Singapore. MINI Asia and Eurokars Habitat today announced the availability of the all-new MINI John Cooper Works family. These five all-new MINI John Cooper Works models symbolise pure driving fun in its most powerful form and a unique driving experience. With the first-ever MINI John Cooper Works Electric and first-ever MINI John Cooper Works Aceman, two fully electric John Cooper Works models are now part of the MINI product portfolio for the first time. The powerful electric drives open a new chapter in the brand's long history and demonstrate its ongoing commitment to performance and innovation. The all-new MINI John Cooper Works and all-new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible provide driving fun with a powerful TwinPower Turbo engine. In the all-new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4, enthusiasts can also enjoy driving off-road thanks to the ALL4 all-wheel drive.

"MINI John Cooper Works boasts a cult following around the world that few others can match,” said Daren Ching, Head of MINI Asia. “Steeped in heritage and oozing pure racing DNA, these striking machines are a sight to behold on the road. Now with the addition of two fully electric models to the lineup, a new dimension of the iconic MINI go-kart feeling is born. If jolts of adrenaline are what drivers desire, I can assure them that all five models of our all-new MINI John Cooper Works family will exceed their expectations!"

The first-ever MINI John Cooper Works Electric and first-ever MINI John Cooper Works Aceman: Electric high performance.

The vehicle architecture of the fully electric MINI models is perfectly suited for the brand's consistently performance-oriented character. The first-ever MINI John Cooper Works Electric and first-ever MINI John Cooper Works Aceman have up to 190 kW/258 hp and 350 Nm of instantly available system torque. Both models provide an additional 20 kW of motor power via an electric boost function, allowing for particularly dynamic acceleration. The JCW-specific suspension tuning maximises the typical MINI go-kart feeling and guarantees agile handling. High-performance tires are part of the standard equipment of both models.

Exclusive equipment details emphasise the emotional connection to the brand's traditional motorsport heritage. These include the red-white-black John Cooper Works logo in the style of a checkered flag from motorsports, as well as a JCW-specific Red Roof. Black side skirts, model-specific aeroblades at the C-pillar, and the accentuated rear spoiler optimise the aerodynamics for increased range. The three-door MINI John Cooper Works Electric achieves 371 km, while the five-door MINI John Cooper Works Aceman can drive up to 355 km on a single battery charge.

The all-new MINI John Cooper Works and all-new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible: Legendary go-kart feeling with powerful acceleration.

A four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine with a displacement of two litres, 231 hp, and 380 Nm of torque offers maximum driving fun and top performance in both the all-new MINI John Cooper Works and all-new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible. The sportily tuned dual-clutch automatic transmission translates the engine power into particularly dynamic gear changes. The all-new MINI John Cooper Works sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds while the all-new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible takes 6.4 seconds. The top speed of the all-new MINI John Cooper Works is 250 km/h while the all-new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible reaches 245 km/h. For boundless open-air driving pleasure, the softtop of the Convertible can be fully retracted in just 18 seconds at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

The large octagonal high-gloss black front grille with wide air vents for efficient engine cooling and the modern JCW logo dominates the front view of both models. Red-coloured inserts in the side air inlets on the front apron underscore the motorsport-oriented design for maximum performance. In the centre of the black rear diffuser, the centrally positioned tailpipe emphasises the character of these two top athletes.

The all-new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4: Extraordinary driving fun on any terrain.

As the largest model, the all-new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman with ALL4 all-wheel drive allows enthusiasts to drive off-road andstands for a unique combination of style, power, and adventurous spirit. The powerful engine delivers 300 hp of power, 400 Nm of maximum torque, and a top speed of 250 km/h, making the appearance of MINI's spacious multi-talent particularly emotional.

This performance is also reflected in the powerful appearance of the all-new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4. In the front view, aerodynamic elements with red reflectors emphasise the wide stance, while at the rear of the vehicle, vertical taillights with the John Cooper Works Signature Mode frame the upright body. Advanced assistance systems support the driver through progressive technologies.

Puristic interior with motorsport accents.

The clear design of the interior in the all-new MINI John Cooper Works models is characterised by JCW-specific equipment details in red and black. The black JCW sports steering wheel with red decorative stitching and a six o'clock spoke made of black and red fabric provides excellent grip. The JCW sports seats offer secure support during dynamic driving. The combination of black leatherette with multi-colored knitted material in the shoulder area and red accent stitching picks up the colour pattern of the knitted surface of the dashboard. In all MINI John Cooper Works models, the brilliant sound of the exclusive Harman Kardon sound system enhances the driving experience as standard.

Advanced technology for maximum and comfortable driving pleasure.

The JCW-specific go-kart mode expands the selection options of the MINI Experience Modes in the vehicles of the all-new MINI John Cooper Works family with additional motorsport flair. The steering is set to a more direct setting, the accelerator pedal responds faster to commands for increased driving fun. Accordingly, the high-resolution OLED display provides additional performance-related data such as torque, power output, and current g-force. 

For all MINI John Cooper Works models, the Digital Key Plus provides a convenient digital vehicle key on the smartphone. This allows the vehicle to be comfortably unlocked or locked without having to pick up the smartphone.

Long racing tradition with legendary successes.

The history of MINI John Cooper Works dates back to the year 1961. The John Cooper recognised the competitive potential of the classic Mini long before anyone else. By installing a more powerful engine, new brakes, and a more direct steering, he turned the modest small car into a race car that made the giants of the rally scene tremble in the 1960s. The three overall victories at the legendary Rallye Monte Carlo in 1964, 1965, and 1967 are among the absolute highlights of the classic Mini's racing career. The current generation now carries the successful racing history into the future. Most recently with the impressive class victory of a prototype based on the new MINI John Cooper Works at the legendary 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. Regardless of the model, all high-performance vehicles in the new MINI John Cooper Works family exude one decisive characteristic: the enthusiasm for top performance.

Additional information enclosed:

1. The all-new MINI John Cooper Works family prices.
2. The all-new MINI John Cooper Works family specifications.

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Singapore. MINI Asia is proud to celebrate the premiere of the first crossover model for the premium small car segment. The first-ever MINI Aceman 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 first-ever 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 first-ever 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.

“We are thrilled to introduce the first-ever MINI Aceman in Singapore, the first of its kind,” said Daren Ching, Head of MINI Asia. “This unique car blends MINI’s spirit of urban adventure with iconic styling cues to captivate a new generation of drivers at the forefront of fashion, technology, and culture. In addition, having a Category A COE option gives our customers even more freedom to pick their desired daily companion. We are confident that the first-ever MINI Aceman will deliver a truly distinctive and exhilarating experience in the city.”

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 first-ever 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 first-ever 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 first-ever MINI Aceman is emphasised by the standard roof rails, visually accentuated 19” wheels, 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 first-ever 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 first-ever MINI Aceman extends into the solid underride protection on the front apron. In the new Vibrant Silver finish, 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 first-ever 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 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 first-ever 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 first-ever 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 first-ever 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.

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. The Favoured Trim extends the individual expressive capabilities of the first-ever MINI Aceman, combined with a grille frame in Vibrant Silver. 19 inch Hexagram Spoke wheels in 2-tone further complement the exterior of the first-ever 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 first-ever 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 first-of-its-kind 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. 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, 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 first-ever 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 first-ever MINI Aceman.

Among the seven 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, and Balance 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 first-ever 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. All the models of the new MINI family feature trims with individual customisation, conveying the contemporary feel-good concept in the interior of the first-ever MINI Aceman in a different way.

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 seat with sports seat geometry and additional lateral support noticeably enhances comfort.

The drive: All-electric and efficient.

The first-ever 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. The first-ever MINI Aceman will be available in the first-ever MINI Aceman E version and also as the first-ever MINI Aceman SE with increased output.

The 110 kW electric motor of the first-ever MINI Aceman E generates a torque of 290 Nm, accelerating the car from standstill to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and reaching a top speed of 160 km/h. With an output of 160 kW, the first-ever 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 first-ever MINI Aceman E achieves a range of up to 310 kilometres in the WLTP test cycle. The high-voltage battery of the first-ever MINI Aceman SE has an energy content of 54.2 kWh, giving it a range of up to 407 kilometres according to the WLTP.

Sporty agility and outstanding driving dynamics.

Its chassis gives the first-ever 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 first-ever MINI 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.

Simplified communication with the first MINI voice assistant.

The brand’s first fully-fledged voice assistant can be activated in the first-ever 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 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. This means that individual routines can be handled more conveniently.

Advanced assistance systems increase safety.

Driving Assistant provides the first-ever MINI Aceman with 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.

Thanks to twelve ultrasonic sensors and four Surround View cameras, the first-ever MINI Aceman is able to identify vacant parking spaces with greater precision, automatically initiating parking manoeuvres where space is limited.

The innovative MINI Digital Key Plus 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 first-ever 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. This emphatically digital character of the first-ever 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 standard 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.

Quick and easy: charging the battery.

The battery of the first-ever MINI Aceman can be charged via alternating current with 11 kW. Fast charging with direct current is possible in the first-ever MINI Aceman E with 75 kW and in the first-ever 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

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.

Additional information enclosed:

1. The first-ever MINI Aceman prices.
2. The first-ever MINI Aceman specifications.

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1. The first-ever MINI Aceman prices.

1. The first-ever MINI Aceman specifications.

Paris. Parallel to the market launch of the new BMW 1 Series, the new BMW X3 and the new BMW M5, the BMW Group will present the next steps in its unchanged product strategy at the Mondial de l'Auto Paris 2024. The focus is on the world premieres of the first all-electric MINI John Cooper Works models and the first joint motor show appearance of the latest concept studies of the BMW Neue Klasse, which will go into series production in 2025.

“The BMW Group is demonstrating its pioneering role in electric mobility at the Mondial de l'Auto Paris with a cross-segment range of electrified vehicles. Thanks to our attractive BEV product portfolio, we are able to grow our all-electric sales even in a demanding market environment. In the European market, we were even able to gain market share with the BMW brand,” says Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Customers, Brands, Sales.

What BMW M is to BMW, JCW is to MINI. 
The new all-electric MINI John Cooper Works models.
With the world premiere of the all-electric MINI John Cooper Works Electric and the MINI John Cooper Works Aceman, the brand's long racing history is transferred to the here and now with innovative power. The two models effortlessly transfer motorsport expertise from the race track to the road. In addition to the exclusive, sporty design

and optimised aerodynamic driving characteristics, MINI fans can also look forward to the brand's hallmark agile handling. Click [here] for more information.

The roll-out of electrification to the John Cooper Works brand within MINI transmits another strong signal on how the BMW Group is committed to electric driving as a strategic direction.

At the same time, the Mondial de l'Auto Paris 2024 marks the ideal starting point for intensified communication in the further ramp up for BMW Neue Klasse, due for launch in 2025.

First joint appearance of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse and BMW Vision Neue Klasse X.
BMW is showing two Neue Klasse Vision Vehicles in Paris, which provide an outlook on the wide range of BMW's future model portfolio.
The BMW Vision New Class is a sporty electric sedan for the premium mid-range. The BMW Vision New Class X transfers the philosophy and technology of the future generation of vehicles to the Sports Activity Vehicle segment.

"With the two vision cars for Neue Klasse we are showing how we are going to change the look & feel of the BMW brand. Many aspects of our cars will be completely new and yet we believe that the Neue Klasse will reflect the very essence of the BMW brand", says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design.

Both vehicles are characterized by a clear, reduced design language. In the interior, the next generation of BMW iDrive enables intuitive interaction between driver and vehicle. The combination of BMW Panoramic Vision, 3D Head-Up Display, Central Display and the new multifunction steering wheel redefine the BMW driver orientation. Click [here] for more information.

The new BMW iX2 features in-car entertainment highlight UNO® Car Party! And Paramount+.
With UNO® Car Party! in the BMW iX2, the BMW Group is showing the next in-car gaming highlight. Since the end of August 2024, the game has already been available in over 500,000 BMW and MINI vehicles via the AirConsole platform. In addition, it was only at the beginning of October that the BMW Group brought the popular subscription streaming service Paramount+ into the vehicle, offering subscribers access to a wide range of blockbusters, new originals and hit series such as Star Trek Discovery. Customers have access to in-car entertainment highlights in their vehicles with BMW and MINI Operating System 9 in conjunction with BMW Digital Premium or the MINI Connected Package*.

*Paramount+ subscription is not part of BMW Digital Premium/MINI Connected Package.

In addition to the outlook for the BMW Neue Klasse and new digital services, also hydrogen technology is key topic at the Mondial de l'Auto Paris 2024, as a further expression of the BMW Group's open technology drive strategy.

BMW will launch its first hydrogen-powered production model in 2028. 
After successfully testing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet worldwide, the BMW Group is now preparing for series production of vehicles with hydrogen drive systems in 2028. The series production models will be integrated into BMW’s existing portfolio. Hydrogen is recognized as a promising future energy carrier of the future, actingas an effective storage medium for renewable energy sources, helping to balance supply and demand and enabling a more stable and reliable integration of renewables into the energy grid.

Click [here] for more information.

The BMW Group is also showing the complete all-electric BMW and MINI product portfolio at Mondial de l'Auto Paris 2024. It now consists of more than 15 models, which cover all major market segments.

The motor show presentation is rounded off with the electric two-wheelers from BMW Motorrad for urban areas. Click [here] for more information.

The BMW Group stand at Mondial de l'Automobile Paris 2024 covers an area of 1,300 square metres. The fair is open to trade visitors on 14 October and to the general public from 15 to 20 October 2024.

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.