form the raw materials for floor mats. The potential for renewable materials is used particularly comprehensively in the study MINI Vision Urbanaut. The entire interior is free of leather and chrome. Instead, natural materials like cork are used for the steering wheel and on sections of the floor, and removable covers made of knitted textile are also used. This creates a pleasant ambience in a natural way.

Tailor-made sustainability and with maximum consistency: MINI STRIP.
MINI STRIP was recently presented as an unconventional example so typical of MINI, demonstrating how creative thinking can pave the way towards more sustainability. This custom special was created in a collaboration between MINI and the British fashion designer Paul Smith. A tailor-made one of one was designed on the basis of a MINI Cooper SE incorporating the themes “Simplicity, Transparency, Sustainability”. As the name of the car suggests, this vehicle was reduced to its structural essence. Ultimately, only those elements regarded by Paul Smith as absolutely essential were used.

This consistent focus on sustainability resulted in features such as a radically reduced interior where the conventional four-part instrument panel is replaced by a large, semi-transparent component with a smoked-glass look and the customer’s smartphone takes on the function of the central instrument. Untreated panels and recycled materials from a 3D printer are the dominant feature in the exterior. Visible bolts on the mounted parts indicate that the individual components can be easily dismantled and fed back into the raw-material cycle at the end of the vehicle lifecycle.

Support for initiatives benefiting sustainability.
MINI is pursuing a large number of activities beyond the boundaries of manufacturing cars which are targeted at enhancing the quality of life and sustainability in the urban environment. These measures include, for example, cooperation between MINI and the non-profit organisation Earthwatch Europe in the United Kingdom called the “Tiny Forest” initiative. Just as a small space in MINI is used highly efficiently, MINI also supports the “Tiny Forest” initiative being implemented by the environmental conservationists. Alongside the British body-pressing plant in Swindon, MINI has commissioned the planting of around 600 trees very close to each other, which will be allowed to grow in a completely natural way. This initiative captures additional CO₂ and creates a habitat for more than 500 species of animal and plant. Another “Tiny Forest” is planned at the MINI Plant Oxford in 2022.

Local initiatives are also presented on the platform MINI VOICES. These have the potential to change the world. One example of this is provided by the architect Clarisse Merlet showcased by MINI France. She developed a method of obtaining environmentally benign construction materials from clothing that cannot be recovered. Her FabBRICK start-up based in Paris produces bricks made from recycled textile waste. The Swiss start-up Umami also presented on MINI VOICES produces microgreens, which are grown in an aquaponics system. The nutritious plants form a closed-loop circulation together with fish and freshwater shrimps. They are cultivated here without any artificial fertilisers. The microgreens from the start-up are supplied to prestigious restaurants in Zurich.

3. BIG LOVE FOR THE PEOPLE. THE ENGAGEMENT OF MINI
FOR DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

MINI promotes diversity – inside and outside the MINI organisation. As an international company, community and social responsibility are a top priority at MINI. This also includes a clearly-defined commitment to diversity within the company. “We are all different, but pretty good together” – employees at MINI all over the world are cooperating successfully in accordance with this motto. MINI perceives diversity as a strength. The company is convinced that diverse teams are more creative and more innovative. They are therefore a key factor for success in competition for new markets, customers and qualified up-and-coming talent.

The approach has been firmly anchored in the DNA of MINI since its foundation in 1959. The designer of the classic Mini, Alec Issigonis, was born in Turkey in 1906 as the son of a mother originating from Bavaria and a British father of Greek origin.

Open, free of prejudice and respectful corporate culture.
MINI – building on the diversity strategy of the BMW Group – has set up the MINI Diversity Programme in order to continue to strengthen the awareness for all dimensions of diversity within the company and to exert a positive impact on the corporate culture. At MINI, this means living and promoting a corporate culture, in which all employees are treated with equal value and respect, regardless of their origin, identity, age, sexual orientation, and whether or not they have a disability. This is all about creating an optimum working environment in an open and respectful corporate culture that is entirely free of prejudice.

MINI has always been a brand that brings together different people. This is also demonstrated in the motto asserted by the global premium car manufacturer on its journey to an inclusive future: “We are all different, but pretty good together”. The company raises the awareness of its employees and its managers to topics associated with diversity through training sessions, presentations and dialogue formats.

The everyday working environment at MINI has a long track record of demonstrating progress for absolute equality in the staffing structure for departments, responsibilities and management positions of all types. Today, there are already more women than men working in the total workforce at MINI.

The company has defined targets in relation to the proportion of women for sustainable promotion of women in management functions. In order to achieve these targets, MINI has carefully analysed existing measures and programmes and strategically optimised them. These include new formats for strategic promotion of female junior managers and the possibility of organising management functions with two persons in joint leadership. Furthermore, MINI ensures a high proportion of women in the junior management promotion programmes and is committed to seamless return to the world of work after parental leave.

Experience driving fun: MINI Safety Training for people with disabilities.
Outside the company’s own organisational structure, MINI is committed to openness and diversity. As part of this engagement, the BMW and MINI Driving Academy programme now includes a safety training course for people with disabilities and this enhances driving fun for them.

In order to achieve this target, training vehicles are converted so that they have hand controls. This means that both hands can always remain on the steering wheel. An additional ring on the steering wheel is used to accelerate. A special brake lever is configured directly alongside. These conversions allow vehicles such as the 170 kW/231 hp MINI John Cooper Works (combined fuel consumption: 7.1 – 6.8 l/100 km in compliance with WLTP, 7.1 – 6.9 l/100 km in compliance with NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 161 – 155 g/km in compliance with WLTP, 163 – 158 g/km in compliance with NEDC) to be driven confidently and with sporty verve at the training location after some practice.

4. BIG LOVE FOR PROGRESS. DIGITALISATION AND INNOVATIONS FOR TYPICAL MINI DRIVING FUN.

Global challenges like climate change and urbanisation provide the impetus for MINI to drive forward innovations. These improve customer experience and generate positive impacts for society and the environment. MINI is dedicated to progress not simply through innovative vehicle technology but also with activities in the area of community life on a social level. The focus here is on vehicle concepts for urban mobility, technologies for more sustainability, digital services and initiatives that enrich life in towns and cities with new momentum.

The consistent electrification of the model range plays the key role in the development going forward towards greater sustainability. The second key area of the future is digitalisation. MINI is cooperating with experts from Critical TechWorks in Lisbon to develop digital services and products for all markets with the aim of continuously driving forward change and improvement in urban mobility.
Smartphone integration and MINI App: driving fun and digital lifestyle combined.

In order to align the experience of mobility with the requirements of contemporary target groups and to define trends for driving fun in the future, MINI is working on pioneering developments in the area of digital services and products. Urban mobility is increasingly being transformed into an integrated component of the customer’s digital lifestyle. This is why the user experience associated with the use of the display and control system in MINI makes a major contribution to the driving fun so typical of the brand. Seamless integration of their smartphones enables MINI customers also to remain fully connected with their digital world of living in the vehicle.

The MINI App is offered for iOS and Android operating systems and can be downloaded by users free of charge from the Apple App Store or in the Google Play Store. The app offers continuous information on the status of the vehicle, optional remote functions such as locking and unlocking the doors and direct contact with the driver’s MINI Service Partner. The latest functions include more transparent route planning through Trip Detail Enhancement. After selecting the destination, if users click on “Display Route”, they can see the traffic situation on the planned route, the distance and the driving time directly in the MINI App. The function Fuel Prices empowers users to search for filling stations and easily compare fuel prices without having to open another app. The MINI App includes the Explore MINI Tab that continuously offers relevant and interesting editorial content about the products, services and values of the MINI brand, initially in Germany, Austria and the United Kingdom. This content can be shared with other users.

MINI also defines benchmarks in the area of shared mobility. The MINI Sharing App is easily accessed using a link in the MINI App and it enables family members and friends to issue invitations to each other, provided that they also have the app. If a friend wants to use the vehicle for a certain period of time, they can use the app to send a request to the owner. This is then displayed in the calendar function of the new MINI Sharing App and the owner can confirm and manage the request there. After approval has been given, the vehicle can be unlocked, started and locked using the smartphone.

Digital technology for a community platform and for typical MINI individualisation.
MINI also makes use of the opportunities offered by digitalisation to enhance the community activities typical of the brand. MINI fans across the world exchange views extensively with each other, in a dialogue that often extends beyond models, vehicle segments and national borders. At the same time, they are also open to digital technology and make use of it for lively and spirited communication with each other. MINI gears the digital services it develops closely to the interests of these target groups. The future expansion stage of the MINI App is growing into a community platform. The users can take advantage of services from MINI in this digital ecosystem and at the same time get in touch with each other. The MINI App will be transformed into a digital platform that deepens the relationship between driver and vehicle and strengthens the community of MINI fans.

New opportunities typical for MINI are continually being created in the area of individualisation as a result of digitalisation. In the next model generation of MINI, the instrument panel located in the interior will have surfaces acting as “canvases” that can be tailored by the customer to suit their requirements using the vehicle’s control system. Various colours and patterns can be created on these surfaces by projection. This enables each driver to create their very own personal interior – to match their individual style since they are able to refresh it whenever they want.

Progressing new impulses through cooperation with start-ups.
The MINI start-up accelerator URBAN-X has been working with start-up companies since 2016. These enterprises are aiming to use their innovations to make life in towns and cities better, more agreeable, more convenient, more sustainable or simply an improved experience. Since the start of this venture, more than 70 start-ups from different countries have already been through the accelerator programme.

The founders of the selected start-ups are supported in developing their business model further in a creative exchange with designers, engineers and developers from MINI. The innovations brought about in the course of this process relate to some of the most urgent urban challenges, ranging from building technology and infrastructure, through mobility and energy supply to public health and services for citizens.

5. BIG LOVE FOR THE BRAND. MINI MODEL RANGE,
PRODUCTION AND MARKET PRESENCE WITH CLEAR ALIGNMENT ON PROFITABLE GROWTH.

The realignment of the model range, the expansion of production capacities and conquering new target groups and markets are the focus of the strategy that allows MINI to create the enablers for profitable growth as a global manufacturer of premium cars. The strategy will empower MINI to develop into a brand that increasingly contributes to the sustainable profitability of the BMW Group. MINI consistently concentrates on the vehicle segments, drive technologies and services of the future. There is a particular focus on electromobility, on enhanced commitment in the crossover and in the premium compact segment and on strengthening the market position in China. In this endeavour, MINI is committed to the capacity firmly embedded in the brand’s tradition of rethinking existing concepts, questioning the status quo and seizing challenges as an opportunity.

Six decades ago, the classic Mini succeeded in impressing different target groups with driving fun and creative use of space in a variety of different ways. The spectrum of developments ranged from the Mini Van with expanded cargo capacities to the exclusive versions Wolseley Hornet and Riley Elf. Furthermore, only about one year after the debut of the revolutionary little car, the Mini Cooper was already on the scene – the basis for enhanced driving fun on the road and subsequent success in motor sport.

Once again after the relaunch of the brand and the commencement of sales for the modern MINI 20 years ago, the typical attributes of the new premium compact were soon being transferred to other model versions. The current model range in the small car segment comprises the models MINI 3-door, MINI 5-door and MINI Convertible. Furthermore, MINI succeeded in penetrating the premium compact segment. This is where the equally practical and extravagant six-door MINI Clubman and the MINI Countryman as robust all-rounders in the popular crossover style deliver the go-kart feeling typical of the brand so that it can also be experienced in the realms beyond urban mobility. In addition, the MINI community’s awareness of individual style is also taken into account now and in the future with attractive editions and exclusive small series.

The sub-brand John Cooper Works has now been integrated under the umbrella of MINI and it is represented with two extremely sporty models in both the small-car and compact segment. The MINI John Cooper Works GP (combined fuel consumption: 7.3 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 167 g/km) produced in a small series specifically embodies intense passion for motor sport powered by its 225 kW/306 hp four-cylinder turbo engine.

Consistent electrification, typical MINI driving fun.
In parallel with this, the characteristic MINI feeling is enriching the world of electromobility. The roadmap to this is smoothed by a plug-in hybrid model based on the MINI Countryman. In 2019, the MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 (combined fuel consumption: 2.1 – 1.7 l/100 km, combined electricity consumption: 15.5 – 14.8 kWh/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 47 – 39 g/km in compliance with WLTP) alone represented a share of five percent of total sales for the brand on vehicles with electrified drive. Only a few months later and after the launch of the all-electric MINI Cooper SE (combined fuel consumption: 0.0 l/100 km, combined electricity consumption: 17.6 – 15.2 kWh/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km in compliance with WLTP), this share doubled to ten percent of all new registrations of the brand. In the first half year of 2021, the proportion of electrified models in total global sales of the British premium brand had already reached more than 15 percent.

In 2023, MINI will present the first model of a new generation of purely electrically powered vehicles. The future core portfolio of electric cars will include the MINI 3-door and a crossover model in both the small-car and in the premium compact segment. The brand’s small-car models and a crossover model in the premium compact segment also provide a parallel choice powered by conventional combustion engines. Cars with highly efficient petrol and diesel engines will continue to be an ideal solution in future for target groups and regions where the mobility requirements are not met or not yet met with all-electric drivetrains. MINI is assuming that electric vehicles will already make up 50 percent of total global sales of MINI by 2027. Already in 2025, the last new MINI model powered with a combustion engine will come onto the market. At the beginning of the 2030s, MINI will be an all-electric brand.

Consistent electrification also presents new perspectives for the John Cooper Works brand. MINI is working intensively on concepts for electric John Cooper Works models. This brand was inspired by intense passion for motor sport and the objective is to transfer the performance character to electromobility. This approach will combine sustainability and extreme sportiness in a unique way.

Model offensive in the crossover and in the premium compact segment.
Another component in the strategy for profitable growth is the enhanced commitment by MINI in the class of crossover models. This enables MINI to combine driving fun so typical of the brand in this segment with sustainable drivetrain technology. In order to be able to benefit even more intensively than previously from global growth in the vehicle class, MINI will also offer a crossover model in the small-car segment, which will only be available with a purely electric drivetrain. 2023 will see the production launch of the successor to the current MINI Countryman, which is extremely successful in the premium compact segment. It will be available with an electrified drive and a combustion engine.

Today, MINI already achieves around 40 percent of global vehicle sales with models for the premium compact segment. The successor to the current MINI Countryman is geared towards making more extensive use of this potential than has been the case to date. Furthermore, MINI is working on the development of a new vehicle concept for the premium compact segment. This will meet the wishes of many customers for space and comfort, and increased variability. A host of creative solutions in this area were presented with the MINI Vision Urbanaut. The vehicle provides a particularly fascinating vision with its especially sustainable interior supporting versatile uses and the selection of materials and functionality. The study transfers the typical MINI principle of creative use of space to the future of urban mobility. This vehicle concept therefore meets the claim to pack maximum driving fun, available space and individuality typical of MINI onto the smallest road footprint in the competitive environment.

New production locations, strengthened commitment in China.
The world’s biggest automotive market in China continues to undergo dynamic growth and its importance for MINI will increase significantly in the future. At the present time, around ten percent of all new vehicles of the brand produced are delivered to customers in China. In order to take part in the positive development of the market in China and to have the capability to sell a significantly higher number of cars, MINI will soon move from the status of an import brand to a locally produced car brand.

From 2023 onwards, the new models of the small-car segment developed for e-mobility will be produced in China. Production will be located at the newly constructed automobile plant in the east of China. MINI will use the cars produced there to meet the increasing demand in China and the other global markets for local, emission-free driving fun. The cooperation with the Chinese partner is based on a clearly defined principle: Production follows the market. MINI will be able to serve the growing Chinese automotive market with locally produced cars and at the same time keep production stable at other production facilities.

Production of the next generation MINI Countryman will also be launched in 2023 and the car will be built at the BMW Group Plant Leipzig, making it the first MINI Made in Germany. All other MINI models will be produced at the MINI Plant in Oxford, which remains the heart of MINI production. The United Kingdom will continue to be the home of the MINI brand.

^{In case of queries, please contact:}

^{Corporate Communications}

<sup>Julian Kisch, Press Spokesperson Product Communications MINI
Tel.: +49-89-382-38072
E-mail: julian.kisch@mini.com

Andreas Lampka, Head of Communications MINI
Tel.: +49-89-382-23662
E-mail: andreas.lampka@mini.com</sup>

^{Jennifer Treiber-Ruckenbrod, Head of Communications MINI and BMW Motorrad
Tel.: +49-89-382-35108
E-mail: jennifer.ruckenbrod@bmwgroup.com}

^{The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network with representatives in more than 140 countries.} 

^{In 2020, the BMW Group sold over 2.3 million passenger vehicles and more than 169,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2020 was € 5.222 billion on revenues amounting to € 98.990 billion. As of 31 December 2020, the BMW Group had a workforce of 120,726 employees worldwide.} 

^{The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and efficient resource management central to its strategic direction, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase of all products.}

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1. More than an automobile.
2. With traditional sporting spirit and British flair.
3. Motor sport meets lifestyle.
4. MINI All the Way – Always Different.
5. Traditional Values and Modern Diversity.
6. From the Original to the Original.
7. The Revolutionary with the Drawing Pad.
8. Made in England – Then and Now.
9. Individualists Unite!
10. The Car for All Classes, with the Qualities of a Star.
11. Small Car, Great Show.
12. Inspiring Character.
13. A Question of Style.

#1.   More than an automobile. The MINI model family over years.

The original in the premium segment of small cars has reached its 60th birthday – but it is even younger than ever. It was sixty years ago, to be precise on 26 August 1959, that British Motor Corporation (BMC) proudly revealed the result of their development activities in creating a new, revolutionary compact car. And indeed, the public right from the start were able to admire no less than two new models: The Morris Mini-Minor and the Austin Seven. This double premiere of two almost identical four-seaters was of course attributable at the time to the broad range of brands offered by BMC in the market, but it was also of very symbolic nature.

Lots of space inside with minimum dimensions outside, seats for four passengers, impeccable driving characteristics, superior fuel economy, and a very affordable price – precisely this was the brief the creator of the Mini, automotive engineer and designer Alec Issigonis, received from BMC’s Top Management. And the brilliant ideas he implemented in developing this two-door for a family of four had an impact quite sufficient for more than one single car, an impact therefore carried over successfully to other model variants.

Precisely this is why the Mini Van and Mini Estate also appeared on the market in the very first year of production of the classic Mini. And ever since the re-birth of the brand with the market launch of the MINI in 2001, the principle already applied successfully sixty years ago has once again proven its full value: a superior concept is always convincing in many different variants and renditions. Today, this still applies for the small cars MINI 3-door, MINI 5-door and MINI Convertible, for the MINI Clubman and the MINI Countryman in the premium compact segment, and soon for the all-electric powered MINI Cooper SE. They all show their individual strength and unique character, while right inside they are one and the same car in particular: a MINI.

Right from the start the very first sales brochures proudly presenting the Morris Mini-Minor highlighted the car’s clear and steadfast orientation to the future. But to what extent these prophecies would really come true, hardly anybody would have believed back then.

Today, sixty years later, we know that only very few car concepts have survived such a long time, and none of them has ever been converted into such a wide range of variants as the Mini.

One of the reasons for this outstanding success is that from the start the Mini met all the requirements of its time, while offering further qualities in the same process. Measuring just 3.05 metres or 120" in length and selling at a retail price of £ 496, the Mini was simply perfect for small parking spaces and low budgets. Through its driving qualities and the charming character of its proportions alone, the Mini was however also of great interest to the ambitious motorist seeking not only compact dimensions and superior economy, but also sporting performance particularly in bends as well as individual style on the road.

This blend of different qualities remains as popular today as ever before, with a concept likewise younger than ever. Hence, the current MINI is also more up-to-date and, at the same time, more fascinating and respected than any of its competitors, combining unparalleled efficiency, lasting value of the highest calibre, and incredibly agile handling in the modern mega-city with unrivalled sportiness and design full of expression and quite unmistakable.

Longer, stronger, more sophisticated, more versatile: the first variants of the classic Mini.

Introducing the classic Mini, Alec Issigonis, the creator of this unique car, clearly fulfilled his mission. The Morris Mini-Minor and the Austin Seven, differing solely through their radiator grille, wheel caps and body colour, were both powered by a four-cylinder engine fitted crosswise at the front and delivering maximum output of 34 hp from 848 cubic centimetres.

The performance of both models was identical, as was their luggage capacity of 195 litres or 6.83 cubic feet at the rear. Everybody was thrilled by the generous space available, the efficient but powerful engines, the good roadholding and the comfortable suspension this new compact car had to offer. But Issigonis was already looking far into the future – and he was not the only one.

As early as in 1960, BMC added a Mini Van to the classic Mini. Then, proceeding from this van structure with its closed side panels, BMC introduced an Estate version with glass windows all round as well as two rear doors, like the Van.

Like the saloons, this body variant was also marketed as the Morris Mini-Traveller and the Austin Seven Countryman with exactly the same technical features. And at the latest in 1961 the potential of the classic Mini really became clear once and for all, the year starting with the introduction of the smallest of all transporters, the Mini Pick-Up. Just half a year later two other Minis, this time at the noble end of the scale, saw the light of day: the Wolseley Hornet and the Riley Elf.

Now, therefore, two further BMC brands were able to benefit from the concept of the classic Mini, both models proudly bearing their own distinguished look through their majestic radiator grilles, an extended luggage compartment and swallow-tail wings at the rear. A very special variant destined more than any other to create the legend of the classic Mini made its appearance in the second half of the year: the Mini Cooper. John Cooper, the famous engineer and manufacturer of sports cars already a close friend of Alec Issigonis, had recognised the sporting potential of this new small car right from the start, when the first prototypes appeared on the track. So he received the go-ahead from BMC’s top managers to develop a small series of 1,000 units of the Mini Cooper featuring a modified power unit enlarged in size to 1.0 litres and offering maximum output of 55 hp.

The response to this car entering the market in September 1961 was quite simply euphoric, with only one further request from enthusiasts everywhere: even more power! So Issigonis and Cooper enlarged engine capacity to 1,071 cc, raising engine output to 70 hp.

This made the Mini Cooper S a truly exceptional performer not only on the road, with Finnish driver’s Rauno Aaltonen’s class win in the 1963 Monte Carlo Rally marking the starting point for a truly unparalleled series of outstanding success in motorsport. The highlight, of course, was three overall wins in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965, and 1967.

Versatility at its best: from the Mini Moke to the Mini Clubman.

In August 1964 BMC presented yet another version of the classic Mini originally conceived for military use: the Mini Moke, a four-seater open all round and destined to remain in the price list for four years.

The “bodyshell” of this unique car was made up, for all practical purposes, of the floorpan with wide, box-shaped side-sills, together with the engine compartment and windscreen. To the event of rainfall, a folding soft top appropriately referred to as a “ragtop” at least tried to provide certain protection. Using the drivetrain and technical features of the “regular” Mini, the Mini Moke became a genuine success particularly in sun-drenched parts of the USA and in Australia. By 1967 the time had come for a thorough update of the classic Mini, the car receiving a more powerful engine offering 38 hp from a larger capacity of 998 cc.

Two years later the Mini Clubman joined the range as a slightly larger model with a somewhat different front end compared to the classic Mini. Indeed, this sister car was some 11 cm or 4.33" longer than the original, the Estate version replacing the Morris Mini-Traveller and the Austin Seven Countryman measuring exactly 3.4 metres or 133.9" in length, while width, height, and wheelbase remained unchanged. At the same time the Mini Cooper was taken out of production, being replaced by the top model in the Clubman range, the Mini 1275 GT developing 59 hp from its 1.3-litre power unit. A number of other details also changed in 1969, the front sliding windows so typical of the classic Mini since the beginning being replaced on all models by wind-down windows, the door hinges at the outside being moved to the inside, and a special “Mini” badge now standing out proudly on the engine compartment lid.

Never-ending classic Mini and the comeback of the Mini Cooper.

Numerous special versions of the classic Mini with all kinds of highlights – from sporting to trendy, from distinguished to fresh – entered the market as of mid-1970. Between 1980 and 1983 the model range was streamlined appropriately, with the Clubman, Estate and Van leaving production. The “only” car left over, therefore, was the classic Mini with its 1.0-litre power unit now delivering 40 hp. And customers, simply loving the car, remained faithful to this little performer for years to come, the five-millionth classic Mini coming off the production line at Plant Longbridge in 1986.

In 1990 fans the world over were delighted to celebrate the comeback of the Mini Cooper once again entering the model range. Now this special model was powered in all cases by a 1.3-litre, production of the 1.0-litre in the Mini ending in 1992 on account of growing requirements in terms of emission management. So from now on all models came with the 1,275-cc power unit and fuel injection.

Yet another new variant of the classic Mini made its appearance in 1991 as the last new model in the range. And this was indeed the only Mini to originate not in Britain, but in Germany: Like some tuners before him, a dedicated Mini dealer in the German region of Baden had cut the roof off the classic Mini, turning the car into an extremely attractive Convertible. And contrary to earlier attempts, the result was so good this time in its quality that Rover Group, now responsible for the classic Mini, decided to buy the construction tools and production equipment for the Mini Convertible, which from 1993 to 1996 accounted for sales of approximately 1,000 units.

Production of the classic Mini finally ceased once and for all in the year 2000. In the course of time more than 5.3 million units of the world’s most successful compact car had left the production plants in numerous different versions, among them some 600,000 cars built at Plant Oxford between 1959 and 1968. But even after 41 years, there was still a long way to go. For after a break of not quite one year, a new chapter in the history of this world-famous British brand opened up in 2001.

A new start in 2001 – starring the MINI Cooper right from the beginning.

Taking over Rover Group in early 1994, BMW also opened up new perspectives for the Mini brand. The first step was to present a concept version of the MINI Cooper at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show offering an outlook at the new interpretation of this unique small car from Great Britain. As a modern rendition of the Mini’s concept so rich in tradition, the new version for the first time combined the classic values of its predecessor with the demands made of a modern car set to enter the 21st century. The series production version of the MINI Cooper made its first official appearance in November 2000 at the Berlin Motor Show, the future-oriented interpretation of the original entering showrooms just a year later in the guise of the 85 kW/115 hp MINI Cooper and the 66 kW/90 hp MINI One. Featuring front-wheel drive, four-cylinder power units fitted crosswise at the front, short body overhangs and ample space for four, the new models successfully took up elementary features of the classic Mini. And while the exterior dimensions of the car were now larger, meeting modern requirements in terms of interior space, the design of the new model clearly retained the proportions so typical of the brand, as well as the unmistakable design icons at the front, the rear and at the side, thus boasting a clearly recognisable link between the MINI and its classical predecessors.

At the same time the MINI built in Oxford stood out clearly as the first premium car in the compact segment, achieving a status strongly reflected by a level of safety uniquely high for a car of this class as well as the uncompromising standard of quality so typical of BMW.  The new MINI also set new standards through its surprisingly agile handling, immediately moving right up to the top in terms of driving pleasure. This meant that the new model followed in the footsteps of the classic Mini, but now with a lot more power and performance thanks to the most advanced and sophisticated drivetrain and suspension technology.

Ongoing success the world over – from 2004 also in the MINI Convertible.

Almost overnight, the new interpretation of this classic small car developed into a worldwide story of success continuing to this very day. The introduction of new engine variants, to mention such one significant highlight, served to offer additional momentum, the MINI Cooper S with its 120 kW/163 hp compressor engine entering the market as an exclusive driving machine in June 2002, the MINI One D just a year later setting new standards in terms of all-round economy and efficiency as the first diesel in the history of the brand.

The desire to drive a MINI in the open air, finally, also came true much faster than in the classic model, with the MINI Convertible making its debut in spring 2004. In the four years to follow, various versions of the convertible with its electrohydraulically operated soft roof were produced at the MINI Plant Oxford in the guise of the MINI Cooper S Convertible, the MINI Cooper Convertible, and the MINI One Convertible.

From the original to the original: the new edition of the MINI follows in 2006.

Showing tremendous success in the market, the MINI outperformed even the wildest expectations. Indeed, it quickly motivated the consistent continuation of this concept, taking up and fulfilling additional potentials as a new edition that continued many successful features and even made improvements to some areas.

Further enhanced in an evolutionary design process and thoroughly renewed in technical terms, this new MINI entered the market in November 2006. Following the motto “From the Original to the Original”, the design of the MINI already receiving the greatest praise everywhere was further refined in numerous details highlighting even more imperiously the sporting virtues of this compact and agile performer. So that now the looks of the car really conveyed a clear signal confirmed from the start by the driving experience.

New, even more powerful and, at the same time, far more efficient engines, together with the further enhanced suspension technology, served in this new generation to offer even greater driving pleasure so typical of MINI. Both the MINI Cooper S with its 128 kW/175 hp power unit and the 88 kW/120 hp MINI Cooper introduced from the start thrilled aficionados everywhere through their enhanced driving performance combined with significantly greater fuel economy and emission values.

Modern versatility: the MINI Clubman and the new MINI Convertible.

Almost exactly one year to the day after the launch of the new model generation, the MINI model range was further enhanced by an innovative new concept in autumn 2007. The MINI Clubman offered a reinterpretation of the traditional shooting-brake concept with a body 24 centimetres longer, a streamlined, extended roof contour and a hatchback. The wheelbase extended by eight centimetres successfully expanded legroom in the front of the car. The driver’s and passenger’s doors in the MINI Clubman were supplemented by an additional entry on the right-hand side of the car and the two wings of the Splitdoor at the rear opening to the side. The two-part rear door takes up an authentic detail from the car’s classic predecessors – the Morris Mini-Traveller and the Austin Mini Countryman – back in the 1960s.

An even more sporty design, optimised active and passive safety, a wider range of functions and the latest generation of power units extended the model range by a new edition of the MINI Convertible in 2009. The opening and closing of the car’s fabric roof was now operated by an electrohydraulic mechanism – even while on the move at speeds up to 30 km/h – all within the space of just 15 seconds. The single-part rollbar also facilitated incorporation of a large through-loading space between the luggage compartment and the passenger compartment.

Advance into the premium compact segment.

On the brand’s 50th anniversary, preparations for the advance into another vehicle class were already well on the way. And in 2010, the MINI Countryman was launched with the aim of enthusing additional target groups with the brand’s driving fun and individual style – not simply on all the world’s roads but also beyond conventional carriageways. The new model for the premium compact segment was the first MINI ever to have a length of more than four metres, five seats, four doors plus a tailgate and optional all-wheel drive. The commanding front end and imposing new headlamp contours of the MINI Countryman defined individual accents. Thanks to the hexagonal radiator grille, the short overhangs, the high shoulder line and powerful stature, this vehicle was nevertheless immediately identifiable as absolute MINI.

The reinterpretation of classic features and virtues was continued in 2013 with the MINI Paceman. Dynamically extended coupé lines, two doors and a large tailgate provided the car with an extravagant appearance. The MINI Paceman was also supplied with optional ALL4 all-wheel drive.

The latest model generation: MINI reinvents itself anew.

The beginning of 2014 heralded the latest generation change in the MINI model range. The current offering in the small-car premium segment comprised the MINI 3 Door, the MINI 5 Door also presented in 2014 and the MINI Convertible, the latest edition of which lined up at the beginning of 2016. The new model generation continued its global success story with another evolutionary development of advanced design, optimised functionality, further enhanced driving fun and a variety of innovations in the areas of control, driver assistance systems and connectivity. New three and four-cylinder engines with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology and an output range between 55 kW/75 hp and 141 kW/192 hp deliver a further optimised relation between driving fun and fuel consumption.

In the premium compact segment, the latest model generation of MINI also has two strong vehicle characters. The new edition of the MINI Clubman has mastered the leap into the higher car class with a definitively refined and mature vehicle concept. A significantly more spacious interior, four doors and five seats give the new MINI Clubman enhanced variability and allow it to meet aspirations beyond the urban traffic environment. The vehicle can also be optionally fitted with the ALL4 all-wheel power unit.

The new edition of the MINI Countryman is even more generous, more modern, more versatile and yet more sporty. The exterior length has increased by 20 centimetres compared with the predecessor model and its powerful proportions give the new allrounder a particularly independent profile. The latest generation of the ALL4 all-wheel drive can also be optionally fitted in the new MINI Countryman to provide offroad driving fun away from conventional roads. Like the MINI Clubman, a choice of six modern engines is also available for the MINI Countryman.

In addition, it paves the way for driving fun typical of the MINI brand with electric drive. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is the first model of the brand with a plug-in hybrid drive. A three-cylinder petrol engine drives the front wheels and an electric motor powers the rear wheels to yield intelligently managed interaction for highly efficient driving fun with optimised traction and drive stability.

For sustainable driving fun: electromobility in the style of MINI.

The future of the MINI feeling is virtually noiseless, local zero emission, but astonishingly powerful. Starting in 2020, the new MINI Cooper SE will give the segment of electric vehicles new momentum. The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor will combine sustainable mobility with characteristic driving fun, high-impact design and premium quality.

Once again, the British brand defines pioneering benchmarks for urban mobility with the new MINI Cooper SE. 60 years ago, the revolutionary design principle of the classic Mini created the foundation for maximum interior space on a minimal footprint. The modern reinterpretation for creative use of space and unsurpassed driving fun made the MINI the original in the premium segment of small cars when it was launched in 2001. The new MINI Cooper SE now paves the way to a sustainable and yet highly emotional driving experience in urban traffic as the first premium small car powered by an all-electric drive unit.

#2.   With traditional sporting spirit and british flair. The MINI 60 years edition.

An original that constantly reinvents itself – firmly rooted in tradition yet always open to change: this is MINI, 60 years after the launch of the small British car that brought worldwide popularity to unique properties such as go-kart feeling and the creative use of space. To mark this round anniversary, the premium automobile manufacturer presents a design model that highlights both its British origins and the agile MINI character. With design and equipment features that are both high-quality and exclusive, the MINI 60 Years Edition expresses the brand's sporting spirit – something that is a constant presence even in everyday urban traffic. The special edition is supplied as a MINI 3 Door and MINI 5 Door, each with three engine variants.

Athletic talent is part and parcel of the MINI genes. Even before the launch of the classic Mini in the summer of 1959, it was clear that the design features of the new small car would benefit not just interior space but also the car's agile driving properties. Sports car designer John Cooper was an especially strong believer in the compact four-seater’s race track potential. In collaboration with Alec Issigonis, the creator of the classic Mini, he developed ideas for variants of the small car with a more powerful engine, thereby laying the foundations for an exceptional career on racing circuits and rally tracks, culminating in three outright victories at the Monte Carlo Rally in the 1960s.

With a paint finish in the classic colour of British racing cars, the MINI 60 Years Edition in particular evokes the brand’s sporty career, which it started at a very early stage and has maintained up until the recent past. The exterior paint finish in British Racing Green offers a particularly clear expression of the premium small car’s character and origins. The body finishes Midnight Black metallic, Moonwalk Grey metallic, Melting Silver metallic and MINI Yours Lapisluxury Blue non-metallic are also available as alternatives. The chosen body colour is combined with a paint finish in Pepper White or Black for the roof and exterior mirror caps. Bonnet stripes with a specific anniversary design and exclusive 17-inch light alloy wheels in the version 60 Years Spoke 2-tone round off the distinct look of the edition vehicles.

The design model's striking 60 Years logo appears not just on the left-hand bonnet stripe but also on the side scuttles of the turn indicators and on the door sill finishers at the driver and front passenger doors. Inside the car it can also be seen on the front headrests and the steering wheel. In addition, the exclusive design model has model-specific interior trim finishers. The anniversary design can also be seen in the LED logo projection which is visible when the driver's door is opened. The standard equipment of the edition vehicles includes a sports leather steering wheel along with sports seats in the leather finish MINI Yours Leather Lounge 60 Years and the exclusive colour Dark Maroon.

In conjunction with the equipment package 60 Years Trim, the edition vehicles also feature such items as LED headlights, LED fog lamps, white turn indicators and LED rear lights in Union Jack design, the lighting package for the interior and also the MINI Driving Modes and the MINI Excitement Package complete with ambient lighting. There is also an on¬board computer, automatic air conditioning, a rain sensor and a storage package on board.

Three petrol engines and two diesel engines with an output ranging from 75 kW/102 hp to 141 kW/192 hp provide the drive portfolio for the MINI 60 Years Edition. The range of anniversary models includes the MINI One 60 Years Edition 3 Door (combined fuel consumption: 5.4 – 5.0 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 123 – 114 g/km) the MINI Cooper 60 Years Edition 3 Door (combined fuel consumption: 5.3 – 5.0 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 122 – 115 g/km), and the MINI Cooper S 60 Years Edition 3 Door (combined fuel consumption: 6.4 – 6.1 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 147 – 139 g/km), and the MINI One 60 Years Edition 5 Door (combined fuel consumption: 5.4 – 5.0 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 124 – 115 g/km), the MINI Cooper 60 Years Edition 5 Door (combined fuel consumption: 5.4 – 5.1 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 122 – 115 g/km) and the MINI Cooper S 60 Years Edition 5 Door (combined fuel consumption: 6.5 – 6.2 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 149 – 141 g/km).

#3.   Motor sport meets Lifestyle. MINI and the success story of motor sport.

It is in the car’s DNA and it was obviously there right from the start: the sporting talent of the classic Mini. When Alec Issigonis was requested by British Motor Corporation (BMC) in late 1956 to develop an economical but nevertheless fully-fledged small car with four seats, it quickly became clear that this new model would be truly innovative and, indeed, revolutionary in every respect. Front-wheel drive, extremely short body overhangs, a wide track, a low centre of gravity, optimum use of space and low weight were defined right from the start as elementary features of the new model.

Looking at the first drawings of the new car by his business partner and friend Alec Issigonis, sports car wizard John Cooper noticed yet another significant quality right from the beginning: He recognised that this ingenious concept for an economical compact car also provided the ideal starting point for a most promising sports model, setting out on the process of tuning the Mini even before the car had entered the market. This set the starting point for an unprecedented story of success in motorsport, closely connecting the name John Cooper with the sporting myth of the MINI to this very day. Outstanding victories in the Monte Carlo Rally are just as much part of this common history as the successful production cars proudly bearing the name Cooper.

Now integrated within the MINI organisation, John Cooper Works represents the epitome of supreme driving pleasure based on both well-founded know-how in motorsport and successful cooperation going back years and even decades. Apart from accessories for the drivetrain, suspension, streamlining, and design, the most athletic models in the product range each bear the brand logo symbolising extreme driving fun.

Racing pioneer John Cooper teaches Mini how to win.

Born in Surrey in 1923, John Cooper was one of the most outstanding celebrities in international motorsport – both as a driver and, even more so, as a constructor. Together with his father he established the Cooper Car Company in 1946, the two enthusiasts starting out with the construction of racing cars first for Formula 3, later also for Formula 1. Through their concept of a mid-engined sports car Charles and John Cooper set a truly revolutionary trend in the entire world of motorsport in 1955, Cooper racing cars winning both the Constructor’s and Driver’s titles in the World Formula 1 Championship in 1959 and 1960, for the first time in the history of motorsport with the engine mounted in the middle. And with this concept proving its success so convincingly, it is no surprise that soon all cars in Formula 1 came with a mid-mounted engine.

John Cooper and Alec Issigonis became close friends in the course of time after meeting and competing against one another at numerous races. There were also professional ties between the two enthusiasts, with the Cooper Car Company buying engines from BMC.

When it came to the Mini, however, the sporting ambitions of the two constructors were very different: Issigonis was looking above all at the right car for everyday motoring, Cooper was thrilled by the sporting potential of this small and nimble performer. So back in 1959, the very first year of the Mini, he sent his driver Roy Salvadori to Monza in the very first Mini Cooper, a special one-off model built specifically for this purpose. And indeed, this new sports car immediately proved its qualities on the way to Monza, Salvadori covering the distance more than an hour faster than his colleague Reg Parnell – who just happened to be driving an Aston Martin DB4.

Motivated by initial success in the 1960 Monte Carlo Rally, Cooper suggested building a GT model based on the Mini. And despite Issigonis’ rather sceptical opinion at least to begin with, George Harriman, the Chief Executive Officer of BMC, ultimately decided to build a small series of 1,000 Mini Coopers featuring a 55-hp power unit, that is 21 extra horsepower made possible by far-reaching modifications of the engine. The Mini Cooper’s top speed was approximately 130 km/h or 80 mph. The car’s transmission ratios were adjusted to the sporting potential of the engine and disc brakes on the front wheels ensured adequate stopping power.

Soon Issigonis was also thrilled by the results of these efforts. So joining forces with John Cooper, he quickly started working on the next engine upgrade, increasing engine bore to the ultimate limit on the Mini Cooper S: At 1,071 cc, engine capacity remained below the mark of 1,100 cc applicable in the particular class of motorsport seen as the target, with the engine revving up to impressive speeds. Maximum output was 70 hp at 6,200 rpm, maximum engine speed was 7,200 rpm. This version was again equipped with new brakes, braking power being boosted by a brake servo.

1964–1967: the golden years in the Monte Carlo Rally.

This set the basis for sensational success in motorsport, the Mini Cooper S hitting the headlines in Monte Carlo for the first time in 1962. With Finnish driver Rauno Aaltonen at the wheel, this small but highly nimble performer successfully left behind a whole pack of far more powerful Goliaths. But just three kilometres away from home, Aaltonen, leading the race at the time, misjudged a bend and finished the Rally with a rollover. Only a year later, however, Aaltonen made up for this misfortune, bringing home class victory in the Mini Cooper S and finishing third overall. But even more – and even better – was still to come: Entering the 1963/1964 rally winter, the Mini Cooper S was simply oozing power in comparison with its predecessor. So in a spectacular race, Paddy Hopkirk brought home first place overall in the Monte Carlo Rally, the small performer becoming a legend in motor sport virtually overnight.  A year later Finnish racer Timo Mäkinen with his co-pilot Paul Easter repeated the same triumphant victory, reaching the finish line after thousands of kilometres as the only driver without one single penalty point – despite the worst weather imaginable. Indeed, only 35 out of 237 cars entered in the event were able to finish the Rally that year, among them no less than three Mini Cooper S.

The following year was the year of the hattrick, Timo Mäkinen, Rauno Aaltonen and Paddy Hopkirk scoring an absolutely incredible victory, finishing first, second, and third. But this was followed by bitter disappointment, the first three cars being disqualified because the rally commissioners came to the conclusion that the low beams on the Mini’s main headlights failed to comply in full with the homologation rules.

Even so, the public were completely thrilled by the three Mini drivers, despite this questionable decision, Hopkirk, Aaltonen and Mäkinen therefore entering the annals of the Monte Carlo Rally as the “Three Musketeers”. And indeed, just one year later Rauno Aaltonen received truly overwhelming applause and acknowledgement when bringing home the third overall victory of the Mini Cooper S in the Monte Carlo Rally. Especially because this time there were no complaints about his car.

Legendary racing careers started at the wheel of a Mini.

The Mini was however highly successful not only in rally racing, but also on road circuits, bringing home numerous wins in the 1960s. Indeed, through its long list of successes in motorsport, the Mini became the most outstanding racing car of the entire decade.  A particularly interesting point is that many spectacular racing careers started at the wheel of a Mini, a certain racing driver from Austria called Nikolaus Andreas Lauda entering his first hill-climb race at the wheel of a classic Mini near the Austrian town of Linz in April 1968, and immediately finishing second. Only two weeks later Lauda again confirmed his talent when scoring his first racing victory in a career which would take him on to three Formula 1 World Championships. And just like Niki Lauda, Formula 1 Champions Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, John Surtees, Jochen Rindt, and James Hunt all gained their first racing experience in a classic Mini.

Just like the car’s sporting career, sales of the Mini Cooper with its special configuration developed by John Cooper Showed an exceptional story of success from 1961–1971, the name “Cooper” becoming a synonym worldwide for passionate driving pleasure in the Mini. The fact that this tiny car had inspired the two-time Formula 1 World Champion to build outstanding sports cars was sufficient proof of the Mini and its qualities. And indeed, the unique driving experience inducing John Cooper right from the start to continue the development of the Mini all the way to perfection was equally thrilling back then for every fan of sporting automobiles.

The world’s toughest rally: MINI with four back-to-back victories in the Dakar Rally.

MINI has now become firmly established in international rally sport. Spectacular performances by the MINI John Cooper Works WRC developed on the basis of the MINI Countryman in selected rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) enabled the brand to continue its success story in rally sport during 2011 and 2012. The MINI ALL4 Racing was designed specifically for marathon rallies and this took up a further particularly special sporting challenge. In 2012, MINI and motor-sport partner X-raid entered the Dakar Rally, the ultimate endurance test for drivers, vehicles and teams. The performance and reliability of the MINI ALL4 Racing resulted in back-to-back Dakar victories in the years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. In 2016, MINI won the category of All-wheel Drive Vehicles in this rally.

MINI also demonstrated in the FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup how one success leads to another. The first win in the World Cup 2012 was repeated in three successive years (2013 – 2015). In 2017, the new MINI John Cooper Works Rally participated for the first time in this competition and in the Dakar Rally. In 2018, it won a further title in the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup.

John Cooper Works – the epitome for extreme driving pleasure in the MINI.

John Cooper Works guarantee outstanding performance not only on the race track, but also on the road. Even back in the 1970s, John Cooper Works Tuning Kits for production versions of the Mini were very popular and even back then the classic Mini equipped with such special features and components was able to show its most outstanding virtues both visually and in technical terms. The same applies to the tuning kits for the MINI Cooper S and the MINI Cooper successfully introduced after the re-launch of the brand and available in the market under the label of John Cooper Works. The current range of John Cooper Works accessories comprises lightweight alloy wheels, ventilated brake disks, integrated tailpipes and other retrofit products for the exterior and the interior in the appropriate selection for each model.

Furthermore, the performance-oriented character of the brand is embodied by four extremely sporty MINI models. The most important common feature of the elite athletes is the power-unit and chassis engineering derived from motor sport which is combined with the aerodynamically optimised body attributes. The extreme athletes in the small-car segment, the MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, are powered by a 170 kW/231 hp four-cylinder turbo engine. A 225 kW/306 hp four-cylinder turbo power unit delivers superb performance attributes in the latest versions of the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

In the anniversary year, another guarantee for extreme driving fun and unalloyed motor-sport passion is on the way to the starting line. In the summer of 2019, a prototype of the new MINI John Cooper Works GP completed intensive test drives on numerous race tracks throughout the world. This vehicle will also be powered by a four-cylinder engine packing in excess of 220 kW/300 hp. Its appearance with large air scoops, an independent design for the front and rear aprons and a striking roof spoiler gives an inkling of the outstanding high-performance characteristics. During test drives round the legendary North Loop of the Nürburgring, it actually completed the lap in less than eight minutes.

#4. MINI all the way – always different. Customize to your personal taste.

Driving a MINI is not just a matter of getting from A to B, but rather an expression of your own personal style. And indeed, the many options to customise the MINI give the enthusiast a wide range of opportunities in bringing out his – or her – personal taste and preferences. Offering a wider range of features and highlights and going into greater detail than any other manufacturer of small and compact cars, MINI gives the customer the freedom to bring out his or her individual style and choice on the car, an exceptionally wide range of exterior and interior colours, seat upholstery and trim variants setting the foundation for a personal configuration tailored to the driver.

A further point is that all the current MINI models are available with numerous highly attractive and sophisticated options straight from the plant, again enhancing both driving pleasure and motoring comfort. The range of Original MINI Accessories offers further highlights, comprising classic motorsport technology in John Cooper Works components, comfort-oriented features such as an iPod interface, features highly practical in everyday use such as a roof rack made of ultra-strong, eloxy-plated aluminium bars, or exceptional components such as additional headlights and extravagant roof trim.

From something special to a one-off masterpiece: customisation straight from the factory.

The unusually wide range of equipment and accessory features offered on the MINI reflects the strong awareness and critical perspective of the customer in choosing such a small premium car. Opting for a MINI, the customer from the start expresses his or her sense of special values. He identifies with a car concept which, more than any other, offers pure harmony of emotional values and up-to-date qualities. The characteristic design and the unmistakable style of the brand, unparalleled driving pleasure, premium quality and modern, very efficient drive technology form a symbiosis quite unique in this segment of the market. This exceptional position of the MINI comes out even more clearly whenever each specific model stands out from the crowd through its sophisticated and stylish features. Hence, a typical MINI is not just an exceptional vehicle, but in nearly all cases a genuine one-off masterpiece.

The wide range of options in customising the car is reflected right from the start in the production process. Every MINI is built specifically to the customer’s order at the MINI Plant in Oxford or at the production partner VDL Nedcar in Born, Netherlands. Every customer is able to put together his or her MINI precisely to his or her personal wishes. All production and logistic processes are highly flexible, catering for this wide range of variants right from the start.

Considering the numerous options and items of equipment and, as a result, the almost infinite range of variants conceivable, it is extremely unlikely that two absolutely identical MINIs will leave the plant within one and the same year of production. Customisation of the classic Mini: special models for VIP customers, more power straight from the factory for all drivers.

In the days of the classic Mini, only particularly prominent or affluent customers had the option to choose similar customisation features of this calibre straight from the plant. Clearly, this small but revolutionary performer right from the start arose the fantasy of particularly trendy aficionados, actors, fashion designers, musicians and even members of the Royal Family regularly expressing their demand for customised versions of the Mini. Special paintwork and particularly sophisticated equipment features came right at the top of their list, British actor Peter Sellers, for example, placing several orders for particularly extravagant special versions of the Mini in the 1970s. And in 1988 a member of the Brunei Royal Family also asked for a Mini in Flower Power design tailored to his individual wishes and of course appropriately tuned.

In the first year of the classic Mini customers already had the choice of the Austin Seven and the Morris Mini-Minor, which however only differed in terms of their radiator grilles, their body colour and wheel caps. The Riley Elf and the Wolseley Hornet then made their appearance just two years later in 1961 as particularly stylish versions of this new compact car with minor modifications on the outside and upgraded, distinguished features inside. Plush carpets and a genuine wooden dashboard exuded a genuine feeling of luxury.

Further body versions joined the family a bit later, ranging from the Van to the Pick-Up.

The common wish for extra power was also fulfilled quickly, above all through the initiative of sports car constructor John Cooper who had already worked together closely with Alec Issigonis, the creator of the Mini, during the initial development process. The first Mini Cooper delivering 55 instead of 34 hp made its appearance in 1961, with the 70-hp Mini Cooper S entering the market another two years later. The Mini with automatic transmission likewise appeared at a relatively early point in 1965, taking on a leading role in terms of motoring comfort – especially as up to that time only cars higher up in the market, that is in completely different segments, had offered the option of an automatic transmission.

Very sporting, young and trendy, or unusually distinguished – in the mid-70s fans of the Mini had the opportunity for the first time to highlight particular characteristics of the classic Mini through carefully configured edition models. The first of these special models was the progressively designed Mini Limited Edition 1000 in 1976, with further variants taking up the trend to growing customisation time and again. In many cases these special cars were named after well-known parts of London or famous streets, such as Piccadilly, Chelsea, Knightsbridge or Park Lane.

In 1982 the Mini Mayfair conquered the streets for the first time as a particularly exclusive, top-end model. And following the re-launch of the brand in 2001, special versions of this small but dynamic performer attracted great attention time and again, the MINI Seven bringing back a traditional model designation well-known from the original Mini, the MINI Checkmate highlighting above all the sporting characteristics of this agile athlete.

Paintwork, roof trim, interior materials: typical MINI style with maximum diversity.

The sheer diversity of the current model range as well as a wide choice of options in combining standard and special features in the current MINI generation provide a degree of customisation setting the benchmark even today in the modern world of motoring. Apart from the different engine variants, the wide choice of body paintwork colours, roof trim and soft top options, wheels and seat upholstery, interior materials and trim elements offer even the most discerning customer everything he or she desires to turn the relevant car into his or her very personal one-off masterpiece. The specific equipment packages for each model permit personal individualisation. They incorporate selective facets inherent in the character of each model so that they are particularly clearly highlighted on the exterior of the vehicle and in the interior – for example sporting prowess, elegance or robustness. Additional features include stripes for the engine bonnet and mirror caps in different colours and patterns, the options of Chrome Line and Piano Black for the exterior and a lighting package, a roof liner coloured in anthracite and the Chrome Line for the interior.

The accessories range also includes a choice of additional exterior mirror caps, side direction indicator surrounds, wheel-valve caps and door handles in different designs, a tank cap in chrome, sport stripes, bonnet stripes and special MINI stickers for affixing to the doors. And last but not least, the line-up of individual light-alloy wheels rims available for specific models is once again expanded by a number of options included in the range of accessories.

The performance components from John Cooper Works are perfectly tailored to the characteristics and style of MINI. The parts are available as accessories and they proudly reveal the long track record of experience and glorious tradition of both brands in motor sport. The highlights include John Cooper Works light-alloy wheels, ventilated brake discs, bumper trims, spoiler attachments, integrated tailpipes, exterior mirror caps and side scuttles. Matching decor trims, hand-brake lever, sports gearshift lever, interior mirror caps and foot mats create an even more sporting ambience in the interior.

Individualisation at the highest level: MINI Yours.

The options from the MINI Yours range pave the way for the most exclusive route to selective individualisation. High-quality materials, stylish design and precise processing to the very highest standards characterise these factory-supplied items of special equipment for the exterior and interior of current MINI models. They are unique individual options and are available in equipment packages put together specifically for each model.

The items of special equipment from MINI Yours are especially ideal for defining clear accents expressing exclusivity and stylish image when creating an individual vehicle design. All the packages reflect the British origin and the premium character of the brand. The outstanding level of material selection and the quality of craftsmanship meld together to create design infused with a sense of heritage and creativity, forging highlights in the appearance of the vehicle. The MINI Yours emblem defines yet another additional inimitable accent. The production of MINI Yours options is carried out in special production processes inspired by classic artisan craftsmanship.

The current MINI Yours range for individualising the exterior comprises exceptionally sophisticated paintwork options and impactful, athletic, elegant light-alloy wheel rims in a model-specific selection. The MINI Convertible also features a MINI Yours roof with a woven Union Jack. Personal style and a connoisseur’s sense of superlative quality are achieved with the MINI Yours packages for the interior. The MINI Yours Leather Lounge sport seats are upholstered and handcrafted in luxury smooth leather. Perforation technology integrates the classic Union Jack motif in the headrests. The MINI Yours Interior Styles are tailored to match specific models and comprise backlit surfaces, with light spots varying the colour to suit the ambient light conditions. Visible and tangible exclusivity also characterise the MINI Yours sports leather steering wheel finished in luxury soft nappa leather, the anthracite seams and spokes in high-gloss Piano Black.

MINI Yours Customised: From original to personalised custom special.

The MINI Yours Customised range gives customers the opportunity to style selected retrofit products with a design they have selected themselves and transform their own vehicle into a personalised customer special. The innovative package has been supplied for numerous MINI models in Europe and other major markets since 2018. The product range of MINI Yours Customised comprises the familiar side scuttles for the side indicators, decor trims for the interior on the passenger side, LED entry sills and LED door projectors.

The retrofit parts supplied in the product range of MINI Yours Customised can be selected, styled and ordered by customers in an Online Shop dedicated to the new range. The individualised products are subsequently manufactured using innovative production procedures such as various 3D printing processes and laser inscription. The advanced production processes permit precise implementation of customers’ wishes. The individually styled products are supplied within a few weeks. They are designed so they can then be integrated in the vehicle by customers themselves or by participating MINI service partners. 

#5. Traditional values and modern diversity. Concept and technology.

The economical compact car has a great future! Precisely this was the fundamental idea and philosophy in developing the classic Mini. The objective was to combine compact exterior dimensions and generous spaciousness within the interior, comfortable and sporting driving behaviour as well as fuel-efficient power units likewise characterising the new extra-small model from British Motor Corporation (BMC). It was the Suez Crisis in 1956 leading to severe cut-backs in oil supply that prompted BMC to assign automotive engineer and constructor Alec Issigonis with this challenging task. Today, on the other hand, the quest for efficiency has become a general need in public life, this compact car from Great Britain again offering the most convincing answer to this challenge. 60 years ago, the revolutionary design principle of the classic Mini created the foundation for maximum interior space on a minimal footprint. The modern reinterpretation for creative use of space and unsurpassed driving fun made the MINI the original in the premium segment of small cars when it was launched in 2001. Today, the MINI brand is the epitome of scintillating driving in the urban traffic environment and beyond. In future, the brand will combine electromobility and a unique emotional experience with the new MINI Cooper SE. It is based on the MINI 3 Door and combines local zero-emission driving with premium quality and striking design.

The classic Mini: an ingenious concept for efficient use of space, outstanding safety on the road, and supreme economy.

Engineering qualities of the highest calibre already served on the classic Mini to provide truly outstanding and technically superior solutions. The first point is that Alec Issigonis opted for a front-wheel-drive concept with the engine fitted crosswise at the front. This principle, now well-established as the standard solution for compact cars, was admittedly not completely new at the time, but had never before been used so consistently to promote driving behaviour and the efficient use of space as it was in the classic Mini. The specific arrangement of the ten-inch wheels right at the corners of the car likewise served to promote both driving behaviour and the efficient use of space. Wheelbase measured 2.03 metres or 79.9", overall length was 3.05 metres or 120.0", width measured 1.41 metres or 55.5", and the height of the classic Mini was 1.35 metres or 53.1". And the most important point was that 80 per cent of the space occupied by the car – its “footprint” on the road, as it were – was just for the passengers and their luggage.

The body-in-white of the classic Mini weighed a mere 140 kg or 309 lb. But at the same time the bodyshell offered a standard of torsional stiffness quite exceptional back then – stiffness ensured by the two sills extending from front to rear, a lightweight tunnel in the middle of the car taking up the exhaust system, and the wheel arches.

Extending crosswise from left to right, the robust bulkhead between the engine compartment and the passenger cell, a strong crossbar beneath the front seats, and the rear bulkhead leading to the luggage compartment all contributed to this torsional stiffness. With this kind of stability and stiffness built in from the start, Alec Issigonis and his team of engineers were able to give the classic Mini slender roof pillars and large windows around the passenger cell, helping to enhance both all-round visibility and the feeling of space. The decision which engine to use in this new small car was no problem, with BMC opting for an updated version of the Series A power unit already featured in the legendary Morris Minor.

This four-cylinder came with a crankshaft running in three bearings, overhead valves operated via tappets and a camshaft at the bottom running on the same side as the intake and exhaust ducts. The fuel/air mixture was supplied by semi-downdraught carburettors, with an electric fuel supply pump being fitted right from the start. Issigonis and his team therefore reduced engine capacity to 848 cc and cut back engine output to 34 hp at 5,500 rpm. Indeed, this kind of engine speed alone was quite unusual at the time, with only thoroughbred sports cars achieving continuous engine speed of this standard back in the late ‘50s. Yet a further innovation was the arrangement of the four-speed manual gearbox beneath the engine and directly between the wheels, giving the engine and transmission a shared oil circuit. This left enough space beneath the bonnet for the radiator at the side as well as the steering and ancillary units.

The birth of that go-kart experience.

Issigonis and his team also took a new approach in the transmission of power, that is on the drivetrain. Since the propeller shafts used up to that time tended to deflect out of line under major steering lock, Issigonis decided to use homokinetic joints for the first time in an automobile. These joints were made up of a ball bearing surrounded by three cages, two of which were connected, respectively, with the incoming and outgoing drive shafts. This, in turn, allowed a sufficient steering angle without distortion or undue articulation, significantly reducing the effect of drive forces on the steering. And this, in turn, set the foundation for the go-kart feeling of the legendary Mini to this very day.

To reduce the forces acting on the light and compact monocoque steel bodyshell, the engineers mounted the entire drivetrain, steering and suspension on a subframe. The independent wheels at the rear were also mounted on a subframe, giving the classic Mini absolutely excellent directional stability. The other components on the suspension likewise came with a wide range of technical highlights, Issigonis replacing the usual coil, torsion or leaf springs by rubber suspension. To be specific, this was a structure made up of two cones with a layer of rubber in between. The upper cone was bolted firmly to a subframe, the lower rested on the wheel mount. With rubber becoming increasingly hard under increasing pressure, this gave the classic Mini a progressive suspension set-up. Indeed, the properties of this spring system were so good that small telescopic dampers proved to be quite sufficient. And to give the dampers a smooth and fine response, they were fastened outside on upper wishbones at the front and longitudinal control arms at the rear.

Extra comfort: Hydrolastic suspension and automatic transmission.

In 1964 Issigonis placed the emphasis on greater comfort and motoring refinement, introducing an early type of self-levelling on the Mini. To be specific, this was the new Hydrolastic suspension carried over from BMC’s larger saloons and modified for the small car segment. This unique suspension came with cylinders roughly the size of a one-litre oil can on each wheel comprising the springs and dampers and using a frost-resistant water emulsion as the damper fluid. On the Hydrolastic system the hydraulic chambers on the front and rear wheel dampers were connected to one another by pressure hoses on each side of the car. So whenever the front wheel ran over a bump on the road, some of the hydraulic fluid was pressed into the “partner” chamber on the rear axle, lifting up the body slightly also at the rear (and, of course, also in the opposite direction).

While this innovative system provided the basic configuration for consistent self-levelling of the car’s body, it never became a lasting success and was taken out of production after seven years. Issigonis and his team followed the example of larger cars in upmarket segments also in other areas, seeking quite often to achieve an even higher standard in the Mini. A good example is the automatic transmission introduced as an option in 1965 and making the classic Mini one of only very few small cars available at the time with such a “luxury”. An even more significant factor was that the automatic transmission taking up hardly any more space than a conventional manual gearbox came with four forward gears, while most luxury cars at the time had only three gears.

Sales of the classic Mini exceeded the figure of one million units just six years after the car had made its debut. By this time the range comprised not only the two original models, the Morris Mini-Minor and the Austin Seven, but also a Mini Van, a Mini Pick-Up as well as the Morris Mini-Traveller and Austin Seven Countryman estate models serving consistently to offer even more space inside the car: While the Traveller and Countryman were only 25 centimetres or not quite 10" longer than their respective counterparts, they were unusually versatile transporters thanks to their wheelbase extended by 10 centimetres or 3.9" and their twin doors at the rear.

Small engine, significant potential for further development.

John Cooper, the sports car constructor who recognised the great potential of this revolutionary small car very early on, is the man we must thank for giving the engine of the Mini originally cut back intentionally to 34 hp a lot more power just two years after the car made its debut. Engine capacity of the GT model built in a small series at Cooper’s initiative was increased to 997 cc, with stroke up from 68.3 to 81.3 millimetres (2.69–3.20") and bore down from 62.9 to 62.4 millimetres (2.48–2.46"). The compression ratio was raised from 8.3 to 9.0, further features being the larger intake valves and dual carburettors.

The exhaust opening was likewise enlarged and the crankcase reinforced to take up the extra power of the engine.

Cooper also changed the transmission ratio of the individual gears in order to give the car a higher speed in each gear, the first Mini Cooper with its 55 hp power unit now reaching a top speed of 136 km/h or 84 mph as opposed to the “regular” 120 km/h or 75 mph. And being a conscientious man, Cooper also upgraded the car’s brakes, fitting seven-inch Lockheed disc brakes on the front wheels.

The Mini Cooper S introduced in 1963 soon proved that even with these modifications the four-cylinder had not yet reached its limit. This time engine capacity was increased to 1,071 cc, providing maximum output of 70 hp. Naturally, this extra power also meant higher speed, in this case with an increase to 160 km/h or 99 mph, which is why Cooper once again upgraded the brakes, increasing disc diameter to 7.5" and boosting the brake power of the Mini Cooper S by means of a brake servo.

The series version of the classic Mini was also upgraded for more power in 1967, an increase in capacity to 998 cc giving the engine an appropriate boost in maximum torque from 44 to 52 newton-metres (32–38 lb-ft) and an increase in maximum output by 4 hp to 38 horsepower. This version of the four-cylinder was introduced from the start on the sister model of the classic Mini launched in 1969, the new Clubman, as the car was called, being 11 cm or 4.3" longer and the Estate version measuring exactly 3.40 metres or 133.9" in length. Width, height and wheelbase, on the other hand, were exactly the same as on the classic Mini.

A further new model introduced at the time as the successor to the Mini Cooper was the Mini 1275 GT, the top model in the Clubman series powered by a 59-hp 1.3-litre four-cylinder. This engine was later also featured in the classic Mini and was soon upgraded to an even more significant 63 hp. The 1.0-litre nevertheless remained in the range until 1992, after which all models were equipped with the 1.3-litre fuel injection engine already featured since October 1991 in the Mini Cooper and as of August 1994 also in the Mini, above all due to growing requirements in emission management.

Making a new start with traditional values.

Considered simply on paper, the MINI Cooper and the MINI One bringing back the famous brand in 2001 had hardly any substantial features in common with the classic Mini. Much stricter safety standards, significantly greater demands in terms of motoring comfort, and brand-new technical potentials allowed and required solutions Alec Issigonis and his team would not even have dreamt of in their days.

The MINI and its forefather nevertheless share some fundamental highlights and features clearly borne out from the start in the new model and expressed by the car’s characteristic design. A further point is that the MINI was developed from the start as a revolutionary new small car. And like the classic Mini, the new model once again featured innovations in technology giving the MINI its unique qualities.

Re-interpretation of traditional values likewise gave the MINI its unmistakable character right from the start, building its status as a youthful car transcending all social classes and highly desirable the world over. The classic Mini in its day made a significant contribution in introducing the principle of front-wheel drive and the power unit fitted crosswise at the front, making this the standard solution for particularly compact cars. The MINI, in turn, likewise came with short body overhangs, a long wheelbase, the one-wheel-at-each-corner stance and a low centre of gravity as ideal ingredients for extremely agile handling. Once again, therefore, the MINI re-defined the standard of optimum efficiency in the use of space and maximum driving pleasure in such a small car.

The quantum leap into a new era of technology.

Implementing this concept, it was obviously essential to use the most advanced and sophisticated technology. And clearly, four-cylinder power units displacing 1.6 litres, with 16 valves and an aluminium cylinder head were exactly the right successors to the Series A engines originally featured in the classic Mini.

Where 34 hp was still sufficient in 1959, the right kind of power was now 66 kW/90 hp in the MINI One and 85 kW/115 hp in the MINI Cooper. And while the classic Mini with its homokinetic joints for conveying power to the wheels and rubber springs set new standards in suspension technology at its time, the MINI with its McPherson front axle featuring axle shafts equal in length and the multi-arm rear axle likewise absolutely unique in this segment also introduced a new benchmark.

Disc brakes on all four wheels, the anti-lock brake system including CBC Cornering Brake Control and EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution featured as standard also marked this quantum leap into a new era. As an option the MINI was also available from the start with ASC+T Traction Control and DSC Dynamic Stability Control.

The MINI also took on the top position in its segment right from the beginning in terms of passive safety. Indeed, with its extremely stable passenger cell, frontal and side airbags as well as optional head airbags at the side, the level of safety provided was absolutely outstanding. And last but not least, the Tyre Defect Indicator likewise featured as standard was an innovation never seen before in
a small and compact car. As an alternative to its five-speed manual gearbox, the MINI was available with infinite CVT automatic transmission incorporating a Steptronic function. Using a steel drive belt running on dual-conical pulleys, this transmission fed engine power through continuously variable transmission ratios to the front wheels, while retaining six firm transmission ratios in the Steptronic mode.

A joint control unit for the engine and transmissions served both in the automatic and the Steptronic mode to give the driver the ideal transmission ratio under all conditions. As an option there were also Steptronic switches on the steering wheel enabling the driver to shift gears manually without taking his hands off the steering wheel.

It did not take MINI long – to be precise only until January 2002 – to move up to an even higher level of driving pleasure, the most powerful model in the range ensuring fascinating performance even faster than with the classic Mini and far superior to its 70-hp forerunner.

This new high-performance model was the MINI Cooper S powered by a 120 kW/163 hp four-cylinder compressor engine and featuring both a sports suspension and a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The first-ever MINI powered by a diesel engine saw the light of day just one year later, the MINI One D providing the most advanced rendition of the highly efficient four-seater philosophy which originally led to the development of the classic Mini: Displacing 1.4 litres out of four cylinders, this all-aluminium power unit featuring common rail fuel injection and an exhaust gas turbocharger offered an ample
55 kW/75 hp.

The new edition of the MINI: From the original to the original.

The modern qualities of the world’s first premium small car were emphasised even more emphatically when the new edition of the MINI was launched in November 2006. Under the motto “From the original to the original”, numerous details shaping the visual appearance of the MINI were refined. The sporting virtues of the compact king of curves were a particular focus with even more intense highlighting. At the same time, protection for the occupants was further optimised.

New, even more powerful and, at the same time, far more efficient engines together with the further enhanced suspension technology, served to redefine driving fun so typical of MINI. The MINI Cooper S with its 124 kW/175 hp power unit and the 88 kW/120 hp MINI Cooper models available at market launch from the start thrilled aficionados everywhere through their enhanced driving performance combined with significantly greater fuel economy and emission values. Both engines had a capacity of 1.6 litres, and a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct petrol injection were responsible for delivering the high output of the MINI Cooper S. The power unit of the MINI Cooper was fitted with fully variable valve control. Later on, this was also installed in the 1.4 litre engine generating 70 kW/95 hp mounted in the MINI One. Turbocharging and common rail direct injection generated outstanding efficiency in the diesel engines. The MINI Cooper D powered by 82 kW/112 hp was followed in rapid succession by the MINI One D generating 66 kW/90 hp and the MINI Cooper SD with 105 kW/143 hp. Finally, the MINI One powered by a 55 kW/75 hp engine was added to the range as an entry-level model. The mantle of elite athlete was taken on for the first time by the MINI John Cooper Works with a turbo engine packing 155 kW/211 hp and specific suspension technology.

In an appropriate combination on each model, the technologies offered as standard included Brake Energy Recovery, Auto Start/Stop, a gearshift point indicator, Electric Power Steering, a volume-flow-controlled oil pump, as well as on-demand coolant pump. All variants of the MINI now come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, with optional six-speed automatic transmission enabling the driver to shift gears manually via paddles on the steering wheel.

The large choice in the engine portfolio was soon augmented by exceptional diversity in the MINI model range. Almost exactly one year to the day after the launch of the new model generation, the range was expanded by the MINI Clubman with a wheelbase extended by eight centimetres and a two-part rear door. In 2009, a new generation of the MINI Convertible came along. And as if this wasn’t enough, both the two-seaters MINI Coupé and MINI Roadster enabled the athletic prowess typical of the brand and open-top pleasure to be experienced in a particularly purist way from 2011 onwards. In parallel, the MINI Countryman presented in 2010 and the MINI Paceman available from 2013 conquered the premium compact segment. The ALL4 all-wheel drive developed specially for MINI was installed in these two models for the first time. The system is based on an electromagnetic centre differential and this enabled the power to be variably distributed between the front and rear axles.

The latest generation: Even more driving fun, efficiency and premium quality.

In 2014, the current generation of the MINI lined up at the start with a renewed evolutionary and advanced design, new drive technology and a large number of innovative equipment features. Engines with MINI TwinPower turbo technology and also a newly developed gearbox have since then increased the sprint capability of the MINI while at the same time resulting in reduced fuel consumption. Depending on the engine, the standard 6-speed gearbox can be replaced by a 7-speed Steptronic gearbox with twin clutch or an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox. An additional enhancement to efficiency is provided by the optimised weight and the improved aerodynamic characteristics. The option of an adaptive suspension is available for the first time. MINI Driving Modes is a choice available for the first time in the new MINI. Adaptive suspension influences the characteristic curves for the accelerator pedal and steering characteristics as well as the shifting characteristics of the automatic transmission and the damper tuning. The new operating concept comprises an instrument cluster on the steering column and optionally a MINI head-up display. The collision and pedestrian warning with city braking function, the driving assistant and parking assistant, and the reversing camera significantly expand the choice of driver assistance systems. Once again, the MINI also takes a leading role among competitors in the area of networking technology and digital services.

Already in the subsequent year, the model range was again expanded by a completely new body version for the MINI. For the first time, the British brand has a five-door version in the segment of small cars. With its wheelbase extended by 72 millimetres, the MINI 5 Door offers passengers in the front significantly more legroom alongside comfortable entry and exit. Since 2016, the range in the small-car segment has been completed by the new MINI Convertible.

The open-top four-seater is now equipped with an all-electric opening and closing mechanism for the fabric roof. An extremely athletic model version was also developed for the classic bodywork variant of the MINI 3 Door and for the MINI Convertible. The MINI John Cooper Works and the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible are each powered by a new, 170 kW/231 hp turbo engine.

The new MINI generation is represented by two models in the premium compact segment. A choice of three petrol and three diesel engines is supplied for the new MINI Countryman. The advanced ALL4 all-wheel drive system is also available as an option. Series equipment includes power transmission to all four wheels in the elite athletes MINI John Cooper Works Clubman and MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, which are powered by a 225 kW/306 hp turbo engine in the latest version. Furthermore, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 (combined fuel consumption: 2.1 – 1.9 l/100 km; combined electricity consumption: 13.9 – 13.5 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 47 – 43 g/km) paves the way for zero-emission driving fun. The first plug-in hybrid model from MINI is powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric engine which together generate a combined system output of 165 kW/224 hp.

Electromobility in the MINI style: The new MINI Cooper SE.

 The MINI brand has now been the epitome of scintillating mobility in the urban traffic environment for the past 60 years. In future, the brand will incorporate local zero-emission driving in urban traffic with a unique emotional experience. The new MINI Cooper SE (combined power consumption: 0.0 l/100 km; combined electricity consumption: 16.8 – 14.8 kWh/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 0 g/km) will be manufactured in series production at the British plant in Oxford from November 2019. This is the brand’s first all-electric powered model and it is a genuine MINI through and through. The vehicle concept is based on the MINI 3 Door. The dimensions, design, available space and interior ambience of the new MINI Cooper SE are clearly derived from the conventionally powered vehicle. The expansion of the model range by an all-electric version was already reflected in the development of this vehicle.

Instead of a petrol or diesel engine, an electric motor is mounted under the bonnet of the new MINI Cooper SE. The spontaneous power development of the 135 kW/184 hp electric motor, the front-wheel drive typical of the brand and innovative Dynamic Stability Control with actuator-related wheel-slip limitation assist the new MINI Cooper SE in achieving the unmistakeable agility known as the go-kart feeling that is perceived here as a particularly intense experience. The motor’s model-specific lithium-ion battery permits a range of 235 to 270 kilometres. The high-voltage battery is configured low in the vehicle floor so that there are no restrictions on the volume of the baggage compartment compared with a conventionally powered MINI 3 Door.

#6. From the Original to the Original. The MINI Design.

Innovativ, Innovative, unmistakable, stylish – and inspiring time and again. Just like the classic Mini, the MINI stands for unique design providing brand-new answers to the challenges of its time. Creating the classic Mini, constructor Alec Issigonis and his team had succeeded in re-defining the entire philosophy of the small and compact car in 1959. Developing the MINI, his successors, as it were, re-interpreted the concept of maximum interior space on minimum road surface in modern, up-to-date style.

The result, created almost four decades apart, was two cars of supreme character proudly presenting their unique qualities in a truly unmistakable manner. Both back then and today, thrilling driving characteristics and irresistible design create one complete unit as the sign of distinction of an entire brand. The starting point for the design of the classic Mini was a vision following clear targets: smaller than all models produced so far by British Motor Corporation, the new car was still to provide sufficient space for four occupants and their luggage. Clearly, therefore, Issigonis focused on economy of space as the fundamental consideration in the development process.

At the same time, he wished to offer an innovative answer to the small and compact cars already available on the market in Europe, following his principle that a good designer should never ever copy the competition.

A clear vision and the right concept: the foundation for the classic Mini.

To provide as much space as possible for the occupants on the car’s very small footprint, even the technical features and components of the classic Mini had to be moved together. The ideal concept making this possible from the start was of course the engine fitted at the front in conjunction with front-wheel drive. But that alone was not enough for Issigonis. For while there was enough space for a four-cylinder power unit beneath the short bonnet, this was only because Issigonis fitted the engine crosswise and placed the gearbox beneath the drive unit. Certainly, an innovative interpretation of the “form follows function” principle is still one of the decisive factors in the design of the MINI to this very day.

Issigonis set forth all these plans and configurations not in long documents and studies, but rather in a host of drawings and personal sketches. Indeed, he had already succeeded in compensating for his rather limited ambition for mathematics at school and university through his excellent drawings. And now these drawings became the characteristic trademark of this ingenious engineer and constructor.

With just a few strokes of his pencil he was able to create visions, illustrate solutions for complicated technical problems, and therefore develop greater power of conviction than even the most moving speaker in a detailed technical lecture. Issigonis’ almost contagious euphoria was also expressed by the fact that he often did his drawing on paper table-cloths or menu cards, because his notepad was already full.

One of the legends circulating around the classic Mini is the story of a design sketch done by Issigonis on the paper napkin of a hotel restaurant later used for the first “official” draft on the drawing board in Issigonis’ construction office. In the course of 1958 both the exterior and the interior of the Mini took on their final shape. Striking features later to become characteristic of the classic Mini were the body panel seams between the wings and the bodyshell facing to the outside.

The reason for this particular feature was quite simply money: welding seams facing to the outside were a lot cheaper in production. The second feature typical of cost-oriented production also clearly visible from outside was the door hinges on the outside of the doors themselves. And the driver who was not able to make do with the luggage compartment offering capacity of 195 litres or 6.8 cubic feet, was able to quite simply leave the boot lid open – since the lid was hinged at the bottom, it served conveniently as a “tray” even taking up bulky objects fastened more or less safely in position. Indeed, this was not even a secret tip, since high-gloss brochures presented this enlarged loading capacity in colourful pictures.

The interior naturally also followed the car’s minimalist philosophy: A simple cable served to open the doors and the usual dashboard in front of the driver and passenger was replaced in the classic Mini by a small shelf. Right in the middle was the centre instrument, the speedometer and mileage counter as well as the fuel gauge, with two toggle switches for the screen wipers and the lights right below.

Despite numerous detailed changes and modifications, the basic shape of the classic Mini remained unchanged for no less than 41 years. In the course of time this revolutionary small car became a classic in the history of the automobile, a timeless masterpiece chosen in 1995 by the readers of Autocar, the British car magazine, as the “Car of the Century”. Like its driving behaviour, the typical look of the classic Mini remained a perfect image of the car’s character over years and decades, ultimately providing the starting point for the design of the modern MINI.

Creating the MINI: brand-new, but with unmistakable roots.

Back in the mid-1990s, shortly after BMW had taken over Rover Group, the first plans were considered for a new version of this unique compact car. A study of the MINI Cooper was the presented at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, making it quite clear from now on that this was not going to be merely a copy of the classic model, but rather a modern interpretation of the Mini concept so rich in tradition. Indeed, this concept car combined the classic values of the classic Mini with the demands made of a modern automobile on the threshold to the 21st century.

A spectacular sports car concept had already been presented at the beginning of the year on the occasion of the Monte Carlo Rally. Thirty years after the classic Mini had won the Monte Carlo Rally the last time, this two-seater, right-hand-drive mid-engined ACV 30 (Anniversary Concept Vehicle) study definitely hit the headlines not just on account of its truly powerful and muscular proportions. Rather, the study also made it quite clear how the design features so characteristic of the classic Mini – such as the hexagon radiator grille and the large round headlights – could be carried over into a modern vehicle concept.

So the question is obvious: What would the ideal small car look like when carrying forward the ideas and principles of Sir Alec Issigonis, that ingenious constructor, from the 1950s into the 21st century, with all the technical options and customer preferences of these modern times? Looking for an answer to this question was certainly a promising undertaking right from the start, particularly as neither the drive concept of the classic Mini nor its virtually unchanged look had lost any of their charm over a period of approximately four decades.

Precisely this is why the MINI Project Team run originally by Frank Stephenson and later by MINI Chief Design Gert Volker Hildebrand attached great significance to conveying not only design details, but also the fundamental idea from the early years of the classic Mini to these modern days of motoring. The MINI was also to be a unique car offering ample space for four with their luggage, featuring an economical drive concept, and boasting driving and handling qualities no other model in this segment was able to offer.

At the same time the development engineers naturally also considered the high standard of comfort now taken for granted as well as the most demanding safety requirements. The result, obviously, was once again a revolutionary new small car oriented in every respect to the needs of its times and at the same time developed and manufactured according to the quality standards of a leading premium brand.

Design features and design icons.

This harmony of the targets set by the development engineers and the fundamental values of the concept is reflected in a unique design authentically visualising the common character shared by the classic Mini and the MINI and borne out by a beautiful play on lines and joints, circles and ellipsoids.

With the car measuring 3.63 metres or 142.9" in length, the overall layout and proportions, including short overhangs front and rear expressing the agile handling of the MINI through its exterior, were all retained as a faithful rendition of the classic Mini. The classic subdivision of the car into three sections – the actual body, the window graphics surrounding the entire vehicle as a kind of band, and the roof seeming to hover in space – was taken up again in a modern rendition. The shoulder line extends from the headlights across the muscular shoulders all the way to the C-pillars, where the roof is closer to the body than upfront on the A-pillars. This creates side window graphics opening up to the front and clearly emphasising the forward-pushing motion and the sportiness of the car.

Features typical of the brand and already unmistakable on the classic Mini were also re-interpreted on the new model. As an example, a modern rendition of the hexagon radiator grille and the round headlights now no longer surrounded by the wings, but rather integrated in the engine compartment lid, help to give the MINI its typical face so characteristic of the brand.

The side direction indicator surrounds serving on the MINI to distinguish the individual model variants, are also acknowledged as genuine icons in design. In particular, the side indicators guide the eyes of the beholder to the joint on the engine compartment lid of the MINI sweeping back at an angle like the joint on the side panels of the classic Mini. The rear light clusters standing upright also serve once again as a powerful sign of distinction now featuring a sophisticated chrome frame on the MINI. Indeed, this is once again a clear reminiscence to the classic Mini which always boasted its chrome look, consistently rejecting the inundation of plastic in automobile design of the ’70 and ’80s.

Last but not least, the very concave, three-dimensional and powerful design of the rims again takes up and reflects the style of the classic Mini, even if the wheels are now larger, wider, and come on runflat tyres.

The interior of the MINI is likewise unmistakable in its design, the Centre Speedo in the middle of the dashboard bringing back a characteristic feature of the classic Mini and enhancing this look to create a truly unique design element. Up to 1968 the speedometer on the classic Mini was also a central instrument which, through its looks alone, provided decisive inspiration for designing the surrounds on the MINI’s control units and switches.

Further, unique highlights come from the round air vents and the elliptic main elements on the door linings reflecting the design language of “circular elements” so typical of the MINI and also to be admired on the exterior. More than ever before, the current fortes of the MINI come out on the design of the latest model generation introduced in the autumn of 2013. Again following the philosophy of “From the Original to the Original”, both the basic design and the unique details of the car were revised and upgraded in the second generation in a painstaking, evolutionary process.

The powerful stance of the car on its big and muscular wheels now emphasises the sporting character of the MINI even more convincingly. The Centre Speedo is even larger than before even, now framed by a lighting band, and offers space for the display of a navigation system, again providing those unmistakable highlights so typical of the brand. Like the classic Mini, the MINI, thanks to its harmonious and perfectly balanced overall concept, arouses a feeling of affection and almost love at very first sight. To a large extent this is attributable to the cleverly integrated codes of “human body archetype” design language: Through its proportions and friendly mimicry, the MINI arouses the protector’s instincts. The powerful shoulders of the car, in turn, exude a sense of safety and security, and the body itself is characterised through its softly flowing shapes.

New opportunities: the MINI Concept.

Through its design philosophy alone, the MINI allows up-to-date, ongoing development of all features so typical of the brand while retaining its own, unique character. This starting point also provides a wonderful opportunity to carry over the design language so typical of MINI to innovative vehicle concepts extending the range and wealth of the MINI model family. The idea to present MINI in a new context was demonstrated for the first time in a fascinating study in 2005, when the MINI Concept made its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Presenting this unique study, MINI paved the way to a brand-new category of cars re-interpreting the classic shooting brake concept in modern style. The MINI Concept therefore took up traditional design philosophies already borne out in the 1960s in the guise of the Morris Mini-Traveller and the Austin Mini Countryman, applying these philosophies to modern-day requirements and therefore presenting new options in the body design and functionality of the MINI. Following the motto “Travel the World”, the MINI Concept was presented in a total of four renditions, each highlighting specific facets of the MINI brand and focusing on the place where the cars were being presented: In Frankfurt the emphasis was on elegance, at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show the concept model highlighted the British origins of MINI. At the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit the emphasis was on wintersport, and at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show the MINI Concept paid tribute to the legendary success of the brand in motorsport.

In all cases the concept car boasted a truly innovative door arrangement revolutionising the use of and access to the car’s interior: At the rear the designers introduced a Splitdoor configuration based on the classic door arrangement of the Morris Mini-Traveller and the Austin Mini Countryman. This two-piece rear door with each door element hinged far to the outside and opening outwards offered particularly generous access to the luggage compartment of the MINI Concept – a principle shortly thereafter presented for the first time in a production version of the MINI.

The MINI family grows: introduction of the MINI Clubman.

The 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show marked the world debut of the MINI Clubman which has been enriching the model family ever since. Compared directly with the MINI, the MINI Clubman offers 24 centimetres or 9.45" more body length and 8 centimetres or 3.15" longer wheelbase serving entirely to enhance legroom at the rear.

On the MINI Clubman the driver’s and front passenger’s doors are supplemented not just by the Splitdoor at the rear, but also by an additional opening on the right side of the car. This additional door on the right, the Clubdoor opening against the direction of travel like a coach door, offers passengers sitting on the rear seats of the MINI Clubman comfortable and convenient access to the rear passenger area. In its side view the MINI Clubman is characterised by a dynamic wedge shape created through the interplay of the shoulder line rising up slightly to the rear and the horizontal roofline.

Up the A-pillars, the MINI Clubman is identical to the “regular” MINI. It then gains its unique look through its longer wheelbase and longer roofline extending straight back to the steep rear end.

Yet a further special feature is the slight increase in the roof flanks extending on both sides from the A- all the way to the C-pillars along the entire length of the roof and referred to as the Dune Line. This gives the roofline a truly exciting, eye-catching “sweep” and raises the height of the car’s flank by approximately two centimetres. As a result, the proportions of the MINI Clubman are particularly smooth and well-balanced also from the side.

Like the classic Mini, the MINI is also available with contrasting colours on the roof – and indeed, this particular sign of distinction is of great significance on the MINI Clubman, where, apart from the roof, the C-pillars also come in the contrasting colour ordered by the customer to give the Splitdoor at the rear an additional optical effect. Ultimately this gives the car a very compact look at the rear and adds to its individual, unique appearance on the road.

MINI Convertible: consistently open, MINI all the way.

The open-air model of the brand is a genuine MINI but at the same time a truly unique character. The first new MINI Convertible was presented at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show three years after the closed MINI, but naturally with the same unmistakable design features. Apart from the soft roof combining the proportions typical of MINI when closed with a unique silhouette, the four-seater boasted a number of other features typical of a genuine Convertible. The waistline rising towards the end of the car, for example, was accentuated from the start by a chrome bar all round the vehicle, the steep windscreen was just as characteristic as the chrome-plated rollbar. And at the rear the boot lid opening downwards as well as the hinges at the outside offered further features reminiscent in their design of the classic Mini. The latest edition of the MINI Convertible experienced its first summer in 2016. 18 seconds suffice to combine the further enhanced driving fun in a MINI with the intense open-air feeling. This is facilitated in the new MINI by a fully-automated mechanism for opening the roof that is all-electric for the first time making it particularly low noise. There is now also a fully integrated rollbar.

Typically MINI – also in the premium compact segment.

Just as classical design features were transferred to a modern vehicle concept tailored to the requirements of the 21st century, the design so typical of the brand was also mapped onto the models of the premium compact segment. In 2010, the first MINI was presented with an exterior length of more than four metres, five doors and five seats. The MINI Countryman conquered new target groups across the world – with its unambiguous augmentation of versatility and the inimitable style of its design, making it a typical representative of the heritage British brand at first glance.

In the latest model generation, the MINI Clubman and the new edition of the MINI Countryman bring style typical of the brand into the premium compact segment. Reinterpreted and carefully enhanced, they also include typical MINI proportions, the characteristic three-way split between bodywork, window graphics and roof, the powerful stature underpinned by the wheels, and the unique details including the side scuttles, a large number of chrome elements, the hexagonal radiator grille and the large headlamps.

Dawn of a new era: The MINI Cooper SE.

As the first premium small car with all-electric drive, the new MINI Cooper SE also defines benchmarks for driving fun geared to the future in its design. It is based on the MINI 3 Door and differs from this with selective modifications and subtle differentiations from the conventionally powered models of the brand.

Powerful proportions, the horizontal vehicle structure, short overhangs and wheels positioned at the corners of the car characterise the appearance of the MINI Cooper SE. Precisely defined accents point to its future-proof drive system. The charging connection is positioned above the right-hand rear wheel and this is precisely where the tank nozzle is situated in the conventionally powered MINI 3 Door. An embossed MINI Electric Logo points to the difference in energy supply. Yellow versions of this logo also embellish the familiar side scuttles for the side indicators, the tailgate and the radiator grille. The central element of the vehicle’s front profile highlights the brand-typical hexagonal contour in the MINI Cooper SE, although it is shrouded owing to the low requirement of the electric motor for cooling air. A yellow trim bar on the grille and the wing-mirror caps finished in the same colour complete the model-specific design.

In the same way as the model-specific front grille, the essentially closed floorpan and the independent design of the rear apron contribute to the reduction of air resistance. The fact that the electrically powered MINI does not require an exhaust system, favours airflow in the floorpan and at the rear. An aerodynamically optimised surface is also highlighted by the optional 17-inch alloy wheels with an asymmetric design in the version MINI Electric Corona Spoke 2 Tone.

#7.  The Revolutionary with the Drawing Pad. Sir Alec Issigonis, the father of the classic mini.

He had already been successful with his own sports cars and he had been commissioned on a number of occasions to develop large saloons. But his favourite project, as Alec Issigonis made it quite clear, was the construction of a simple, extremely functional and very affordable small car. So when Issigonis, the Deputy Technical Director of the Austin Plant in Longbridge, was requested in late 1965 by Leonard Lord, the Chairman of British Motor Corporation (BMC), to develop a brand-new and truly innovative car, he was absolutely thrilled and knew exactly what he wanted.

The new car was to be smaller than all models built by BMC so far, but nevertheless offer sufficient space for four occupants and their luggage. A four-cylinder already built by the company was to provide the necessary power, while the driving characteristics and the all-round economy of the new small car were to set new standards. Considering this brief and the demanding requirements to be fulfilled, what Issigonis needed was no more and no less than an absolutely revolutionary new design – exactly the right job for him and his team.

Back then Alec Issigonis was 51 years old, a seasoned constructor and automotive engineer with an unconventional career and an exceptional approach to his work. At the time his contemporaries described him as an almost pedantic tinkerer and a passionate technician simply bursting with enthusiasm. Issigonis did not always do his designs on the drawing board in the construction office, but rather opted for paper napkins or the little drawing pad he always kept handy to present his ideas to his colleagues and staff members during lunch. Mathematics he regarded as the “enemy of every creative human being”, and with his wealth of ideas, his enthusiasm and his distaste for compromises he pushed his team forward to top performance time and again.

After just seven months: test drive in the prototype Mini.
Opting for front-wheel drive and the engine fitted crosswise at the front with the gearbox directly below, Issigonis right from the start created ideal conditions for excellent efficiency in the use of space. No less than 80 per cent of the space taken up by the Mini, what one might call the car’s “footprint” on the road, was exclusively for the passengers and their luggage. Overall length of the new car was 3.05 metres or 120.0", and the Mini might indeed have been even shorter. But Issigonis had exact ideas and intentions, which he presented to his team in a rather unusual manner: He had them cut through a model of the Mini right down the middle, then moving the two halves apart centimetre by centimetre. And when he finally cried out “stop!”, the Mini had reached its ideal length.

Just seven months after the official go-ahead, two prototypes of the new small car were ready to go. So Issigonis invited his boss Leonard Lord to a test drive he still recalled full of amusement years later: “We drove round the Plant, and I was really going like hell. I’m certain he was scared, but he was very impressed by the car’s roadholding. So when we stopped outside his office, he got out and simply said: ‘All right, build this car.’ ”

From this moment on the ongoing development of the Mini in becoming a genuine legend was unstoppable. And Issigonis had secured his position on the podium as one of the world’s most ingenious and influential automobile constructors. The master himself was a bit more reserved, making it quite clear that “I didn’t invent the Mini, I built it.”

Alec Issigonis: straight from a family thrilled by technology.

Alexander Arnold Constantine Issigonis was born in the Turkish town of Smyrna, today’s Izmir, as the son of a Briton of Greek origin and a mother from Bavaria, on 18 November 1906. He inherited his great interest in technology and machines from his father who, shortly after the turn of the century, ran a company for marine engine technology.

In 1922 the family was forced to flee to Malta when the Turkish state was established in very hectic turmoil. His father died on the island and his mother took him to England where, two years later, young Alec was finally able to drive his first car: a Weymann-bodied Singer in which he chauffeured his mother through Europe in 1925 in a “never-ending series of breakdowns”, as Issigonis recalled later. But it was precisely this unforgettable experience which, immediately upon returning back home, encouraged him to start a three-year course in mechanical engineering at Battersea Polytechnic in London.

Issigonis’ great talent for craftsmanship and his passion for designing and drawing new technical concepts proved barely sufficient at the time to set off his strong distaste of mathematical theory. So he just about managed his final exam, but did not qualify for ongoing studies at the college in Battersea. His obvious conclusion was to enter professional life as a technical draughtsman and salesman in a design office for automotive technology in London. Buying an Austin Seven from his first salary, he prepared the car for racing and entered his first event in March 1929. In the years to follow Issigonis developed his own monoposto in his spare time with design and construction features destined to later make him famous: the Lightweight Special was absolutely tiny, extremely light, but technically progressive – and successful. In 1934 Issigonis joined the design and construction team of Humber Ltd., the Coventry-based car maker, where he worked on the introduction of independent suspension. He proved so good at the job that Morris Motors recruited him themselves just two years later on account
of his skill in suspension development.

During the war Issigonis had no choice but to work on various military vehicles, which he nevertheless used as “guinea pigs” for technical innovations.

In 1941 Morris launched the Mosquito Project, a compact four-seater for the post-war era. And indeed, despite the most challenging conditions, Issigonis, reputed to be an all-out workaholic, and his the team had the first road-going prototype ready within three years. Precisely this model introduced as the Morris Minor in 1948 became the most successful car built by the brand in the post-war years.

When Morris and Austin Motor Company merged four years later to form British Motor Corporation, Issigonis no longer saw any perspectives for his creativity in future. So he started working for Alvis, with the intention to develop a luxury saloon. But with the project ultimately failing for financial reasons, BMC took Issigonis on again in 1955 as their Deputy Technical Director at the Austin Plant in Longbridge. Here Issigonis was to develop a number of new model series for the small, medium-sized and upmarket segments to secure the future of what was then Europe’s largest car maker. Since particularly the small car project was acknowledged as very urgent due to the Suez Crisis, the new model made its debut in 1959 as the Morris Mini-Minor and the Austin Seven. Large models only came later, with the four-door Morris 1100 midrange model entering the market three years later and the very spacious Austin 1800 in 1964.

Career and knighthood: honoured for his lifetime achievement.

The success of the classic Mini also gave worldwide fame to the car’s “father”. In 1961 Alec Issgonis, in his position as Technical Director, became a Board Member of Austin Motor Company, and two years later he was appointed to the Board of BMC. In 1967 he became a member of the Royal Society, the most renowned research society in Britain, and two years later the Queen knighted the father of the Mini. Sir Alec Issigonis retired in 1971, but remained an advisor to the company until 1987. One year later he died on 2 October, shortly before his 82nd birthday.

To this day this outstanding automotive engineer and constructor lives on in countless memories. And the market launch of the second generation of the Mini was indeed held exactly on 18 November 2006, the 100th birthday of the father of the classic Mini, in the honour of this great man.

#8.   Made in England – then and now. MINI Production between past And future.

The first Mini was an Austin Seven coming off the production line in Austin’s Longbridge Plant in Birmingham on 4 April 1959. The team of twins was subsequently completed five weeks later, the first Morris Mini-Minor leaving the Morris Plant in Oxford on 8 May. The two models were presented to the public together for the first time on 26 August 1959. Despite their different origin, the Austin Seven and the Morris Mini-Minor were virtually identical, the only distinctions on the outside being their radiator grilles, the wheel caps and body colours: The Austin Seven was available in Tartan Red, Speedwell Blue, and Farina Grey, the Morris Mini-Minor came in Cherry Red, Clipper Blue, and Old English White.

Production at the two plants continued for ten years with the model built in Longbridge bearing the name Austin Mini as of 1962. Plant Oxford, which had been building cars since 1913, built exactly 602, 817 units during this period, all of them the basic version of the four-seater. All other model variants ranging from the Mini Van through the Mini Pick-Up all the way to the Morris Mini-Traveller and Austin Seven Countryman were built in Longbridge. In 1969 all production activities were concentrated at the Longbridge Plant, with the model range being streamlined and Mini becoming the brand name for this revolutionary compact car. So the days of the twin brothers (or sisters?) were over once and for all.

A million cars in six years: the MINI repeats the rapid start of the classic Mini.

With the brand being re-positioned in 2001 under the guidance of the
BMW Group and production of the modern MINI starting as planned, it was only obvious that MINI had to move back to Oxford, the plant so rich in tradition thus once again becoming the starting point for a genuine revolution in the small car market. And like the classic Mini, the MINI made a remarkable start into the market exceeding all expectations: within just six years, Plant Oxford built no less than a million units of the MINI. This was indeed just as long as the classic Mini had taken to exceed the one-million mark, but back then production was still at two plants.

After 41 years and a production volume of more than 5.3 million units, the last classic Mini left Plant Longbridge on 4 October 2000. Since the decision to build the modern MINI in Oxford had already been taken half a year before, only nine months remained from then on to the start of MINI pre-production and just 13 months to the start of actual series production. Clearly, therefore, the roughly 2,500 employees in Oxford at the time and their colleagues from BMW Plant Regensburg supporting the modernisation process faced a great challenge and a truly tight timetable in making this new start into the market.

MINI production in Oxford according to the strict quality standards of the BMW Group.

The BMW Group had already invested some £ 280 million in the Rover Plant in Oxford back in 1996/1997, thoroughly modernising the Bodyshop and Final Assembly. Another project also completed back then was a state-of-the-art Paintshop, at the time the second-largest construction project in Great Britain following the Millennium Dome. And now this was followed by further investments amounting to some £ 230 million serving to modernise and re-structure the plant.

All this made Oxford one of the most modern car production plants in the world, boasting cutting-edge technology specifically for the production of the MINI. No less than 229 production robots were installed at the time to build the body-in-white, with a laser measuring system serving to check the body of the MINI down to a precision of no less than 0.05 millimetres. The Paintshop was likewise custom-built for the requirements of MINI production, not only allowing very precise and environmentally friendly application of the paint, but also providing the contrasting paint finish on the roof so typical of the MINI Cooper.

Oxford also became the first European car production plant to make exclusive use of electrical tools in final assembly, while the KISS (Core Production Integrating Management System) serves to fully automate communication in the production process by using the most advanced information technology. In this process the complete production of each individual model is electronically documented from the body-in-white all the way to final assembly, again ensuring that every MINI complies with the supreme quality standards of the BMW Group.

Team work for premium quality: The MINI Production Triangle.
When production of the new edition of the MINI was launched in autumn of 2006, the production facilities in Oxford (Bodyshop, Paintshop and Assembly), Swindon (Pressings) and Hams Hall (Engine Production) were integrated in the MINI Production Triangle for the first time. Body panels have been produced in Swindon, some 70 kilometres west of Oxford, since 1954. Today, pre-assembled body components such as lids and doors for the MINI Bodyshop are manufactured at Plant Oxford. Since 2001, the plant at Hams Hall near Birmingham has been the BMW Group’s Competence Centre for the production of four-cylinder petrol engines with a capacity of up to 2.0 litres. The plant delivers petrol engines directly to Oxford – just in time and just in sequence, that is at exactly the right time and in the right sequence for final assembly.

After 60 years: Ten million MINIs produced.

Capacity that started in 2001 as 300 vehicles manufactured each day has now increased to production output of around 1 000 units per day. Every 67 seconds, a workforce of 4 500 employees manufactures a MINI – each one of them is an ambassador for its idea, its country and its zest for life. In 2019, 60 years of the brand’s existence was celebrated in Oxford alongside a landmark production anniversary. The ten millionth vehicle of the brand rolled off the assembly line at the traditional site with an illustrious heritage: a MINI 3 Door from the 60 Years Edition.

Since 2000, the BMW Group has invested more than two billion pounds sterling in its production facilities in the United Kingdom. Recently, final assembly was expanded at the MINI Plant Oxford and a new paintshop was built. The latest investments have been channelled into the MINI Cooper SE. From November 2019, the first all-electric powered model manufactured by the brand will be produced at the MINI Plant Oxford.

Global growth strategy: Expansion of production capacities.

The models MINI 3 Door, MINI 5 Door and MINI Clubman are currently being produced at the MINI Plant Oxford. In order to take account of the continuous increase in demand, the BMW Group reached a decision in 2014 on contracted-out production of MINI models at the contract producer VDL Nedcar based in Born, Netherlands. MINI is therefore the only automaker to have series vehicles produced under contract manufacture in the Netherlands. The BMW Group benefits from the logistically advantageous location of the VDL Nedcar plant in the Born and its proximity to the British production triangle with locations in Oxford, Swindon and Hams Hall. The MINI Convertible and MINI Countryman models currently roll off the assembly line in Born.

In addition, the BMW Group and Chinese automobile manufacturer Great Wall concluded a joint-venture agreement in 2018. This covers a number of areas including the production of all-electric powered MINI vehicles for the Chinese market. A joint manufacturing facility is also scheduled for construction in the Chinese province of Jiangsu.

#9.   Individualists united! MINI fans are networked worldwide.

An active and truly versatile fan community all around the classic Mini was already established in the United Kingdom Great Britain, the home country of the classic Mini, way back in the 1960s. Right from the start, fans expressed their common interest in the car and the brand by exchanging knowledge and experience all about the Mini and its technical features. Due to the charming character of this small compact car, owners of a classic Mini strongly identified right from the start with both their car and the brand, sharing this enthusiasm in joint drive-aways and regular Mini meetings, with clubs originally organised on a local basis spreading wider and wider to bring together large regions.

A dynamic club scene also developed quite early on in Germany, gaining additional momentum through the re-launch of the brand and the introduction of the MINI. In the meantime, thousands of members are organised throughout Germany in more than 100 classic Mini communities and more than 50 MINI Clubs. Through their wide range of activities, these enthusiasts act as authentic ambassadors of the brand and competent partners for new fans of both the classic Mini and the MINI. Furthermore, MINI enthusiasts joined together to share activities in lots of other countries. The international MINI Community is a phenomenon without parallel in the world of the automobile. MINI owners are individualists and this is reflected in the styling and equipment of their vehicles geared to personal style. At the same time, they have much in common and this is expressed in exceptionally communicative engagement with each other and in enthusiasm for technology, motor sport, lifestyle and design.

MINI enthusiasts come together – online and in the street.

The Community became increasingly international with the general spread of modern means of communication. Upon the introduction of the MINI into the market in 2001, the brand was positioned with the same standard philosophy and spirit for the first time worldwide in all relevant markets. Above all, use of the internet had enhanced the options to interact across national borders and continents. Members of national MINI online communities foster contact with similar clubs throughout the world on the World Wide Web.

As in the past, real-life meetings which, thanks to the use of many communication channels and the support of MINI have taken on impressive dimensions, are naturally still among the highlights of all activities. In 2005, for example, MINI Germany, together with the national classic Mini and MINI Clubs, organised the first national meeting in Germany for fans of the brand. Back then more than 2,500 participants travelled to the National Meeting, heading for the Loreley Plateau on the River Rhine, where they enjoyed a highly entertaining programme with MINI Driver Training, a Design Workshop, meetings with Mike Cooper and rally legend Rauno Aaltonen, as well as the presentation of new versions of the MINI. A second meeting at the Hildesheim Aerodrome in 2008 proved even more successful, at least in terms of participation, with twice as many MINI enthusiasts from all over Germany attending the event.

The national and international activities in the British club scene are even more spectacular. In 1999, for example, more than 50,000 visitors attended the International Meeting in Goodwood celebrating the 40th birthday of the brand. In 2007 269 cars driving through Blackpool formed the longest MINI convoy the world has ever seen. Indeed, this unique parade was promptly entered in the Guinness Book of Records, breaking the former record set up by the MINI Club in Vancouver, Canada, when 195 cars had formed a similar convoy. The brand’s 50th birthday was celebrated at the MINI United Festival on the Formula 1 race track at Silverstone in Britain in 2009. Tens of thousands of fans enjoyed a varied mix somewhere between a lifestyle party and music festival, show programme and motor-sport action.

International Mini Meeting: Meeting point for fans of the British original for more than 40 years.

As a supplement to the market-specific activities in a large number of countries, the International Mini Meeting (IMM) has been held for the past 41 years. The IMM was launched on an initiative by German fans of the classic Mini. It was held for the first time in 1978 and since then it has developed into the world’s biggest annual event for the owners and friends of the classic Mini. Meanwhile, Mini Clubs in various European countries have taken on the role of host. At intervals of five years, the British homeland of the classic Mini and the MINI is the showplace for the IMM.

The focus of attention is always enthusiasm for the classic Mini and its exceptional history since 1959. The event is one of the highlights in the calendar of the international Mini Club scene. The participants undertake journeys over hundreds or even thousands of kilometres in order to present their lovingly maintained classic Mini or individually styled MINI to other enthusiasts, and to enjoy the togetherness experience of an exceptionally active community.

Happy invasion: MINI Takes The States.

Since 2006, MINI has been conquering the USA every two years. The rally MINI Takes The States is a happy invasion by thousands of MINI fans with their vehicles. They take part in a fun-loving and exciting tour over some 4 000 kilometres across the United States with lots of stops at famous sights and in major cities where MINI drivers present their vehicles, meet up at informal get-togethers and the massive convoy of varied classic Minis and MINIs continues to grow. The journey takes drivers along carefully selected routes and through some beautiful scenic countryside.

Apart from pure driving fun and the community event, the rally is also all about social engagement. A substantial portion of the starting fee is transferred to the aid organisation Feeding America, which provides meals free of charge for needy Americans. At the MINI Takes The States rally, which travelled from Portland in the far North West and Orlando in the South East to the meeting point at
Keystone / Colorado in the Rocky Mountains during the summer of 2018, donations for around 1.1 million meals were collected. The next MINI Takes The States Event will be held in 2020.

#10. The car for all classes with the qualities of a star. MINI as a member of society.

Alec Issigonis saw the Mini from the start as a car for everybody – for all kinds of drivers and all social classes. He therefore sought, through the car he had created, to solve the everyday problems of individual mobility. With this in mind, the compact and economical Mini was exactly the right answer for increasingly dense traffic in the inner city and for the concerns at the time about the reduction of oil supplies following the Suez Crisis.

But soon it became clear that the Mini was much, much more. Its concept alone was so convincing that the car was seen and acknowledged as a trendsetter. Its sporting qualities made the Mini a genuine winner, its charming design made it incredibly popular throughout the population. So suddenly the Mini had become
a genuine cult, its innovative and non-conformist character perfectly reflecting the spirit of the 1960s, at a time when progressive concepts, the thrill of adventure, and even a certain lack of respect versus conventional values dominated the world. This was a car quite different from others but nevertheless offering more and providing even more fun – exactly the right car at the right time. Very quickly, therefore, fashion creators, musicians and other artists were captivated by the unique style of the Mini, stars discovering the qualities of the car and the world recognising the qualities of the Mini as a star itself.

Launched in 2001, the new MINI, a truly unique car just as popular and charming right from the beginning, quickly established a large, and, in particular, widespread fan community. All over the world, numerous celebrities now enjoy the agile driving pleasure offered by this modern and nimble performer. No surprise, therefore, that the MINI has already starred as the “leading car” in many Hollywood films. And it is also no surprise that the MINI is to be found in the private fleets of many famous actors, musicians, fashion designers and other stars in show business, society and sport.

Supported by the Queen herself.

The classic Mini quickly gained the reputation of a car for everybody on all levels of society. While Issigonis still regarded practical and economically-minded families seeking sensible mobility at low cost as his target group, he was also aiming at all levels of society as potential drivers of the Mini. Lord Snowdon, a good friend of Alec Issigonis, deserves the honour to have introduced the classic Mini into the society in London. One of the first owners of this small classic and completely thrilled by the car’s compact dimensions and excellent handling, Lord Snowdon soon became a common sight driving speedily through the British capital. As the husband of Princess Margaret, he obviously used his muscle, making sure that in 1960 Issigonis had the opportunity to present his small car to nobody else but his sister-in-law, Queen Elizabeth herself. So when the Queen took her seat next to Issigonis in the Mini, enjoying a lap through the big park of Windsor Castle, the classic Mini had really made a Royal breakthrough.

In the years to come the classic Mini became a genuine scene car particularly in Great Britain, gaining growing popularity throughout all levels of society, in all age groups, and with all nationalities. Time and again, prominent artists gave further momentum to the great reputation of this small performer. Fashion designers Paul Smith and Mary Quant discovered their love for the Mini, stars in the pop and rock scene such as The Beatles, Eric Clapton and David Bowie expressed a clear pledge to this small athlete from Britain.

Trends destined to soon influence not only the fashion, art or music scene worldwide, but also the world of politics and society, came out in full power from Swinging London in the 1960s. Paul Smith, who, among other achievements, became Britain’s most famous designer of men’s fashion by combining classic designs with modern, in many cases very bright and almost screaming colours, even created a limited Special Edition of the Mini in the 1990s. A unique, one-off Mini boasting paintwork created by Smith in his typical multi-colour stripe livery became at least as popular as this special series, even though it was built only once.

Mary Quant, the style icon of British women’s fashion and the inventor of the mini-skirt, was also inspired by the classic Mini. Shortly after she received her driver’s licence, she ordered a black Mini and later created her own Special Edition characterised by features such as the seat upholstery in black-and-white stripes. And she was just as thrilled by the new MINI: “A really fashionable, happy and smiling car”.

“Keep on Running!” – the Mini and rock’n’roll.

The British music scene in the 1960s had the same broad impact as the British world of fashion, musicians from Britain presenting that unique and unmistakable British style in truly revolutionary songs. And with the Mini offering very similar style and character, the stars were obviously thrilled by the new car. So bands like The Beatles, The Who or The Spencer Davis Group as ambassadors of a new British culture gaining growing popularity the world over also helped to promote the Mini and its unique image.

The legends and stories all about the Mini and its role as a means of transport for the stars remain fascinating to this very day. In 1964, for example, John Lennon ordered a Mini although at the time he did not even have a driver’s licence. His colleague George Harrison lent his Mini to Eric Clapton in 1967 and only got it back three years later. And the story about Spencer Davis is that he wrote the biggest hit his band ever had while driving through the night in the rainy Scottish Highlands on an almost empty tank. That was when, looking at the fuel gauge, only one thought went through his mind: “Keep on Running!”

In 1966, the Beach Boys from California in the US took their surfer sound on an international tour and posed in front of a Mini Moke in the United Kingdom. The picture of the Californian musicians and the beach buggy emblazoned with the name of the band went all over the world. At around the same time, American band The Monkees reached the peak of its popularity. A photo from this era shows guitarist and singer Michael Nesmith together with his wife Phyllis looking out through the folding roof of a Mini into the camera directed towards the couple from above.

Roll the film: the classic Mini takes care of the “Italian Job” and is later followed by the MINI.

Nobody knows how often the classic Mini served in films and television as a means of transport or as the star in the background. It is to be admired, at any rate, in the 1966 cult classic “Blow Up” and of course in countless TV and cinema appearances by comedian Rowan Atkinson better known as Mr Bean. A Mini Moke even starred in the James Bond thriller “Live and Let Die”. In 1973, Roger Moore embarked on a wild car chase in the beach buggy during his first appearance as agent 007. The classic Mini is also one of the very few British small cars ever to play a leading role in the cinema, for example in the 1969 classic “The Italian Job” starring Michael Caine. The whole film virtually revolves around only one subject, a wild pursuit through Torino with three Mini Coopers. No surprise, therefore, that immediately after the film had premiered Rover launched a special series of classic Minis finished like the film stars themselves and proudly bearing the title of the film. “The Italian Job” came back to the silver screen no less than 34 years later, this time starring Charlize Theron and Mark Wahlberg in the new version from Hollywood, presenting the story of a spectacular gold robbery in even more powerful and dramatic style. When “casting” the four-wheeled stars in the film the producer’s and director’s choice – obviously! – was to go for the new MINI Cooper S now able to present its agility and sporting performance not only on the streets of Los Angeles, but even below the streets of the city.

A year earlier the MINI Cooper had already shown its qualities as the ideal car for wild pursuits in the agents’ comedy “Goldmember”. In choosing the stars for his production, script writer and leading actor Mike Myers had picked not only an unusual line-up of Hollywood stars – ranging from Steven Spielberg to Tom Cruise, Michael Caine, Robert Wagner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin Spacey, John Travolta and all the way to Beyoncé Knowles and Ozzy Osborne – but also six MINI Coopers in Union Jack livery. In the meantime, the MINI Convertible has also made its way to Hollywood, winning over the hearts of movie-goers once and for all in the year 2007. This was in the comedy “The Heartbreak Kid”, in which Malin Akerman and Ben Stiller went on their honeymoon journey in a MINI Convertible. Obviously, on the way this open four-seater became the scene for all kinds of wonderful debates and amusing stories involving the newly-wed on their trip together. A Hollywood career is also being pursued by the latest MINI generation. Four MINI Cooper S 3 Door models appeared in the science fiction comedy “PIXELS” driven by the main protagonists Adam Sandler, Peter Dinklage, Denis Akiyama and Josh Gad, with the aim of protecting the world against invaders from outer space in the form of video-game characters.

#11. Small car, great show. MINI Marketing.

The MINI always hits the headlines wherever it appears – even before a new model is introduced into the market. Innovative marketing campaigns always good for a surprise and generating great appeal present both the MINI brand and the individual models with their full impact.

MINI marketing uses an exceptionally wide range of communication channels to establish close contacts with potential target groups. Supplementing classic activities in print media, on the radio and television, MINI’s marketing experts developed innovative online activities right from the start tailored precisely to the modern, trend-minded and technology-oriented user of the world wide web and taking the options of interactive communication with the public into account. This approach empowers MINI to continuously generate new momentum in automobile construction and in the world of marketing.

The classic Mini – the “Most Exciting Car in the World”.

Innovative, self-confident, charming: right from the start the classic Mini clearly presented its exceptional character not only on the road, but also in a close dialogue with the public. From the early years classic marketing concepts were used consistently to present the special features of this revolutionary small car in truly convincing style. With a twinkle in the eye, even the very first sales brochures emphasised that the whole world had been waiting for the “Incredible Austin Seven”, the letter “v” in “Seven” being replaced by the number “7”. And the Austin’s sister model, the Morris Mini-Minor, was presented just as proudly as the “Most Exciting Car in the World”.

The Mini marketing experts also kept a close eye on the worldwide success of television, carefully using this new media also for the Mini. Special TV commercials were therefore produced for various purposes in the market, in all cases emphasising selected facets of the Mini’s character and naturally considering the cultural context of the local public. Whether as the perfect solution for congested traffic in downtown Paris or as the ideal means of transport to the beach in Australia – the Mini was always presented as the right car at the right place. Even in a cartoon it proudly presented its superiority, full of humour and again with that famous tongue-in-cheek style.

Making a new start with innovative ideas.

The re-launch of the brand in 2001 also marked a new beginning in marketing carefully prepared in parallel to the development of the car as such. The main challenge was to establish MINI as the first premium brand in the small car segment, with MINI to be positioned worldwide as a unique and fully independent brand in its own right – a brand revolving around the concept of enthusiasm and thrilling lifestyle.

These principles of brand management remain unchanged to this day, with the MINI characterised by its outstanding product substance and progressive technology, emotional design and agile driving behaviour as well as almost unlimited options in customising the car. A further significant point is finding the right balance of continuity of a brand now going back 60 years and its innovative capacities. Introducing the MINI, customers the world over for the first time had the opportunity to experience premium qualities in a small car. These outstanding qualities and features are indeed to be found in every model made by the brand, at the same time distinguishing MINI clearly from the competition. The same applies to the brand’s appearance in public, where all marketing tools follow a unique, consistently recognisable style. Graphic elements, colours, the language of pictures and the MINI concept conveyed in words and pictures are clearly defined. MINI is refreshingly different. Through its openness and self-confidence, the brand gains great acceptance, through its appearance it arouses curiosity
and appeal.

To arouse the attention of the target group in mind right from the start prior to the market launch of the MINI, the responsible marketing experts have been taking a new approach in communication from the beginning. The magazine “MINI international”, for example, regularly portrays selected cities around the globe, focusing on their particularly creative inhabitants. Apart from classic communication, other innovative forms of communication such as “guerrilla marketing” have always been implemented right from the start. In 2000, MINI
was the first car brand to use the internet not only as an information source, but also as a positioning medium.

Always good for a surprise: Creative campaigns with powerful impact.

In 2013, the brand continued the tradition of unconventional and humorous promotions in a broad range of communication channels with the campaign to promote the market launch of the new MINI. The launch campaign kicks off centred around elaborately produced TV commercials. Tongue-in-cheek stories showcase the unique driving fun offered by the brand as well as the powerful emotional bond established between drivers and their MINI. A familiar co-star with the fans of the brand will appear alongside the brand new MINI: the English Bulldog Spike. Individual lifestyle, enthusiasm for driving fun, innovative technology and a sense of quirkiness are highlighted in the TV commercial, which is shot with various endings. On his first trip in the new MINI, bulldog Spike gets to know and appreciate all the main strengths of the newest member of the British small car family.

The MINI Design Team also created a sensation with some exceptional happenings at Milan’s Salone del Mobile in 2013. Das MINI Design Team staged the MINI Paceman as a dynamic sculpture. The MINI KAPOOOW! installation was conceived in two parts in which the MINI Paceman broke through spatial boundaries and experienced a transformation of materials and forms. Athletic agility empowered the MINI Paceman to make the leap into a universe where colours and materials undergo transformation and open up unimaginable experiential spaces. The first phase showed the rear end of the MINI Paceman as a highly dynamic sculpture. It was presented as a chrome-plated authentic vehicle and then began to undergo metamorphosis. The individual parts of the vehicle appeared to fly apart. In the second phase, the MINI Paceman broke through a boundary in the middle of the space. In this new dimension, the vehicle changed its original form and the front end became an idea made of paper. The material of paper was presented as a metaphor for “prototyping” in the creative process.

Powered by a sustainable drivetrain through North, Central and South America: With the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 on the Panamericana.

The Panamericana is one of the last big automobile adventures. In 2018, three models of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4$ with plug-in hybrid drives took on an intercontinental road trip along the world’s longest north-south road route in order to prove just how tough sustainability can be. The journey along the historic dream route – 17 000 kilometres from Dallas in the US State of Texas to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina – took them through different climate zones, across dense jungle and over challenging high-altitude mountain passes. Along with well-built highways, the three plug-in-hybrid models also had to contend with parts of the route network comprising dirt tracks and narrow mountain passes.

In 2018, the spectacular feat showcased MINI and the qualities of the electric power unit in those countries where awareness of sustainable mobility is only coming slowly to the fore. At the same time, these countries are being particularly affected by the consequences of climate change.

#12. Inspiring Character. MINI lifestyle and special editions.

Creating something very special on the basis of a car already very special – this is the hallmark of the special editions, limited editions and one-off showpieces built time and again in the last sixty years first on the basis of the classic Mini and then on the basis of the new MINI. This is not surprising, considering that this unique small car has fascinated and inspired artists in all disciplines time and again, fashion designers and painters as well as actors and musicians showing their creativity in designing and creating very special versions of the brand.

No other car has become the object of art and fashion as often and in the same diversity as the classic Mini and the MINI. Indeed, specialists discovered the potential of the classic Mini very early on, adorning the car both outside and inside with exclusive special features tailored to individual customer requests.
On behalf of affluent and prominent customers, they therefore created spectacular special models enhancing the cult status of the Mini to an even higher level.

Mini in noble style: the Wickerwork Look.

British actor Peter Sellers was one of the first celebrities thrilled by the Mini and seeking to live out their sense for exclusive style. So giving the originally rather spartan small car particular sophisticated features within the interior and finishing the body in wickerwork design, Sellers promptly started a new trend. Indeed, this design later thrilled Rainier of Monaco to such an extent that he also had a classic Mini built in wickerwork trim as his own very special toy.

Other special versions of the classic Mini likewise remained unique, one-off models being built for many years to the individual taste of their future owners. In fact, it was only in the 1970s that Mini had the idea to offer Special Editions straight from the factory in response to frequent requests for a truly exclusive model. The first car of this kind, the Mini Limited Edition 1000, immediately proved a success in 1976. On its 25th birthday in 1984, the Mini for the first time appeared as an Anniversary Model, with further Anniversary Models then following every five years until production of the classic Mini finally ceased in
the year 2000.

Silver and gold on the car’s 40th birthday.

In the last few years of its production life, the classic Mini again attracted great attention on the part of creative artists. In 1997, for example, British fashion designer Paul Smith created a one-off model boasting unmistakable stripe livery.

A year later Smith designed a Special Edition Mini standing out both through its brilliant blue paintwork and straightforward elegance within the interior.

Celebrating its 40th birthday, the Mini became the subject of passion among an illustrious group of artists, each giving this forever-young small performer their very own, truly unique design look. Super-model Kate Moss, for example, who had already been driving a classic Mini in London for a long time, opted for a cobweb motif, while pop icon Davie Bowie had a Mini manufactured all in chrome and
with reflecting glass surfaces. On the road, however, Bowie decided to stick to his regular production model he had bought only recently: “When it comes to parking the Mini is like a sandwich when you feel hungry – it is a perfectly designed classic”. Actor Michael Caine, to quote another example, gave his black Mini a
gold bar look alluding to the successful film “The Italian Job” in which Caine was involved in three Mini Coopers used to transport gold in one of the most spectacular pursuits in the history of the cinema.

A hit right from the start: the new MINI inspires pop musicians.

After the re-launch of the brand, the MINI again attracted the attention of fashion designers and many other artists almost over night. Celebrating the market launch of the MINI, the musicians of Jamiroquai created a one-off showpiece of the new MINI, Jay Kay, the group’s singer and a thrilled fan of stylish cars, adorning the MINI, among other features, with the group’s logo on its doors and bonnet as well as the name “Jamiromini”.

In one of her music videos, Madonna had a MINI Cooper converted for offroad use, the car giving up its doors but instead receiving offroad tyres and camouflage paintwork. Highlighting the start of sales of the first-generation MINI Convertible in 2004, designers at Bisazza, the Italian lifestyle label, had the idea to present this open four-seater in a dress made of tiny mosaic stones. Indeed, no less than three MINI Cooper S Convertibles as well as two fixed-roof models received this magnificent look in individual style and colours, with more than 30,000 glass stones used on each car.

MINI, fashion, and charity: showing social commitment at the Life Ball.

Joining forces with renowned artists, MINI has been committed for twelve years to the largest charity event in Europe, the Life Ball held annually in Vienna and generating revenues for national and international aids care projects. The event thus serves to support projects committed to enlightenment, medical research, and the treatment of HIV patients. Contributing to these projects, every year MINI has presented a special one-off model from the current portfolio finished in unique style by fashion designers.

The succession of Life Ball cars started just a few months after the official market launch of the new MINI with a car covered entirely by red fabric. A year later a MINI One proudly bearing the autographs of numerous celebrities made its appearance at the Life Ball. Since 2003, major fashion designers have given the MINI their special touch. The first of these designers was Angelo Missoni adorning a MINI Cooper with countless flower motifs. In 2004 Gianfranco Ferré gave a red MINI Convertible a truly impressive crocodile look, with a MINI Cooper Convertible in Donatella Versace’s exclusive blossom look following in 2005, its interior also highlighting that typical Versace style, with gold-coloured seams on the black leather seats and Swarovski crystals on the gearshift lever.

In 2006 another MINI Cooper Convertible made its appearance on stage at the Life Ball Gala in Vienna, this time in the trendy jeans look of the Diesel fashion label. And the 2008 Life Ball MINI, finally, proudly came in the provocative pin-up look of lingerie label Agent Provocateur. In 2013, Roberto and Eva Cavalli unveiled the Life Ball MINI 2013 refined by fashion designer Cavalli. Since 2002 the cars provided by MINI have been auctioned after the Life Ball Gala, with proceeds going to aids projects.

Architectural solutions for urban worlds of living: MINI defines life in the city.

“Creative Use of Space” lies at the core of the MINI brand. As early as 1959, the classic Mini offered an ingenious solution for one of the most pressing problems of that era – urban mobility at an affordable price. The solution was a vehicle that made the most of its potential and provided maximum driving fun on a minimal traffic footprint. The classic Mini demonstrated that even a small car can be exceptionally exciting and it went on to influence urban mobility for generations to come. Today, one of the biggest challenges in major cities is finding attractive and affordable living space. Once again, the solution here is: “Creative Use of Space”. Since 2016, the brand has used its initiative MINI LIVING to demonstrate how this principle can be transferred to urban living space. MINI LIVING adopts
a creative approach to the challenge in large cities – and presents architectural solutions for urban living worlds of the future.

MINI has joined forces with Chinese property developer NOVA Property Investment Co. to create the world’s first MINI LIVING building in Shanghai. The project is based on an innovative co-living concept. MINI is creating a vibrant urban neighbourhood out of a group of six buildings right at the centre of the city. This was previously a disused industrial complex in an upcoming part of the city’s famous Jing’An district. An urban hotspot is rising out of a former paint factory with lots of space for working, networking and living. The project is developing apartments of different sizes for singles, flat shares or families to rent on a short, medium or long-term basis. Anything that does not fit into the apartments themselves, whether this relates to activities or facilities, can take place or be accommodated in the community spaces. Generous lobbies, exhibition areas and a food court are an invitation to linger and spend time relaxing. The package is completed by gardens, play areas, shops and restaurants that will also be accessible to the general public. The idea of MINI LIVING is that sharers will get more out of life – to the advantage of the residents and the entire city. Digital booking of services complements the package. For example, the residents can make restaurant reservations, order food, or call up room cleaning and service, and book vehicles for shared use. MINI LIVING is demonstrating an intelligent approach to space and is also developing new opportunities for individual and at the same time communal life in the city.

#13. A Question of Style. THE MINI Lifestyle collection.

Driving fun in the MINI is fascinating. But the unique feeling so typical of the MINI goes much, much further. And to express his or her passion for unmistakable style also off the road, the genuine enthusiast will find lots of options in the MINI Lifestyle Collection. This unique Collection comprises fashion, jewellery, accessories and lots of lifestyle products which make it easier not only for the MINI driver to clearly express his or her individual style. Technology, innovation, fun and quality are the primary features offered by the MINI Lifestyle Collection. And like the MINI model range, the MINI Lifestyle Collection is constantly growing and becoming increasingly versatile. New models and new lifestyle products, therefore, enable the connoisseur to enjoy the typical feeling of MINI in a growing number of situations.

On its route in becoming an international best seller in all classes and on all levels of society, the classic Mini in its day already inspired the world of fashion time and again. Renowned designers created individual, one-off models with exceptional body paintwork and interior features. In the 1970s the Mini finally proceeded from the garage to the houses of its fans everywhere – as a miniature model for the children’s room or as a collector’s item for the display cabinet.

Introducing the MINI, the Company also decided to start the unique MINI Lifestyle Collection. And from the beginning, this exclusive line-up of outstanding products was characterised by stylish, cosmopolitan and highly appealing as well as truly surprising details. The MINI Lifestyle Collection takes up the latest exciting trends time and again, continuing and enhancing these trends in the typical style of the brand.

MINI all the way: imaginative, versatile, unmistakable.

In their drafts for the MINI Lifestyle Collection, the most outstanding designers focus not only on the latest fashion trends, but also on the design language and lines of the various MINI models. Indeed, the cars also set the foundation for the various products through their colours and materials, helping to create a product portfolio typical of the brand and truly versatile in every respect, and constantly introducing new ideas to remain absolutely unique. Yet a further highlight in
the current range is the John Cooper Works Collection comprising both fashion products and accessories as an expression of the brand’s sporting spirit also beyond the race track.

The MINI Lifestyle Collection: starring at fashion events and on the cinema screen.

The MINI Lifestyle Collection has already become a highlight in the fashion scene and is to be admired regularly at the most outstanding fashion events. One of these events is the renowned BREAD & BUTTER fashion show in Barcelona, where the MINI Lifestyle Collection has already been presented on various occasions. Other, comparable events likewise provide the ideal setting time and again for the MINI brand. Like the MINI itself, the products in the MINI Lifestyle Collection have also made it to the cinema screen, with numerous performances in many productions. The MINI Cuckoo Clock and the MINI Baby Racer, for example, played important roles in the Disney production Lily the Witch – the Dragon and the Magical Book. Together with the leading female star Alina Freund, the animated dragon Hector showed his great interest in the MINI Lifestyle Collection in this cinema production of the famous children’s book. In particular he loved the MINI Baby Racer that enabled him to get around in fast and furious style.

MINI Feeling everywhere – the current MINI Lifestyle Collection.

A clearly defined language of form, inimitable design and high-quality materials are the hallmark of the current MINI Lifestyle Collection 2018–2020. It offers a diverse selection of products that make the complex everyday routine simpler, more enriched or enhanced, and they embody the essence of the MINI brand – even beyond the vehicles themselves. The collection includes more than 100 items and encompasses clothing through accessories, bags and luggage to articles for children and mobility products.

The visual profile of the MINI Lifestyle Collection 2018-2020 features two new impressive accent colours “Island” and “Coral”. The contemporary shade of blue “Island” melds with the exterior colour of “Island Blue” from the current MINI Countryman. The bright shade of red “Coral” provides the ideal hue to complement this livery and defines a fresh accent. The two accent colours are a perfect foil in interplay with the basic colours of Black, White and Grey.

The product selection of the current MINI Lifestyle Collection ranges from the popular logo T-shirts, polo shirts and sweatshirts, through the MINI Logo Patch Sweatshirt Kids with practical kangaroo pocket and caps, to bags and suitcases of different sizes. Then there are also stylish accessories such as umbrellas, Bluetooth Speakers, watches, sunglasses and travel mugs, the MINI Cloth-Bound Notebook, the MINI Fountain Pen and the MINI Tea Maker. The range for younger MINI fans includes the MINI Bulldog and the MINI Puzzle Set. Juniors can experience different versions of driving fun with the MINI Pull Toy Car, the remote-controlled MINI Countryman RC and the MINI Tricycle. In addition, the MINI 60 Years Lifestyle Collection was created in celebration of the landmark anniversary, including special designer items in the style of the British brand.

All products in the MINI Lifestyle Collection are marketed worldwide through the MINI dealer network.

With a precisely modified design, an extended selection of innovative equipment features and the latest technology in the areas of operation and connectivity, the new MINI Clubman hones its profile as a stylish individualist in the premium compact segment. Combining hallmark MINI driving fun with a high level of suitability for both day-to-day driving and long-distance travel, the variable 5-seater now gains additional charisma with fresh accentuations for the exterior and interior. The latest updates in the range of MINI Connected digital services underscore the progressive, lifestyle-oriented character of the new MINI Clubman. Meanwhile, attractive additions to the programme of optional equipment features and Original MINI Accessories provide further possibilities for customisation.

Ride comfort, space and variability define the all-round properties of the new MINI Clubman, its modern interpretation of the classic shooting brake concept establishing a distinctive style within the compact segment. Four side doors and five seats along with a versatile luggage compartment behind the two split doors at the rear ensure a high degree of functionality and the kind of creative use of space that is characteristic of MINI.

Hallmark brand agility is guaranteed by the modern engine portfolio and the high-quality suspension technology fitted in the new MINI Clubman. There is a choice of three petrol* engines and three diesel* engines, with output ranging from 75 kW/102 hp to 141 kW/192 hp (combined fuel consumption: 6.5 – 4.0 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 147 – 105 g/km). If they wish, customers can also opt to combine the all-wheel drive system ALL4 with the most powerful petrol and diesel engines. The model range will be supplemented at a later stage with the new edition of the extremely sporty MINI John Cooper Works Clubman.

The new MINI Clubman: an overview of the highlights.

•       Distinctive front design with newly designed radiator grill.
•       LED headlights with Matrix function for the high beam.
•       New LED fog lamps with driving light ring.
•       LED rear lights as standard, optionally in Union Jack design.
•       New body colours, new option Piano Black exterior.
•       New light alloy wheels.
•       Sports suspension with vehicle lowered by 10 millimetres.
•       New range of leather trims and interior surfaces.
•       New MINI Yours equipment programme.
•       MINI Connected with new functions.
•       Extended range of Original MINI Accessories.

Expressive and powerful: new distinctive front design.

The body design of the new MINI Clubman is stylish, individual and exclusive. Its distinctive proportions result from a body corpus modelled in tight, sporty style as is typical of MINI, a dynamically elongated roof line and a steep rear. In addition, the split doors consisting of two laterally opening wings make it the only model in the compact segment to offer six doors, along with outstanding versatility due to the fact that the luggage compartment can be extended from 360 litres to as much as 1 250 litres according to needs.

The individual body concept is combined with hallmark brand design elements. At the front of the vehicle these mainly include the powerfully domed bonnet, the circular headlamps – of which the surrounds are in chrome as standard and optionally in Piano Black – and the hexagonal contour of the radiator grille. The most striking design feature of the new MINI Clubman is the newly designed radiator grille, which now extends across the entire bumper. With powerfully modelled contours and a new structure for the air inlet, it gives the front view a particularly distinctive appearance. The radiator grille is bordered by a slim frame produced from a single piece. The air inlet is separated into six black, horizontal struts, which can be optionally upgraded to a chrome version. Specific features in the front section of the models MINI Cooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper SD Clubman are the hexagonal grid pattern instead of the horizontal struts and the individual chrome strut in the air inlet as well as the latter’s chrome-plated emblem with a red “S” at the centre.

Variable illumination intensity, dazzle-free long beam: adaptive LED headlights with Matrix function.

The characteristic look of the new MINI Clubman from the front is also a result of the modified design of the circular headlamps. The standard halogen headlamps now have an enlarged reflector and a striking black shield on the inside. The daytime driving light is integrated in the parking lights in the lower section of the front apron. The optional LED headlamps likewise feature a new design. The modified styling includes LED modules for low and high beam, which generate enhanced brightness, and a shield that is also finished in black. A white ring of light surrounding the headlamps serves both as daytime driving light and turn indicator.

The adaptive LED headlamps with Matrix function for the high beam are available as a new option. They offer a turning light function which can be recognised by an inlay inside the headlamp and automatically adapt their brightness to the situation on the road. In urban traffic and when visibility is limited due to the weather conditions, the side area of the road is illuminated more intensely by adding the dimmed turning light. When driving on motorways it is possible to selectively increase the range of the high beam.

What is more, the adaptive LED headlamps of the new MINI Clubman now feature an automatic selective dip function for the high beam. Their innovative Matrix technology for the high beam enables the visibility range to be increased while at the same time avoiding any dazzle effect for other road users. For this purpose, the high beam is subdivided into four segments which can be activated and deactivated independently of each other and adapted to the situation on the road at speeds of over 70 km/h. As soon as the front camera of the new MINI Clubman registers an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle driving ahead, the space that vehicle occupies is only illuminated at low beam brightness.

LED fog lamps are available as an additional optional equipment item for the MINI Clubman. These take the place of the standard parking lights and offer an additional daytime driving light function implemented in the form of an LED light right.

LED rear lights as standard, optionally available in Union Jack design.

The new MINI Clubman is now fitted as standard with LED rear lights. The light units with chrome surround are now especially integrated in the wings of the split door. In conjunction with the optional LED headlamps or the adaptive LED headlamps, the horizontally oriented rear lights feature a new design that underscores the brand’s British origins: the graphic structure of their light sources traces the abstracted pattern of the Union Jack. With its striking lines, the flag motif provides a distinctive form of identification – both during the day and in terms of night design. The brake light is now also generated from this newly designed light unit.

Fresh look with new body finishes and Piano Black exterior.

Three new colour variants are available to choose from in terms of body finishes. The new MINI Clubman is now available in Indian Summer Red metallic, British Racing Green metallic or MINI Yours Enigmatic Black metallic. As an alternative to body colour, the roof and exterior mirror caps can also be finished in black, white or silver.

What is more, the list of optional equipment items offers further ways of customising the exterior design. With the option Piano Black Exterior for the MINI Cooper S Clubman and the MINI Cooper SD Clubman, the surrounds of the headlights, rear lights and radiator grille are finished in high-gloss black instead of chrome.

New light alloy wheels, sports suspension with vehicle lowering.

Depending on the model variant, the new MINI Clubman is fitted as standards with light alloy wheels which are either 16-inch or 17-inch in size. As an option, light alloy wheels are available in the sizes 18-inch and 19-inch. A new addition to the range are the 18-inch light alloy wheels in the design variants Multiray Spoke 2-tone and MINI Yours British Spoke 2-tone, along with 19-inch light alloy wheels in John Cooper Works Circuit Spoke 2-tone design.

Another entirely new offering in terms of optional equipment items is the sports suspension with a lowering of 10 millimetres. This option not only additionally optimises the agile driving response of the new MINI Clubman, it also lends even more intense emphasis to the car’s sporty appeal.

There is also the option of adaptive suspension. This offers the possibility of choosing between two characteristic curves for the damper set-up by means of the optional MINI Driving Modes. Depending on the driving situation, this enables a damper response to be activated which is either comfort-oriented or direct and sporty.

Expressing individual style: new exclusive MINI Yours options.

The options provided by the MINI Yours programme offer a particularly exclusive way of customising the new MINI Clubman. They underscore the British origins and fascinating tradition of the brand as well as the driver’s personal style. High-quality materials, a precise finish and stylish design are the characteristics of the MINI Yours special equipment features for exterior and interior. In addition to the body finish in the variant MINI Yours Enigmatic Black metallic and the light alloy wheels in MINI Yours British Spoke 2-tone design, there are a number of attractive interior design options available for the new MINI Clubman.

The range includes a MINI Yours sports steering wheel and the seat upholstery variant MINI Yours Leather Lounge Carbon Black. The seats acquire an extravagant touch by means of a Union Jack motif on the headrests which is applied with precisely positioned perforations. Particularly exclusive accentuations are also provided by the MINI Yours Interior Styles option: this is available in the three versions Piano Black illuminated, Frozen Blue illuminated and Fibre Alloy illuminated. The features included here are illuminated door bezels along with the all-round cockpit bezel, the cockpit trim and the centre console trim elements, which are designed to harmonise in matching colours. All MINI Yours options are also available individually. The MINI Yours package likewise on offer additionally includes MINI Yours floor mats with black piping and aluminium-coloured seam pattern as well as a MINI Yours design label on the side windows.

Further customisation options for the interior are the seat upholstery variants which have been newly added to the programme of optional equipment items. The Leather Chester variant is now also available for the new MINI Clubman in the colours Malt Brown, Indigo Blue and Satellite Grey.

Drive: six engines, all-wheel drive system ALL4 as an option.

The engine portfolio for the new MINI Clubman includes two 3-cylinder and one 4-cylinder petrol engines along with one 3-cylinder and two 4-cylinder diesel engines, each of which features the latest generation of MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. At a later stage the model programme will be extended to include the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman. The top athlete of the series is fitted as standard with the all-wheel drive system ALL4.

As an alternative to the front-wheel power transmission that is typical of MINI, the ALL4 system is also optionally available for the two most powerful model variants – the MINI Cooper S and the MINI Cooper SD. With its fast and precise electronic control, this system ensures permanent distribution of power between the front and rear wheels as is appropriate to the situation.

Instead of the standard 6-speed manual transmission, a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch is optionally available for the MINI One Clubman, the MINI Cooper Clubman, the MINI Cooper S Clubman and the MINI One D Clubman. A 7-speed Steptronic sports transmission is also optionally available for the MINI Cooper S Clubman: this is characterised by especially fast shift times. The MINI Cooper D Clubman can be optionally fitted with an 8-speed Steptronic transmission, which comes as a standard feature of the MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4, the MINI Cooper SD Clubman and the MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4 and can be optionally replaced in each of these models with an 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission.

At its market launch, the new MINI Clubman will be available in eight model variants:
MINI One Clubman*: 75 kW/102 hp, 0 – 100 km/h in 11.3 seconds (11.6 seconds), maximum speed 185 km/h (185 km/h), fuel consumption combined: 5.6 – 5.5 litres/100 km (5.5 – 5.5 litres/100 km), CO₂ emissions combined: 128 – 125 g/km (125 – 124 g/km).
MINI Cooper Clubman*: 100 kW/136 hp, 0 – 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds (9.2 seconds), top speed: 205 km/h (205 km/h), fuel consumption combined: 5.7 – 5.6 litres/100 km (5.4 – 5.3 litres/100 km), CO₂ emissions combined: 129 – 127 g/km (122 – 120 g/km).
MINI Cooper S Clubman*: 141 kW/192 hp, 0 – 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds (7.2 seconds), top speed: 228 km/h (228 km/h), fuel consumption combined: 6.5 – 6.4 litres/100 km (5.6 – 5.5 litres/100 km), CO₂ emissions combined: 147 – 145 g/km (127 – 125 g/km).
MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4*: 141 kW/192 hp, 0 – 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, top speed: 225 km/h, fuel consumption combined: 6.2 –6.1 litres/100 km, CO₂ emissions combined: 141 – 139 g/km.

MINI One D Clubman*: 85 kW/116 hp, 0 – 100 km/h in 10.8 seconds (10.8 seconds), top speed: 192 km/h (192 km/h), fuel consumption combined: 4.2 – 4.1 litres/100 km (4.1 – 4.0 litres/100 km), CO₂ emissions combined: 110 – 107 g/km (107 – 105 g/km).
MINI Cooper D Clubman*: 110 kW/150 hp, 0 – 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds (8.6 seconds), top speed: 212 km/h (212 km/h), fuel consumption combined: 4.4 – 4.3 litres/100 km (4.3 – 4.2 litres/100 km), CO₂ emissions combined: 114 – 113 g/km (113 – 111 g/km).
MINI Cooper SD Clubman*: 140 kW/190 hp, 0 – 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, top speed: 225 km/h, fuel consumption combined: 4.4 – 4.3 litres/100 km, CO₂ emissions combined: 114 – 113 g/km.
MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4*: 140 kW/190 hp, 0 – 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds, top speed: 222 km/h, fuel consumption combined: 4.7 – 4.6 litres/100 km, CO₂ emissions combined: 122 – 121 g/km.

Wide-ranging selection of audio and navigation systems.

The standard range of equipment of the new MINI Clubman includes an audio system with six speakers and a USB socket. This enables the use of audio streaming via a Bluetooth connection. There is also a hands-free telephone facility with USB interface. The standard operating system includes a 6.5-inch colour screen in the central instrument and the MINI Controller on the centre console. The Connected Media option comprises the Radio MINI Visual Boost and a 6.5-inch colour screen with touchscreen function and a newly design graphic display. It is also possible to use numerous online-based MINI Connected services.

The optional equipment item Connected Navigation makes a range of additional infotainment functions available in the new MINI Clubman, as well as providing a convenient route guidance system. The MINI navigation system offers a map display with various perspectives on the 6.5-inch colour screen. Meanwhile the key components of the optional equipment feature Connected Navigation Plus are an 8.8-inch colour screen – which also enables split-screen display – and the MINI Controller. This option also comprises wireless charging for compatible mobile phones and a second USB socket.

The new MINI Clubman: smarter than ever and “always online“.

The new MINI Clubman is equipped with a SIM card which is permanently fitted in the car and meets the 4G mobile phone standard. This means that Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic detection of vehicle location and accident severity is available, as well as MINI TeleServices. In conjunction with the options Connected Navigation and Connected Navigation Plus, it is possible to use the Real Time Traffic Information service with traffic situation data in real time, the personal Concierge Service, the internet platform MINI Online and Apple CarPlay preparation. The mobile phone connection also means that the vehicle’s navigation map are updated automatically.

In addition, the current update of the MINI Connected App offers an exceptionally wide range of digital services that allow mobility planning to be integrated seamlessly in day-to-day digital routine. This includes the possibility of sending navigation destinations from smartphone to vehicle and receiving information regarding the ideal departure time, as well as Remote Services. The latter function allows the driver not just to display vehicle location, fuel level and other vehicle status details on their digital end device, but also activate the headlight flasher, horn, ventilation and door lock/unlock function.

Individual style for retrofitting: MINI Original Accessories.

Attractive new features are also available as part of the extensive range of MINI Original Accessories. These high-quality retrofit options enable functionality, convenience, riding fun and individual style to be adapted even more precisely to personal preferences in the new MINI Clubman. The latest additions to the programme include side scuttles, exterior mirror caps and the Night Jack roof design, which features the graphic of the British flag in a striking black and grey finish. Furthermore, selected design features in brilliant Piano Black give the new MINI Clubman a discreet, sporty look. This jet black finish is offered for the “Clubman” and “Cooper S” inscriptions as well as for the MINI logo on the bonnet and at the rear.

In case of queries, please contact:

Press and PR:
Matthias Bode, Press Officer Production Communication MINI
Telephone: +49-89-382-61742
E-mail: matthias.bode@mini.com

Andreas Lampka, Head of Communication MINI
Telephone: +49- 89-382-23662
E-mail: andreas.lampka@mini.com

With traditional sporting spirit and British flair: the MINI 60 Years Edition.

MINI celebrates the brand’s 60th anniversary with an exclusive design model – Specific design features for the exterior and interior emphasise the authentic background and agile character of the original in the small car segment – Special edition as MINI 3 Door and MINI 5 Door, each available in four engine variants.

Munich. An original that constantly reinvents itself – firmly rooted in tradition yet always open to change: this is MINI, 60 years after the launch of the small British car that brought worldwide popularity to unique properties such as go-kart feeling and the creative use of space. To mark this round anniversary, the premium automobile manufacturer presents a design model that highlights both its British origins and the agile MINI character. With design and equipment features that are both high-quality and exclusive, the MINI 60 Years Edition expresses the brand's sporting spirit – something that is a constant presence even in everyday urban traffic. The special edition will be available from March 2019 onwards as a MINI 3 Door and MINI 5 Door, each with four engine variants.

Athletic talent is part and parcel of the MINI genes. Even before the launch of the classic Mini in the summer of 1959, it was clear that the design features of the new small car would benefit not just interior space but also the car's agile driving properties. Sports car designer John Cooper was an especially strong believer in the compact four-seater’s race track potential. In collaboration with Alec Issigonis, the creator of the classic Mini, he developed ideas for variants of the small car with a more powerful engine, thereby laying the foundations for an exceptional career on racing circuits and rally tracks, culminating in three outright victories at the Monte Carlo Rally in the 1960s.

With a paint finish in the classic colour of British racing cars, the MINI 60 Years Edition in particular evokes the brand’s sporty career, which it started at a very early stage and has maintained up until the recent past. The exterior paint finish in British Racing Green offers a particularly clear expression of the premium small car’s character and origins. The body finishes Midnight Black metallic, Moonwalk Grey metallic, Melting Silver metallic and MINI Yours Lapisluxury Blue non-metallic are also available as alternatives. The chosen body colour is combined with a paint finish in Pepper White or Black for the roof and exterior mirror caps. Bonnet stripes with a specific anniversary design and exclusive 17-inch light alloy wheels in the version 60 Years Spoke 2-tone round off the distinct look of the edition vehicles.

The design model's striking 60 Years logo appears not just on the left-hand bonnet stripe but also on the side scuttles of the turn indicators and on the door sill finishers at the driver and front passenger doors. Inside the car it can also be seen on the front headrests and the steering wheel. In addition the exclusive design model has model-specific interior trim finishers. The anniversary design can also be seen in the LED logo projection which is visible when the driver's door is opened. The standard equipment of the edition vehicles includes a sports leather steering wheel along with sports seats in the leather finish MINI Yours Leather Lounge 60 Years and the exclusive colour Dark Maroon.

In conjunction with the equipment package 60 Years Chili, the edition vehicles also feature such items as LED headlights, LED fog lamps, white turn indicators and LED rear lights in Union Jack design, the lighting package for the interior and also the MINI Driving Modes and the MINI Excitement Package complete with ambient lighting. There is also an on-board computer, automatic air conditioning, a rain sensor and a storage package on board.

Two petrol engines and two diesel engines with an output ranging from 100 kW/136 hp to 141 kW/192 hp provide the drive portfolio for the MINI 60 Years Edition. The program of anniversary models includes the MINI Cooper 60 Years Edition 3 Door (combined fuel consumption: 5.5 – 5.4 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 124 – 122 g/km), the MINI Cooper S 60 Years Edition 3 Door (combined fuel consumption: 6.5 – 6.4 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 147 – 145 g/km), the MINI Cooper D 60 Years Edition 3 Door (combined fuel consumption: 3.9 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 103 – 102 g/km) and the MINI Cooper SD 60 Years Edition 3 Door (combined fuel consumption: 4.2 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 111 – 110 g/km) and the MINI Cooper 60 Years Edition 5 Door (combined fuel consumption: 5.5 – 5.4 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 125 – 123 g/km), the MINI Cooper S 60 Years Edition 5 Door (combined fuel consumption: 6.6 – 6.5 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 150 – 148 g/km), the MINI Cooper D 60 Years Edition 5 Door (combined fuel consumption: 4.0 – 3.9 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 104 – 103 g/km) and the MINI Cooper SD 60 Years Edition 5 Door (combined fuel consumption: 4.2 l/100 km, combined CO₂ emissions: 112 – 110 g/km).

Fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions and power consumption were measured using the methods required according to Regulation (EC) 2007/715 as amended. The information is based on a vehicle with basic equipment in Germany; ranges take into account differences in wheel and tyre size selected as well as optional equipment and can change during configuration.

The information has already been calculated based on the new WLTP test cycle and adapted to NEDC for comparison purposes. In these vehicles, different figures than those published here may apply for the assessment of taxes and other vehicle-related duties which are (also) based on CO₂ emissions.

For further details of the official fuel consumption figures and the official specific CO₂ emissions of new cars, please refer to the "Manual on the fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions and power consumption of new cars" available free of charge at all sales outlets, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.

In case of queries, please contact:

Press and PR

Matthias Bode, Press Officer Production Communication MINI

Telephone: +49-89-382-61742

E-mail: matthias.bode@mini.com

Andreas Lampka, Head of Communication MINI

Telephone: +49- 89-382-23662,

E-mail: andreas.lampka@mini.com

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2017, the BMW Group sold over 2,463,500 passenger vehicles and more than 164,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2017 was € 10,655 billion on revenues amounting to € 98,678 billion. As of 31 December 2017, the BMW Group had a workforce of 129,932 employees.

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