On July 6, 2024, the all-new MINI COOPER electric family officially launched, produced by the joint venture between BMW and Great Wall’s Spotlight Automotive. The new car continues the classic design elements of the MINI COOPER family. There are 5 models in total, with a limited edition of 65 units, priced from 18.98 to 26.68 million yuan.
In terms of appearance, the all-new electric MINI COOPER still inherits the classic design of the MINI COOPER family, with many classic MINI elements. For example, the compact body and round headlights have a strong identity.
In terms of details, the new car features a new shiny black hexagonal grille to outline the dynamic momentum of the front end, and as an electric MINI, the grille adopts a closed style. In addition, the high-power version model is equipped with a green “S” badge. Furthermore, the new LED headlights also have three interactive light patterns, bringing a stronger sense of ceremony.
The side of the car still has the classic agile design of the MINI COOPER, the floating roof makes it look lighter. The waistline adopts a through design, embellishing the sense of layers on the side of the body, echoing up and down with the black door sills, visually making the vehicle lower and closer to the ground.
In terms of details, the new car features a design with semi-hidden door handles, ensuring both visual aesthetics and practicality compared to hidden handles. In terms of dimensions, the all-new electric MINI Cooper maintains the classic body proportions known to people, with a “four wheels at the corners” design similar to a go-kart, a long wheelbase, and short overhangs. The front and rear track widths are extended by 54mm and 42mm respectively, pushing the “four wheels at the corners” layout to a more extreme position, with length ratios similar to a go-kart.
The rear of the car has been significantly updated, with triangular tail lights connected by a shiny black trim strip to create a continuous lighting effect.
It is worth mentioning that the taillights still conceal the elements of the flag of rice inside, and at the same time, they have the same three kinds of dynamic welcome light effects as the headlights.
The interior features a minimalist style, with HUD replacing traditional instrument panel. The circular elements from previous models are retained. For example, the central control screen uses a 240mm diameter circular OLED display, combining technology and retro aesthetics. Below the screen are classic levers, and the air conditioning vents have a continuous design, giving the interior a more futuristic look.
This round screen offers a more innovative user experience compared to traditional horizontal and vertical screens. It is like a giant smartwatch, providing a built-in emotional “smart personal assistant” and transforming into the digital companion Spike in the car, with high playability, making emotional interaction between people and cars closer.
It is worth noting that the ambient lighting in the car is not the traditional light strip, but projects light onto the entire interior panel behind the multimedia screen, providing a fresh experience that definitely suits MINI’s style. In addition, MINI has developed various ways to interact with this circular screen, offering 7 “experience modes” – initial mode, kart mode, eco mode, chill mode, classic mode, custom mode, and dynamic mode, each with its own unique user interface and sound effects. The personalized mode allows for random selection of ambient light colors with the touch of a button, while the “DJ mode” allows you to become a passionate DJ.
In terms of materials, the interior also uses renewable woven fabrics, dual-tone design, distinct layers, excellent texture, and customizable decorative color schemes. The seats are made of high-quality Vescin material, and all fabrics, roof, and floor materials are made from recycled materials.
Summary Overall, the all-new electric MINI COOPER retains the classic design elements of the MINI family in both exterior and interior design. It remains very MINI in its personalized design. In terms of driving experience, it is still the agile MINI, focusing on providing driving enjoyment rather than extreme performance. This, I believe, is the essence of why MINI is called a kart.