[World Premiere] MINI Electric Concept in Frankfurt

MINI is shaping the future of urban mobility by providing driving fun in increasing diversity. At the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the British premium brand gives visitors an impression of how the unmistakable MINI feeling will develop in future to cover a broader range beyond the current model program with the world premiere of the MINI Electric Concept. Innovative concepts and technologies provide additional room for individual flair and highly emotional experiences, while continuing to enhance the thrilling agility and exemplary efficiency that are typical of MINI.

The MINI Electric Concept showcased in Frankfurt for the first time embodies a whole new dimension of the brand’s characteristic go-kart feeling, now combining it with locally emission-free mobility. The concept vehicle conveys a message of sustainable urban transportation in MINI style while at the same time previewing a volume production model that will follow soon. The first purely electrically powered MINI to be manufactured in large-scale production will go on the road in 2019 – precisely 60 years after the classic Mini was first launched. It will make electromobility a highly emotional experience that combines driving fun, style and individual flair – as is characteristic of the MINI brand.

Lots of driving fun on a small surface area – this traditional principle will remain an integral part of MINI in the future, too. It is a fundamental element of its character that is derived from spectacular motor racing success. 50 years ago the classic Mini achieved its third outright victory at the Monte Carlo Rally. The MINI ACV 30 concept study presented 20 years ago, demonstrated just how much the model’s racing career influenced not only the history of the classic Mini but also the development of the modern MINI. The Anniversary Concept Vehicle that came out right on time to mark the 30th anniversary of the car’s third triumph at the “Monte” showed how the classic Mini’s characteristic design features – such as the hexagon radiator grille and the large circular headlamps – could be transferred to a modern vehicle concept. The foundation stone was laid for a new era full of driving fun and individual style in a variety of forms.

Diversity and individual character are also embodied by the other elements of the MINI trade fair showcase in Frankfurt. From 14 to 24 September, the British premium manufacturer presents a broad cross-section of its range, containing elements drawn from the current model program, its rich selection of optional equipment and the latest additions in the area of accessory and lifestyle products. The setting for this display of both current and future items is Hall 11 at the main entrance to the Frankfurt trade fair centre, a site that will be shared by the BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands.

The MINI Electric Concept is modern, purist and efficiently dynamic, providing a look ahead to a new form of urban mobility free of local emissions that still guarantees unmistakable driving fun. The spontaneous response of the electric motor to every movement of the accelerator adds a whole new dimension to hallmark brand agility. The powerful drive of the MINI Electric Concept draws its energy from a lithium-ion battery, ensuring maximum range and typical MINI agility combined with emission-free mobility.

The MINI Electric Concept not only stands for increased driving fun, it also adds a touch more style in local emission-free city traffic. Its design combines hallmark brand proportions and design features with specific details reflecting the fact that is purely electrically powered. Since the electric motor does not require cooling air, the hexagonal front grille is closed in order to enhance the car’s aerodynamic properties. There are also fibre glass attachment parts that reduce aerodynamic drag. The paint finish in Reflection Silver and Interchange Yellow is reminiscent of the MINI E presented in 2008. Produced in a small series of some 600, the latter was subjected to field tests in everyday driving conditions, thereby providing key insights for the development of the purely electrically powered BMW i3.

The MINI Electric Concept is the next step along the way to sustainable urban mobility. The BMW Group announced in July 2017 that the expansion of its model range to include electrically powered vehicles was to be a central pillar of its corporate strategy. In this connection, start of production of the first purely electric MINI was announced for 2019. Based on the MINI 3 door, the electric vehicle will be manufactured at the MINI plant in Oxford. Its drivetrain will be produced at the Dingolfing and Landshut sites – the competence centres for e-mobility within the BMW Group production network.