Last month we broke the news that the MINI Clubman was set to end production in early 2024. On cue, today MINI is announcing a special edition model celebrating the end of the Clubman. The Clubman Final Edition is a celebration and send-off for the beloved MINI shooting brake that, while never finding huge sales, found critical acclaim from owners and automotive writers alike.

The MINI Clubman Final Edition in Detail

The MINI Clubman Final Edition is a global special edition car which means it’s a bit more unique than what we’ve seen from specific market special editions. However make no mistake the unique

Available in Nanuq White, Enigmatic Black and Melting Silver and is available as a Cooper, Cooper S, the respective diesel variants or with all-wheel drive. With details in the color Shimmer Copper, the Final Edition has similar details to the recent Untold Edition. The surrounds and the upper third of the radiator grille crossbar are in the shimmering edition colour, as are the model-typical MINI Cooper S Blade and the side scuttles. The graphic pattern on the 18-inch light-alloy wheels in the Final Edition Spoke 2- tone design is also finished in a tinted clear lacquer reminiscent of copper. Finished in Enigmatic Black the whole thing has a classic John Player livery feel to it.

There’s a “1 of 1969” badge on the side of the C-pillar and the words ”Final Edition” are on the lower right of the right rear door.

The interior of the MINI Clubman Final Edition also has some unique touches. For example, the door sill trims with the edition-specific “Final Edition” lettering, which is also found on the lower spoke of the sports leather steering wheel which is finished in Nappa leather. The MINI Yours leather sports seats with adjustable thigh support and sewn-in edition badge are finished in Dark Maroon. They are set off by an anthracite-colored Piquet fabric insert and blue contrasting stitching. 

Elsewhere there’s dark dashboard trim, which is framed by harmonizing trim strips in the matte shimmering Sage Green Dark color and the edition-specific Shimmer Copper color. On the passenger side and floor mats theres “1 of 1969” which is another reference to the limited edition nature of the model.

The MINI Clubman Final Edition will be available in Cooper S in North America and Cooper SD in Europe. Unfortunately it would appear that MINI won’t be offering the Clubman JCW in this special edition package.

The MINI Clubman Final Edition is available to order today and will end production as MINI winds down Clubman production in Q1 of 2024. Pricing will be announced for each market soon.

Why is MINI Killing the Clubman?

The Clubman in particular has had a hard time finding an audience outside of Europe as small wagon sales have slowed to a crawl in many markets. And despite MotoringFile calling the F54 JCW Clubman the best all around MINI ever made, it’s been a hard sell for dealers. Especially next to the taller more SUV like Countryman. 

And now MINI is making the Countryman even larger while introducing a smaller electric Aceman crossover the US might not even get. It’s a sad end to our favorite car in the MINI line-up

The original Clubman is a bit divisive. With the third door on the wrong side or right-hand drive markets, it was looked at as the “other” MINI even but the brand’s own marketing. While we loved the concept, it never really jelled for us as it felt too close to the R56 and didn’t find the sweet spot that the F54 ultimately did in terms of utility and performance.

The F54 Clubman on the other hand has been our favorite MINI model since it’s introduction in 2015. We’ve run three of them over the years – a manual Cooper S All4, the 228 hp JCW and most recently a 306 hp JCW. While all were great cars, the 306 hp JCW Clubman might just be out favorite new MINI ever made.

MINI Clubman Final Edition Gallery

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Last year MINI made an all-out underdog assault on the famous 24 Hours of Nurburgring last year. While the team came up short (thanks to an overly ambitious BMW) it was an incredible effort that came together very quickly. This year the same Bulldog Racing Team is back with a revised F56 JCW and a famous driver behind the wheel.

This year the team is going back to the more stock JCW form, stripping away much of the GP bodywork in the process. Modifications are mainly focused around getting the car to race spec with safety equipment and technology fitted. Additionally the interior is again completely stripped out and a dedicated suspension and AP braking system replaced the stock units. 

The Nürburgring Endurance Series began last weekend with Charlie Cooper (GBR), and Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER) behind the wheel in the class VT2-FWD. The four hour race saw the team complete 21 laps with a total of five pit stops required for set-up work. The team finished in 88th place out of 118 drivers in this warm-up race for the season.

In two weeks, the driver duo of Charlie Cooper (GBR) and Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER) will compete again for Bulldog Racing at the second race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series on April 1, 2023.

MINI Returns to the Nurburgring With New MINI JCW From Bulldog Racing

The 2023 endurance season at the Nürburgring has started. On Saturday, the newly built MINI John Cooper Works from Bulldog Racing completed its first race kilometers in the “Green Hell”. 

The team used the season opener of the Nürburgring Endurance Series as a test under racing conditions to gain important knowledge about the new vehicle. 

With the starting number 468 Charlie Cooper (GBR), and Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER) started in the new MINI John Cooper Works in the class VT2-FWD. 

Charlie Cooper (GBR), whose grandfather John Cooper invented the Mini Cooper in 1961, celebrated his race premiere on the Nordschleife and took the opportunity to adjust to the extremely demanding track. He passed his DMSB Permit Nordschleife just the day before in the new MINI John Cooper Works. His fastest lap during the race was a 10:35.194. 
In a strong starting phase, the MINI John Cooper Works was able to make up many positions and Sebastian Sauerbrei drove his fastest lap in the race with a 10:10.763. In the further stages of the race, which were characterized by many accidents and Code-60 phases, the team focused on set-up work and finished the race in 9th place of 15 starters in its class. 

In two weeks, the driver duo of Charlie Cooper (GBR) and Sebastian Sauerbrei (GER) will compete again for Bulldog Racing at the second race of the Nürburgring Endurance Series on April 1, 2023.

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We all expected the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper to actually be smaller than the current F56 MINI Cooper. Sources told us for years that MINI had minimized so much in its transformation to a bespoke electric platform that we’d see something closer in size to the R56 or even the R50/53. For good or bad, we can now confirm that’s not the case. Instead we’ll get something that’s actually bigger.

The all new J01 2024 electric MINI Cooper is a watershed moment of the brand. It will be MINI’s first electric vehicle on a dedicated electric platform and will represent the first total rethink since the 2001 R50. Unlike the current MINI Cooper SE which was built on an existing ICE chassis, this new electric MINI will be designed from the ground up to be an electric car which will allow for improved performance, range and more MINI-like proportions.

Despite this clean-sheet design MINI kept the overall size extremely close to the current F56 MINI Cooper – and in fact went about 1.5″ longer overall. It’s also almost an inch taller – likely due to the batteries sitting across the entire floor. However the key thing for the classic MINI Cooper are the dimensions. And in that, MINI has made some great progress in reducing the front overhang by increasing the wheelbase.

The all new electric MINI Cooper will come in two flavors; the Cooper E and the Cooper SE. The E will have a 40kWh battery driving the front wheels and should see a range of around 200 miles on the WTLP testing cycle. The Cooper SE (also FWD) will have a larger 54kWh battery and should see a 250 mile range with WTLP testing (around 200 miles in EPA testing). That would Our sources have told us that these figures are relatively conservative (as is BMW’s typical position). An important note for those comparing this to the current electric MINI hatch – that car has a 110 mile range and a 28.9kWh battery.

Performance is also up with the Cooper E offering 181bhp – similar to the traditional Cooper S performance. The hotter Cooper SE will have 215bhp and should have JCW levels of performance.

J01 Electric MINI Cooper Production Timing

Given the government red-tape we’re hearing about in China, we expect production of the J01 MINI Cooper to push back to May 2024 rather than November 2023. Either way it will debut at the Munich Motorshow this September. Luckily for the North American market MINI is pushing forward with plans to bring then J01 to Oxford for UK production around 2027.

For much more on the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper, head over to MotoringFile’s dedicated J01 section.

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BMW is to secure UK production for the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper. We first reported the rumors of BMW building the J01 in Oxford last fall. But since that time there appears to be multiple points of confirmation that point to China being only one part of the production strategy. And perhaps more importantly the move would clear the way for the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper to eventually come to the North American market.

Recently Sky News reported that BMW has secured UK government funding to help expand the Oxford Plant for the new range of electric MINIs. While an official announcement won’t likely come until late this spring, it’s believed that the investment package will be worth close to £500m – £75m of which would be from the UK Government.

It would be a huge boost for the UK auto industry that’s seen an exodus over the last several years. And for MINI fans it’s a huge development as it would bring the highly anticipated J01 electric MINI Cooper to key market such as the United States.

When Will The Electric MINI Cooper Begin Production in the UK?

Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI, has previously hinted that some new generation electric MINIs will be assembled at Plant Oxford beginning in 2027. We’ve also had a source confirm that timing saying it would coincide with a refresh of the model planed in the middle of its lifecycle.

That timing makes a lot of sense to us. It would allow MINI to further refine the car and potentially even add range ahead of a US market introduction. Currently the estimated WLTP range is between 240 and 250 miles. However that translates into roughly 200 miles EPA range which is still lower than many feel comfortable with – especially in colder climates.

With the addition of the J01 electric MINI Cooper, this means Oxford would be producing the ICE F66 MINI Cooper, F65 five door and F67 Convertible in total. Eventually We’d expect the Aceman to also move to UK production.

Chinese Production Issues for the J01 Electric MINI Cooper

The current F56 electric MINI Cooper was always meant to be a stop-gap while BMW designed and built a new one from the ground up. However to make the economics work, BMW had to find a company to partner to help defray the enormous costs associated with creating a new vehicle from scratch. That company, Great Wall Motors seemed to be the perfect choice having quickly become an expert of electrified vehicles thanks to China’s stringent laws mandating their sales.

However just months after the agreement was signed, US/Chinese relations began to implode. One thing led to another and tariffs on goods were announced on both sides. For electric cars that meant a 25% tariff on any Chinese car imported to the US. For a small car with equally small profit margins, those tariffs have proven impossible for MINI USA to solve for. 

And now things are getting even more complex. According to ‘Manager Magazin’, a German monthly business magazine, talks are ongoing between BMW, GWM and Chinese officials about exactly what will be built at the Chinese plant in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, with an annual capacity of 160,000 cars and production set to start this year. There is, however, a problem.

The essential NEV (New Electric Vehicle) production license for China has yet to be signed by the authorities. The papers will now be handed over at the China Development Forum at the end of March. However, Spotlight Automotive has yet to receive the go-ahead for the already complete Jiangsu factory.

How could this be happening? Given the push towards electric vehicles in China, there’s been a massive amount of start-ups over the last few years. That has created massive overcapacities, reportedly making MINI wait until one of these shoe-string budget operation fails and its precious license made available to the next inline.

Ever since the founding of Spotlight Automotive in 2019, the cooperation with BMW has taken several unexpected turns. GWM decided, for instance, not to sell its own rebadged MINI clone in China after all; production of US-bound MINI models is to be shifted from Zhangjiagang to Oxford; and the JV reportedly covers only the first two lifecycles.

With MINI’s volume target rising from 293,000 to 500,000 annual sales this decade, other plants were invited to make a case for investment. As we now know, Plant Oxford put forward the winning argument and so BMW will be refitting the factory to assemble the new generation ICE and EV models side by side.

What This Means for The Next Generation Electric MINIs?

In short the recent developments have made it clear that MINI is committed to bringing the J01 electric MINI Cooper and J05 MINI Aceman to such markets as the US. While it’ll still be 2-3 years before we see the change, that time will allow for MINI to further refine both cars, improving them both as they become fully global cars.

The post Rumor: BMW to Build New Electric MINI Cooper in the UK Paving the Way for US Imports appeared first on MotoringFile.

There’s no way of getting around it. Global politics can be difficult to plan for. The plan for BMW to build all electric MINIs in China (taking advantage of lower costs, and Chinese expertise) made sense on paper when it was conceived five years ago. But since then the world has changed and the unfortunate outcome of that change is that the electric MINI Cooper currently sold in the US will die later this year with no immediate successor.

The current electric MINI Cooper was always meant to be a stop-gap while BMW designed and built a new one from the ground up. However to make the economics work, BMW had to find a company to partner to help defray the enormous costs associated with creating a new vehicle from scratch. That company, Great Wall Motors seemed to be the perfect choice having quickly become an expert of electrified vehicles thanks to China’s stringent laws mandating their sales.

However just months after the agreement was signed, US/Chinese relations began to implode. One thing led to another and tariffs on goods were announced on both sides. For electric cars that meant a 25% tariff on any Chinese car imported to the US. For a small car with equally small profit margins, those tariffs have proven impossible for MINI USA to solve for.

Because of this, sources tell us that MINI USA will not be importing the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper or J02 electric MINI Aceman in its current form.

But what about the current F56 electric MINI? Couldn’t it just continue to be made and sold in the US? The issue with that is MINI’s plans to heavily evolve the F56 into the F66 never included a fully electric version when they were hatched years ago. And why would they? The brand had an entirely new and much more efficient electric platform to be launch simultaneously in the J01. BMW simply didn’t see the US/China geo political saga coming and thus didn’t plan for it.

The result will be painful for MINI dealers and would be owners in the US. When the 2024 model year is over (which should be at the end of 2023), the electric MINI Cooper SE will be dead. And with it all of MINI’s electric offerings in the US.

There Is Hope for An Electric MINI Cooper in the US – Eventually

There is hope that we’ll see the J01 and J02 eventually. Rumors have been swirling that BMW and the UK government are working on a major investment in the Oxford plant that will lay the groundwork to build a revised J01 MINI Cooper and J02 MINI Aceman in a few years for global export. But those rumors have yet to be verified and even if they were, plans like that take years to come to fruition.

MINI USA’s Solution – The U25 Electric MINI Countryman SE

The J01 and J02 aren’t the only electric MINIs in the brand’s future product planning. Perhaps the most important electric next generation MINI is coming to the US. Sources tell us that MINI USA will indeed be importing the German made, U25 electric MINI Countryman.

While it’s not the electric MINI Cooper that has become a cult hit in the US, the electric Countryman will have a dramatically improved range and loads more utility for a market that seems to cherish space. Along with the ICE (internal combustion engine) Countryman S and Countryman JCW, the Countryman SE is expected to be the brand’s best selling product in the US market.

The U25’s FAAR platform was designed from the ground up to accommodate a battery pack and electric motor as part of the brand’s plans to transition all products over the next decade. 

Assuming MINI will be leveraging the same technical layout as the BMW X1, we should see a dual motor, all wheel drive electric Countryman have a peak output of 268 bhp. 

The power comes from a modest 64.7-kWh t-shaped battery pack that produces 266 miles of range using the WLTP testing protocol. That would likely translate into something around 240 miles using the EPA testing. The iX1 supports DC fast-charging at up to 130 kW, which can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in only 29 minutes. 

It’s worth noting that BMW of North America decided against importing the BMW iX1 to the US. While there’s never been an official rational for that move, sources tell us that the cost vs range ratio wouldn’t have made it particularly attractive. Could the same calculations keep the electric Countryman from the US? Given that the J01 Cooper and the J02 Aceman won’t be coming stateside for awhile and the F56 based electric MINI is as good as dead, we’d be surprised if MINI USA didn’t import the dual motor Countryman SE. Given the models popularity in the US and increasing brand association with electrification, it would make sense to us even if were a lower volume, higher priced model.

It’s an awkward reality for MINI that the brand has stated its intentions to become full electric, yet it’s killing its only electric model for sale in one of its largest markets. While the electric MINI Countryman will allow it to save face, for many of the brand’s most faithful fans, it’s likely not going to be a satisfying replacement. For that we’ll have to wait for a few years and hope that the rumors or a shift to UK production for the J01 and J02 is true.

The post The Electric MINI Cooper is Dead in The US – But More Electric MINIs Are Coming appeared first on MotoringFile.

MINI is officially previewing the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper this week and talking about details for the first time. Along with showing the camouflaged car, MINI announced several key bits of news namely the range and a revised name. For MotoringFile readers both will be old news but this is our first official confirmation of some key data.

The all new electric MINI Cooper will come in two flavors; the Cooper E and the Cooper SE. The E will have a 40kWh battery driving the front wheels and should see a range of around 200 miles on the WTLP testing cycle. The Cooper SE (also FWD) will have a larger 54kWh battery and should see a 240 mile range with WTLP testing. Our sources have told us that these figures are relatively conservative (as is BMW’s typical position). An important note for those comparing this to the current electric MINI hatch – that car has a 110 mile range and a 28.9kWh battery.

Performance is also up with the Cooper E offering 181bhp – similar to the traditional Cooper S performance. The hotter Cooper SE will have 215bhp and should have JCW levels of performance.

While we’ve heard MINI is developing a full JCW version, Autocar has a few new details. According to the publication it will feature the same 54kWh battery as the SE, will arrive in mid-2025 – around a year after the standard cars, with a focus on power over range, suggesting upgraded motors will be fitted. Expect an output around 250bhp.

Production will start later this year in China and sales will begin in the UK, Europe and Asia shortly after. According to sources familiar with MINI’s plans, the North American market will not get the initial iteration of the all new electric MINI Cooper or Aceman. Instead we’ll see an updated version in several years likely built in the UK or Europe.

For much more on the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper, head over to MotoringFile’s dedicated J01 section.

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The U25 2025 MINI Countryman is set to be the largest MINI of all time and likely the companies biggest seller in the years ahead. Its importance to the brand cannot be overstated in terms of projected sales. But how different is this new Countryman to its predecessors and how can it live up to the MINI heritage while growing in size? We’ve collected our notes from sources around the world to bring an in-depth look at the 2025 MINI Countryman.

First let’s give you some context how the all new Countryman fits within the 4th generation MINI line-up. As you can see above the Countryman will once again be positioned as the largest product in the MINI range. It will also be the only platform offered by MINI with both ICE and electric power. Designed with plenty of input from the American market, it will deliver more space and utility to ever before. But can it still retain the hallmarks of the MINI brand? While we don’t yet have an answer, we have some details that give us a clue.

How Big is the New 2025 MINI Countryman?

Riding on the same FAAR platform as the BMW X1, the U25 Countryman will grow in a very noticeable way. As you can see in the photos it’s clearly longer and taller than the current F60 Countryman.

Based on these photos and our sources, the all new 2024 MINI Countryman will be about 203 mm (almost 8 inches) larger – mostly in the rear. With the second generation F60 Countryman, MINI chose to modify the UKL chassis to give it slightly more MINI proportions over its corporate twin, the BMW X1. With the U25 Countryman, our sources tell us that we’ll see a car that more closely follows the BMW X1 in overall size. This change will give the U25 a larger cargo area and more rear legroom than its predecessor the F60. It will also allow the forthcoming MINI Aceman, roughly the size of the original R60 Countryman, to slot in below it in the line-up.

What about weight? Our sources are telling us that MINI will make use of advanced chassis design and plenty of new aluminum components to reduce the weight gain you might expect with the growth in detentions. We can get an idea of weight by looking at the new BMW X1 which has a 3,750 lbs curb weight. That’s only up 24 lbs over the previous generation despite being marginally larger and being offered with more standard equipment. Given this we’d expect the next generation Countryman All4 won’t be far off the current car’s 3,726 lbs curb weight (assuming equipment levels are similar).

Design Changes For the 2024 MINI Countryman

MINI is making the next generation Countryman look and feel more rugged. Based on sources who have seen the finished product, portions of the U25 Countryman will feature a more squared-off shape with rugged design elements. The plastic trim around the wheels will be smaller but the fenders will extend that element with an additional flared shape. Additionally we’ll see other elements will play up the rugged theme. We’ve even heard that the forthcoming 2025 JCW Countryman will feature two huge foglight integrated into the front bumper.

There will also be areas that the U25 will grow more sleek and aero efficient. The silhouette in the front will, the angle of the windshield and the rear hatch have been tweaked to create a more slippery shape helping with range on the electric Countryman. The BMW X1 has a surprisingly good 0.26cd with some of these same design choices.

2025 MINI Countryman Lighting Options

In front there will be two different headlights offered. The standard will be a LED design with similar design theme to the current car (above left). The optional LED matrix lights will not only offer a completely different light graphic but will be offer new technology that not only better illuminates the road but is more aware of on-coming traffic. While we don’t know all the details, we do know that similar lighting is used by other automakers to allow high beam functionality while not dazzling oncoming traffic.

They’ll also have a new signature graphic with a light-bar running horizontally across the middle. If you look closely at the spy photos of the J01 and F66 you can see a similar design meaning we’ll likely see this look across the entire MINI family..

Around back you can just make out the larger taillights which look both more technical in design and could house some form of LED personalization similar to what we’re seeing on the new ICE and EV Cooper. What is LED personalization? From our sources it’s a way for, MINI owners to change how their front and rear lights look when on and active. Want Union Jack tail lights? Or how about something more minimal? MINI will offer a number of different designs that will help owners differentiate their cars. 

2024 MINI Countryman Power, Performance and Range

There are no clean-sheet designs in the internal combustion world these days and there’s no exception here. Every petrol powered engine is a revision of an existing one. So things will look familiar but numbers will rise slightly. Based on what we know about the evolved three and four liter family of engines from BMW, we should see something close to the following

The Countryman

With MINI saving the “Cooper” model for the smaller MINIs moving forward, the base model will simply be known as the Countryman. We expect MINI to use the 1.5 three cylinder engine in the base model with different tunes ranging from 137 hp to 170 hp. We believe the 170 hp version will be used for the North American market.

The Countryman S

The Countryman S will feature a 2.0 four cylinder with varying tunes; 170 hp and 206 ft-lbs and 218 hp and 265 ft-lbs. Again the more powerful version will likely form the basis for the Countryman S in the US and other markets.

The Countryman JCW

The U25 Countryman JCW will carrier over its 2.0 four cylinder but will have an increased output. Sources tell us to expect 330 hp coupled with a mild hybrid system that enables a further burst in power.

All petrol engines will get a 48 volt mild hybrid system and will be mated to a revised 7-speed dual clutch with an all new gear selector design. Unsurprisingly the manual transmission will be eliminated in all ICE models.

A revised All4 all-wheel drive system will continue to be optional across the range and standard on the Countryman JCW.

The Electric Countryman SE/JCW

The U25’s FAAR platform was designed from the ground up to accommodate a battery pack and electric motor as part of the brand’s plans to transition all products over the next decade.

We’ve heard whispers that MINI plans to sell two versions of the electric Countryman, one with a single motor driving the front wheels and the two motor set-up described above. That might mean the dual motor layout could be branded as a JCW model given the performance potential. But as of yet, we haven’t confirmed those whispers.

Again the BMW X1 (in this case the iX1) gives us a clue. Assuming MINI will be leveraging the same technical layout (which we’ve heard is the plan), we should expect a dual motor, all wheel drive electric Countryman to have a peak output of 308 horsepower and 364 pound-feet of torque.

Potentially branded as a JCW, the power comes from a modest 64.7-kWh t-shaped battery pack that produces 266 miles of range using the WLTP testing protocol. That would likely translate into something around 240 miles using the EPA testing. The iX1 supports DC fast-charging at up to 130 kW, which can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in only 29 minutes. 

Charging the iX1 via an AC charger can be done at up to 22 kW, while DC fast charging tops out at 130 kW. 

It’s worth noting that BMW of North America decided against importing the BMW iX1 to the US. While there’s never been an official rational for that move, sources tell us that the cost vs range ratio wouldn’t have made it particularly attractive. Could the same calculations keep the electric Countryman from the US? Given that the J01 Cooper and the J02 Aceman won’t be coming stateside for awhile and the F56 based electric MINI will likely die in the transition to the F66 generation, we’d be surprised if MINI USA didn’t important the Countryman SE. Given the models popularity in the US and increasing brand association with electrification, it would make sense to us even if were a lower volume, higher priced model.

We also don’t know where MINI much less MINI USA will price it at this point. But we do know that it’s destined for production next year.

2024 MINI Countryman – New Technology and Autonomous Features

Based on the underlying Android Auto technical framework, MINI is introducing a massive circular display that will be the literal and figurative centerpiece of the brand’s tech moving forward.

Looking at the spy photos of the interior the second think you notice (after the giant screen of course) is the lack of switch gear and a very different console design than what we’re used to seeing. Of course the switchgear is there but it’s been re-routed into a temporary space where cupholders will ultimately be. 

Beyond the massive screen there’s a lot to take in here. The switches and knobs (which are actually marked) are also identical to what we saw in the electric hatch leak meaning that MINI is moving to a consistent user experience across all models no matter where they’re produced or what platform they’re on. That’s an essential move if MINI wants that digital experience to be a selling point of the brand. 

The gear selector (which will be almost identical to BMWs) is actually not here in production form but will be a small lever or toggle where the white plastic is in the top photo. Also gone is the iDrive multi-function controller. In it’s place will be a digital experience that’s more touch-based and (we’re told) easier to use. 

We expect MINI to eventually rollout an optional Level 2 autonomous driving features for all of the brand’s next generation cars. Level 2 allows for the car to use adaptive cruise as well as follow the clearly marked roads with hands on the wheel. Keep in mind this isn’t just a lane keeping function but technology that will follow the road as it curves. This is optional on most BMWs currently.

But what will be really exciting is L2+. While it’s unclear if we’ll see this at launch, we do eventually expect Level 2+ to be part of the G60 product plans. The system will likely be identical to BMW’s new L2+ system which allows for hands-free driving up to 81 mph an hour (130 KPH) making it massively more helpful for the majority of drivers and likely to be used much more. While MINI drivers are more likely to want to drive their cars, it’s hard to argue with a robot taking over duties on long, straight highway drives.

The 2025 MINI Countryman Production Timing

MINI will debut the 2024 MINI Countryman (labeled a 2025 in the US) in the second half of 2023 with an all-out model onslaught. Based on our sources, this is what we expect to see in terms of production timing:

The obvious surprise here is that MINI will be staggering the launch of the ICE models but in a way not expected. They’re launching with the base and the top of the line JCW models. The model that will likely be the biggest seller in many markets, the Countryman S, will arrive in March of 2024.

However not surprisingly MINI will be waiting to launch the electric Countryman (likely called the Countryman E) with production beginning in March of 2024.

Will it all be worth the wait? While this will be a larger Countryman, MINI is going to great pains to keep weight down – at least on the ICE models. Combine that with a revised, adjustable height suspension, advanced traction control and more power and we could have something that punches below its weight in the new U25 2025 MINI Countryman.

What do you think? Does the larger, more powerful 2025 Countryman appeal to you? Or has MINI gone too maxi?

2025 MINI Countryman Gallery

The post Exclusive Report: the 2025 MINI Countryman In-Depth Preview appeared first on MotoringFile.

It’s that time of year again. MINI USA is taking the wraps off of the 2023 Golden Bulldog Awards winners. The Golden Bulldog Awards highlight the best MINI dealerships in the US in terms of sales service and overall customer experience.

“Our dealers play a vital role as the primary customer touch point in representing our brand with a compelling and uniquely ‘MINI’ customer experience. I along with the entire MINI team congratulate this year’s Golden Bulldog winners for their outstanding results, and their ongoing dedication, hard work, and commitment to MINI.”

Mike Peyton, Vice President, MINI of the Americas.

All 104 MINI dealers in the U.S. were measured on six different sales and aftersales Key Performance indicators (KPIs) based on the company’s Balanced Score Card (BSC) Index. Winners outperformed their peers across these categories throughout 2022.

Without further ado, here’s the list of the best MINI dealers in the US.

Official Release: MINI USA announces 2023 golden bulldog award winners, highlighting the best mini dealerships in the u.S.

MINI USA announced today its second annual Golden Bulldog award winners, recognizing 11 of its top-performing MINI dealers across the U.S. for delivering exceptional results in sales, service and customer experience.  
 
The name of the award is inspired by the iconic bulldog stance and spirit that is reflected in the modern MINI. In its second year since the award’s inception the Golden Bulldog award is the highest honor a MINI dealer in the U.S. can receive for their overall operational performance, delivery of a best-in-class customer experience, and clear and consistent brand representation.
 
  
2023 MINI Golden Bulldog Award Recipients (listed in alphabetical order)

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A month ago we told you that the all new 2024 MINI Countryman was coming sooner than you might think. Today MINI is making that a reality by taking the wraps almost off of the 2024 electric Countryman. Yes you read that right. The electric Countryman will sit along side the ICE model and will be the first MINI product designed from the outside for electrification. And it will also be the first model made entirely in Germany.

In electric or petrol flavors, the new U25 Countryman will be larger in every dimension and with loads more technology onboard, the new model will move MINI into direct competition with the ultra competitive small crossover segment.  

MINI will debut the 2024 MINI Countryman (labeled a 2025 in the US) in the second half of 2023 with an all-out model onslaught. Based on our sources, this is what we expect to see in terms of production timing:

You can read our full report on the 2024 Countryman (with countries exclusive details ) here. Once you’re done come back and read MINI’s full press release on the 2024 electric Countryman and it’s German origins.

Official Release: MINI Previews the Next Generation 2024 Electric Countryman

MINI’s fully electric future will start in 2023 with, among other things, the new MINI Countryman at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig. This will be the first time that a MINI model is produced entirely in Germany. The locally emission-free all-rounder is an excellent fit for the BMW Group’s sustainable production site in Leipzig, one of the most modern and sustainable automotive factories in the world. As the company’s pilot project for establishing a “green plant,” a long-term, sustainable strategy for energy generation and consumption comes into play here. 

“We are delighted to be able to hand over the first MINI “Made in Germany” to our customers in a CO2-neutral manner thanks to the plant’s sustainable energy supply. In this way, the new all-electric MINI Countryman demonstrates what the brand stands for: electrified go-kart feeling and a strong focus on a minimal environmental footprint,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.

Petra Peterhaensel as Plant Director and Sonja Hengstler as Project Manager for the new MINI Countryman are responsible in Leipzig for the transformation toward more electromobility and sustainable production of the E-components as well as the entire vehicles. A core workforce of 5,600 employees produces around 1,000 vehicles every day. The new MINI Countryman comes off the production line in Leipzig together with the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé and BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. This makes the location the first plant at which vehicles of the BMW and MINI brands are manufactured together, once again demonstrating maximum flexibility.

Electromobility as a driver. 
The expansion of electromobility is an integral part of the BMW Group’s sustainability strategy. Today, one in five MINI models is already electrified, a testament to MINI fans’ enthusiasm for locally emission-free driving fun. The next major milestone and stimulus for the plant is the production of the new MINI Countryman, which will roll off the production line in Leipzig from the end of this year. The high-voltage batteries for the all-electric MINI Countryman will then come from the plant’s own production facilities.

To this end, the BMW Group is expanding its capacities for e-component production at the Leipzig site by eight production lines by 2024 and investing more than 800 million euros. The future production area of 150,000 square meters on which E-components will be manufactured represents a sustainable investment in the future viability of the Leipzig plant. The expansion is associated with job security and even job growth. By 2024, more than 1,000 employees are to be employed in E-component production.

Long-term commitment to sustainability.
Sustainability is in the genes of the plant Leipzig. Part of the energy required for automotive production can be generated by four wind turbines 190 meters high directly on the Leipzig plant site. In 2021, 21.9 GWh of electricity was generated from wind power. This corresponds to the annual electricity consumption of over 5,000 3-person households. Since 2017, the electricity generated can be temporarily stored in the battery storage farm in up to 700 high-voltage batteries from BMW i3 models.

“Our Leipzig vision is the complete decarbonization of production by replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen. At the BMW Group plant in Leipzig, we are the first automotive plant in the world to use a newly developed burner technology in our paint shop that can use green hydrogen instead of natural gas. Hydrogen has already been used in plant logistics since 2013. Today, five hydrogen filling stations provide energy for over 130 fuel cell-powered industrial trucks, the largest fleet in Germany,” emphasizes Plant Director Petra Peterhaensel.

As the brand’s largest model, the all-electric MINI Countryman leads the new MINI family into an era of locally emission-free electromobility. The transformation to an all-electric brand by 2030 begins with this model generation. Thanks to space-saving components such as the particularly flat high-voltage battery, which is also produced at the BMW Group Plant Leipzig, the MINI Countryman will offer additional space and even greater comfort in the future.

2024 Electric Countryman Photo Gallery

The post Breaking: MINI Previews the Next Generation 2024 Electric Countryman appeared first on MotoringFile.

The MINI Aceman is the brand’s first all new model in over a decade effectively replacing the beloved Clubman. It’s also the brands first crossover designed and built from the ground up as a full electric car. Previewed in the form a concept last year, its now been seen in arctic undergoing the typIcal BMW testing protocol giving us our best look yet at the baby crossover.

With the next generation U25 Countryman growing in size, there’s plenty if room in the line-up for a smaller crossover. How small is it? It’s a smaller crossover than the current Countryman (it’s actually similar in length to the original R60) yet it has as much interior volume due to the smaller electric drivetrain. Sound perfect? It might be if it wasn’t for one glaring issue.

Before we touch on the elephant in the room for the Aceman, let’s talk about what we see above. Unsurprisingly the MINI Aceman will forgo some of the more outlandish aspects of the concept while maintaining that minimal design language MINI has been forecasting. The proportions look promising with short overhangs and an overall shape that looks far more athletic than any of the first two generations of the Countryman.

How does it slots into the MINI line-up? In MINI’s words this is a crossover version of the iconic MINI three door hatch. In our words the Aceman will bridge the gap from the new electric (J01) MINI hatch and the forthcoming (larger) 2024 MINI Countryman. What that means is that the MINI Aceman is almost the same size as the original R60 MINI Countryman at 4.05 meters in length, 1.99 in width and 1.59 in height while retaining a more point and shoot driving experience that lower weight distortion of the electric platform promises.

Since it’s all electric, it uses design geometry that reduces the overhangs and maximizes the interior volume. You can clearly see this in the images inside and out. And to us that’s one of the more exciting aspects of this new direction for MINI.

The MINI Aceman Interior Revolution

Recently MINI told us that the brand is “working up fresh ideas on the design of urban mobility in the future and 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.” We can begin to get a sense of that with this concept and the unveiling of that circular OLED display and the textile dash with a built-in screen.

“In the interior of the MINI Concept Aceman, we focus on a reduced appearance combined with high-quality materials and friendly colors. Digitalization allows us to get along with a minimal operating concept and at the same time maximize the experience in a typical MINI way. The entire design is completely geared towards providing occupants with a holistic experience in the interior.”

Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design

Will It Be Sold In North America?

The MINI Aceman, along with the all new electric MINI hatch will initially be made only in China. The fact that it’s made in China doesn’t bother us as the time when Chinese cars meant poor quality is long passed. No the issue is the US based tariff’s which will likely keep the Paceman from the US market – at least initially. Geo-politics aside, those tariff’s will make it uniquely difficult for MINI USA to bring the Paceman to the market given its razor-thin margins.

And then there’s also the issue of the forthcoming electric MINI Countryman. The next generation Countryman has been designed from the ground up to better appeal to North American tastes. As we’ve reported previously it will be both larger or more rugged in its overall design.

According to sources MINI USA deems the Aceman too small for the US market given how close the cost would be after tariffs are factored in to the forthcoming larger Countryman. 

To us that’s a massive shame given how progressive this crossover looks to be. We also love the size which feels like a grown-up four door hatch to us. There still could be a chance as rumors point to MINI bringing the J01 electric MINI Cooper to the UK for production later this decade. We could imagine the Paceman following suit as well.

The MINI Aceman – The Future Of MINI Design

Sharper, more angular and less retro-futuristic. Those are the themes that we see in the concept and now the initial spy photos. But the biggest theme here is reduction – something Oliver Heimler, Head of MINI Design, has been forecasting for years. We see it especially in the interior where MINI is harkening back to the original 1959 car.

Outside MINI is creating a more angular design that will leverage lightning personalization in new ways. For instance you’ll be able to program the rear LEDs to have a Union Jack design or something a bit more modern.

The Next Generation MINI Family

The Aceman is the first of many vehicle debuts we’ll see over the next 18 months as MINI prepared to launch it’s new generation. But not all will be entirely new.

What we’ve been focused on with the Aceman is the entirely new, all electric MINI platform which will be built in collaboration with Great Wall Motors in China. But there’s another, petrol powered hatch coming which might be just as, if not more important for the MINI fans. MINI intends to heavily revise the UK made F56, give it a new chassis designation and sell it as a new MINI hatch. It will be MINI’s last ICE (internal combustion engine) powered car and will be critical to the US market as it’s still unclear of any of the Chinese made electric MINIs will make it to the US.

Timing is in flux at the moment given the supply chain challenges. However we believe we’ll see the electric J01 Cooper and U25 Countryman start production in November 2023. The J01 MINI Aceman should follow shortly after in late 2024.

MINI Aceman Photo Gallery

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While many of us are looking ahead at the massive changes MINI is about to make with the brand, there’s still one more year of production to be focused on. And today MINI USA has taken the wraps off of the subtle changes and 2024 model year prices that will close out the current generation of products. And even though this is the last year of production for these models, MINI USA has made some interesting equipment changes to the line-up.

It’s worth noting that MINI USA uses model years very differently than the rest of the world. In the UK and Europe the calendar year is directly tied to the model year. However in the US there’s a bit of grey area that allows brands to market cars made and sold in the 2023 calendar year as 2024 models. That’s why we’re talking about 2024 model year MINIs in February of 2023.

That aside there are some interesting changes for the 2024 model year that will appeal to enthusiasts. Yes the manual transmissions are back in four more models making seven in total within the line-up. Also back is the Untamed, Untold and Resolute special editions. Due to popular demand MINI USA is continuing production into 2024 model year.

Another big addition across the range is the re-introduction of the classic trim which will effectively lower the MSRP on all models. However gone are the days when the Oxford Edition sold for just over 20k. The starting price of the base MINI Cooper in Classic Trim is now $25,800. Still a fair car for the money in our eyes but a notable shift.

Read all the details in the official release below.

Official Release: MINI USA Announces 2024 MINI Prices

One of the most exciting announcements within the MY 2024 updates is the continued production of the MINI Untamed, Untold and Resolute special edition models. These special editions, which span the full model lineup, were launched in March 2022 and received additional enhancements with November 2022 production that included new body colors, interior upholsteries, and engine variants. These three Special Editions are available on the respective models equipped with the Iconic Trim.

Among the most prominent additions to the MINI MY 2024 lineup is the return of more hardtop and convertible models available with manual transmissions.  As of November 2022 production, MINI USA announced the return of manuals in its Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works 2-door hardtops.  MINI is now pleased to announce four additional models that will be available with a manual transmission. They include:

1. MINI Cooper Convertible
2. MINI Cooper S Convertible
3. MINI Cooper 4-Door Hardtop
4. MINI Cooper S 4-Door Hardtop

Ordering for these four additional models opened February 3 and will begin production March 1, bringing the total count of MINI models offered with a manual transmission to seven.

Additional Highlights:
As part of the MY 2024 updates, MINI USA will also reintroduce the base Classic Trim to all Hardtop, Clubman and Countryman models. The Signature Trim will also now feature MINI Navigation as included equipment, with Advanced Real Time Traffic Information built in.

The model year change comes with a host of updates across all models and trims including standard features and new option availability. Below is a summary of those updates and changes.

The MINI Hardtop 2 Door, MINI Hardtop 4 Door & MINI Convertibles

In addition to the return of available manual transmission in the MINI Convertibles and 4-door Hardtops, the following changes apply.

Now Available: Classic Trim
The Classic Trim is now an option for the MINI Hardtop 2 Door and 4 Door, available in Chili Red, or an upgrade to Nanuq White or Midnight Black II can be added. The Classic trim remains unavailable on the MINI Convertible, as well as the Iconic Trim in the Cooper variant of the Convertible.

Cooper SE Interiors: Upholstery Package
The all-electric Cooper SE models with the Signature Trim will now offer the Upholstery Package upgrade, following the examples of the rest of the MINI Hardtop 2-Door range.

The MINI Countryman and Clubman

Now Available: Classic Trim
The Classic Trim is also an option for MINI Clubman and Countryman models in Chili Red, or an upgrade to Nanuq White or Midnight Black II can be added.

Cooper SE ALL4 Trim Enhancements: More to Offer
The MINI Cooper SE ALL4 PHEV is now available with Signature Trim 2.0. This new entry level trim brings an attractive price and offer for those looking for a dual-fuel powertrain. Iconic Trim 2.0 also adds Power Tailgate, Parking Assistant, and Active Cruise Control.

Cooper Countryman: Classic Trim
The Cooper Countryman and Cooper Countryman ALL4 are exclusively available as Classic Trim only.

The MINI Special Editions

Untamed Edition
The MINI Untamed Edition is available in Nanuq White, or Momentum Grey on the Cooper S, Cooper S ALL4, or Cooper SE ALL4 Countryman as an add on to the Iconic Trim.

Untold Edition
The MINI Untold Edition is available in Sage Green or Midnight Black II on the Cooper S, Cooper S ALL4, or JCW ALL4 Clubman as an add on to the Iconic Trim.

Resolute Edition
The MINI Resolute Edition is available in Nanuq White, Enigmatic Black, or Rebel Green on the Cooper S and Cooper SE Hardtop 2-Door, Cooper S Hardtop 4 Door, and Cooper S Convertible as an add on to the Iconic Trim.

2024 MODEL YEAR PRICING*

U.S. pricing for the MY 2024 MINI Model lineup is as follows:

^{*Above pricing does not include $995 for Destination & Handling.}
 

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In a surprising move, MINI is announcing the launch of the 2023 electric MINI convertible following the successful preview of pre-production concept last summer. The highly limited production is set for one year of production and will be limited entirely to European sales.

Limited to just 999 cars the electric MINI Convertible Cooper SE takes the basic formula from the electric MINI Cooper SE hardtop with no mechanical changes. The move highlights MINI’s flexibility in a new as this is the first small series production of an electric vehicle for the brand. The MINI Cooper SE Convertible will be produced alongside the conventional MINI Convertible in the Netherlands.

“Three years ago we launched the all-electric MINI Cooper SE, and today one in five MINI sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible within only a few months. I’m delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling,”

Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI Brand.

With 1 in 5 MINIs sold in Europe electric, the electric MINI Convertible Cooper SE is both a stop-gap between two generations and a sign of things to come. MINI’s move to an all electric line-up maybe a decade away but its intentions have been made very public. This limited production of its second fully electric, series model shows just how serious MINI is about electrification.

We’ll have more on the new electric MINI Convertible in the days head.

Official Release: The 2023 Electric MINI Convertible

Following the positive feedback on the unique specimen presented in summer 2022, MINI is now going ahead with a small series of the all-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible which represents another big step in the direction of electric mobility. The world’s first locally emission-free premium convertible in the small car segment shortens the transition period to the introduction of the next-generation all-electric model family. From April 2023, the MINI Cooper SE Convertible will be available in Europe in a limited number of 999 vehicles. 

“Three years ago we launched the all-electric MINI Cooper SE, and today one in five MINI sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible within only a few months. I’m delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI Brand.

The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is available in Enigmatic Black and White Silver. Door handles, side scuttles and the surrounds of the front and rear lights are finished in Resolute Bronze. The MINI logos and the model lettering feature in elegant Piano Black to match. The E logo familiar from the MINI Cooper SE is found on the front apron and on the rear, thereby visually underlining locally emission-free driving fun.

Further edition-specific equipment details also adorn the door sill trims and side scuttles and, with the 1 of 999 lettering emphasising the exclusive character of the limited edition open-air MINI.

MINI takes on a pioneering role with the edition-specific alloy wheels. The 17″ cast alloy wheels in Electric Power Spoke 2-tone design are made of 100 percent secondary aluminium. The combination of green electricity during production and the use of the secondary raw material can significantly reduce CO2 emissions compared to conventional manufacturing processes.

Extensive interior equipment with MINI Electric Design features. 

The sports seats are in MINI Yours Leather Lounge design and feature seat heating and adjustable thigh support. The multifunctional sports leather steering wheel in Nappa leather finish contributes to the fun-to-drive atmosphere and stylish driving comfort and can also be heated. In the lower steering wheel spoke, the MINI Electric Badge highlights the limited character of the all-electric convertible. The exclusive Piano Black surfaces, which can be stylishly set off by the ambient lighting, also contribute to car’s exclusive status. The design of the interior emphasises the fully electric character of the open-top four-seater with yellow colour accents, such as the yellow start-stop toggle switch. 

In addition to numerous other features, the high-quality equipment is complemented in the cockpit by the eDrive services familiar from the MINI Cooper SE. These provides the driver with information on current energy consumption, range and tips for an economical driving style. All essential information is summarised on the MINI Head-Up Display while driving. On longer journeys, the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and the MINI Driving Assistant, among other features, enhance the comfort of the limited MINI Convertible with all-electric drive as standard.

Pure electrified go-kart feeling. 

With a length of 3,850 mm, a wheelbase of 2,495 mm, 1,727 mm width and 1,427 mm height, the dimensions, including the luggage compartment with 160 l load volume, remain unchanged compared to the conventionally powered MINI Convertible. The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor comes from the BMW Group’s electric mobility competence centres in Dingolfing and Landshut. Its small size enables particularly harmonious axle load distribution and favours agile and easily controllable handling. The electric drive accelerates the MINI Cooper SE Convertible smoothly from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds.

With a range of 201 kilometres determined in the WLTP test cycle, open-air excursions are possible well beyond the city limits. Up to 30 km/h, the fully electrically powered and thus particularly quiet textile soft top in MINI Yours style with typical Union Jack pattern can be opened, closed or set as a sliding roof.

From idea to small series – The electric MINI Convertible

With the MINI Cooper SE Convertible, MINI highlights its flexibility and has set up the production of a small series for the first time. The MINI Cooper SE Convertible will be produced in a limited edition of 999 vehicles alongside the conventional MINI Convertible in the Netherlands.

The post World Premier: The 2023 Electric MINI Convertible Cooper SE appeared first on MotoringFile.

The MINI Clubman is dead. Due to sales and a world that can’t enough of small crossovers, the wagon-like Clubman will soon end after an 8 year run. Beloved for its mix of utility and performance, the Clubman has become a cult favorite for the brand. However the passion of its owners won’t be enough to save it as MINI doubles down on crossovers with its next generation of cars.

The Clubman in particular has had a hard time finding an audience outside of Europe as small wagon sales have slowed to a crawl in many markets. And despite MotoringFile calling the JCW Clubman the best all around MINI ever made, it’s been a hard sell for dealers. Especially next to the taller more SUV like Countryman. 

And now MINI is making the Countryman even larger while introducing a smaller electric Aceman crossover the US might not even get. It’s a sad end to our favorite car in the MINI line-up

The Clubman has been our favorite MINI model since it’s introduction in 2013. We’ve run three of them over the years – a manual Cooper S All4, the 228 hp JCW and most recently a 306 hp JCW. While all were great cars, the 306 hp JCW Clubman might just be out favorite new MINI ever made. You can read a collection of reviews of that car below.

Why? Its mix of utility and performance is unmatched in the range. As a wagon (even if MINI won’t call it that) it has can deliver almost all of the utility a crossover offers with none of the performance trade-offs. Having driven a Clubman on everything from the Dragon to the track to snow covers mountain roads we can confidently say there is nothing that comes close to the broad capabilities of the Clubman – especially in JCW form. Saying it will be missed is a massive understatement.

The Final Chance to Order MINI Clubman

The end of production for the MINI Clubman is scheduled to be Q1 of 2024. More specifically we believe the last production month will be February of 2024. That means the ordering books will likely close in November or December as MINI winds down production. So if you’re interested in getting your hands on a car that likely grow in cult status, it’s now or never.

Our Favorite MINI Clubman Reviews

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Coinciding the the launch of its Manual School, MINI USA is announcing the return of more manual transmission models for 2023. On the occasion of the revised models MINI USAhas done some research that shows the surprisingly high interest in young drivers wanting to learn how to drive manuals.

The return of the manual models to the US marks some normalization within the production process for MINI as it begins to rebound from the constant series of world events that have effected production at the Oxford Plant. While the F56 MINI hatch has been available with manuals since this fall, MINI USA is expanding the option to all small MINIs sold in the US. Here’s a full rundown of what is now offered with a manual:

• F56 MINI Cooper 2-door Hardtop (November 2022)
• F55 MINI Cooper 4-door Hardtop (March 2023)
• F56 MINI Cooper S 2-door Hardtop (November 2022)
• F55 MINI Cooper S 4-door Hardtop (March 2023)
• F56 MINI John Cooper Works 2-door Hardtop (November 2022)
• F57 MINI Cooper Convertible (March 2023)
• F57 MINI Cooper S Convertible (March 2023)

As we’ve reported previously the MINI Clubman and Countryman (which are both in their last year of production) will not be offered with a manual moving forward. The with the next generation Clubman being discontinued for 2024 we’ve now seen the last of manuals in that model. While the Countryman will live on, it too will cease to offer a manual transmission across its model range.

Official Release – MINIUSA Announces Return of More Manual Transmission Models

Offering a fun and engaging experience behind the wheel, driving a manual transmission car is an art that many drivers are still familiar with, but few have the opportunity to practice today. To better understand consumer insights around manual transmissions, MINI USA recently conducted a consumer survey to find out just how people feel about manual transmissions today. Commissioned by Engine’s CARAVAN®, the survey found a few indicators that were both surprising and optimistic that show manual driving still has an opportunity to shine.

Validating the appeal of driving a manual transmission car, an impressive 63% of all respondents agree that learning how to drive a manual transmission is a rite of passage and an important life skill. Additionally, “fun to drive” was the top characteristic respondents most associated with a manual transmission vehicle. However, despite this, less than a quarter (24%) of all respondents indicated they own a manual-equipped car.

Regarding consumers’ knowledge of how to drive a manual, nearly half of all Gen Z (49%) and 42% of all women indicated they did not know how to drive a car with a manual transmission. When asked if they were willing to learn, more than half of all respondents (53%) indicated they are interested in learning.  Impressively, two thirds (67%) of younger respondents aged 18-34 were most eager to learn to drive a manual transmission car.

These results show a clear opportunity to impart the fun and engaging element of driving a manual to current and upcoming generations of drivers.  It comes at a time when MINI USA is announcing the return of more models available with manual transmissions.  As of November 2022 production, MINI USA announced the return of manuals in its Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works 2-door hardtops.  MINI is now pleased to announce four additional models that will be available with a manual transmission. They include:

1. MINI Cooper Convertible
2. MINI Cooper S Convertible
3. MINI Cooper 4-Door Hardtop
4. MINI Cooper S 4-Door Hardtop

Ordering for these four additional models have opened effective this week, and will begin production March 1, bringing the total count of MINI models offered with a manual transmission to seven.

Offering drivers the opportunity to learn to drive a manual, MINI USA in conjunction with the BMW Group Performance Center West in Thermal, CA, announced plans in November to launch a dedicated school.  Effective February 8th, 2023, registration for the MINI Manual Driving School is now open with the course available at a cost of $499.

This school is designed to welcome a new generation of manual drivers while allowing others to sharpen their skills after years of driving automatic.  The school creates a foundation for drivers to build their comfort with driving manual transmission vehicles, with a curriculum that focuses on vehicle controls, finding the friction point, practicing smooth starts, stops, acceleration, and more. At the conclusion of the course, participants will be tested on a timed course to assess the driver’s knowledge.

To learn more and register for the MINI Manual Driving School, see here.

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Over the last week we’ve brought you an exclusive look at how MINI intends to completely transform its line-up. While the brand’s products continues to sell well, there’s little debating they’re long overdue for not just a refresh but a rethink. That will happen across three different product categories starting late this year and into next and it will be nothing short of a revolution for the brand.

The U25 2024 MINI Countryman

Larger in every dimension and with loads more technology onboard, the new model will move MINI into direct competition with the ultra competitive small crossover segment. It will be the most diverse of all MINI products in terms of models and propulsion. Offered as both a pure ICE and pure electric, the Countryman will likely continue to be the brand’s volume seller globally.

MINI will debut the 2024 MINI Countryman in the second half of 2023 with an all-out model onslaught. Based on our sources, this is what we expect to see in terms of production timing.

Both Petrol and Electric Power Will Be Offered

Given the investment in electrification, MINI will revising its engine range and not replacing it. So things will look familiar but numbers will rise slightly. Based on what we know about the evolved three and four liter family of engines from BMW, we should see something close to the following:

• The 1.5 three cylinder which will be rated at 137 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque
• 2.0 four cylinder with varying tunes; 170 hp and 206 ft-lbs and 218 hp and 265 ft-lbs. 
• JCW branded 2.0 four cylinder with 330 hp
• All petrol engines will get a 48 volt mild hybrid system and will be mated to a revised 7-speed dual clutch with an all new gear selector design. 
• The manual transmission will be eliminated in all models.

The FAAR platform was designed from the ground up to accommodate a battery pack and electric motor as part of the brand’s plans to transition all products over the next decade. Again the BMW X1 (in this case the iX1) gives us a clue. Assuming MINI will be leveraging the same technical layout (which we’ve heard is the plan), we should expect the electric Countryman to have a peak output is 308 horsepower and 364 pound-feet of torque. Potentially branded as a JCW, the power comes from a modest 64.7-kWh t-shaped battery pack that produces 266 miles of range using the WLTP testing protocol. That would likely translate into something around 240 miles using the EPA testing. The iX1 supports DC fast-charging at up to 130 kW, which can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in only 29 minutes. 

For more information on the 2024 U25 MINI Countryman, head over to our U25 Countryman section.

The J01 2024 MINI Cooper (Electric)

The all new J01 2024 electric MINI Cooper is a watershed moment of the brand. It will be MINI’s first electric vehicle on a dedicated electric platform and will represent the first total rethink since the 2001 R50. Unlike the current MINI Cooper SE which was built on an existing ICE chassis, this new electric MINI will be designed from the ground up to be an electric car which will allow for improved performance, range and more MINI-like proportions. However until now we didn’t know MINI’s timing for its launch. Thanks to some of our trusted sources, we can now bring you a full view of not just the car, but when it will go into production. 

While we believe the J01 will eventually see production in the UK (around 2027), at launch it will exclusively be built in China for global export. The beginning of production is scheduled for November 2023 for both the Cooper E and faster Cooper SE variants. That should see a European market launch of early 2024. While there’s still a lot of question around the J01 coming to the US at launch (we’ll talk more about that in a minute), the earliest we’d see it in North American would be spring of 2024.

The 2024 Electric MINI Cooper (J01) Range & Performance

According to sources, the entry level electric MINI Cooper will launch with a 40kWh battery (compared to 28.9kWh in the current Cooper SE) combined with an electric engine producing around 180 hp. That should give the car a range between 180 and 200 miles depending on how it’s measured. That would be a dramatic increase over the current 110 range from the F56 based Cooper SE. And that’s the initial release so there’s surely more to come.

Head over to MotoringFile’s J01 MINI Cooper section for all the details on this completely new MINI.

The F66 2024 MINI Cooper (ICE)

MINI isn’t letting go of internal combustion engines (ICE) yet. In an unprecedented move there will be two next generation MINI Coopers (hatches) built on opposite ends of the planet on two different platforms. This move will allow MINI to offer innovative electric offerings while still selling to the traditional ICE market for as long as possible. But key to this will be upgrading the F56 to a more modern spec in terms of tech.

As you can tell by its codename, the F66 is an evolution of the F56 which is shared a chassis with. However MINI is refreshing the exterior design to better match the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper. That means we’ll see revised lights front and rear and even a slightly shortened front overhang. The key theme appears to be creating design consistency with the future of the brand – the all electric J01 MINI Cooper. The goal is clearly to unify the design language across all models allowing consumers to have a choice that feels strictly about the propulsion system and nothing else.

But what we didn’t know was MINI’s aggressive launch plans. As you can see above MINI will start production of the heavily revised F66 in March of 2024. Deliveries should start in April (for the UK and EU) and May for the US market.

For all of our reporting on the next generation F66 ICE MINI Cooper, check out the F66 section of MotoringFile

The post Exclusive: MINI to Transform Model Line-up in 2024 appeared first on MotoringFile.

The all new 2024 MINI Countryman is coming – sooner than you might think. Larger in every dimension and with loads more technology onboard, the new model will move MINI into direct competition with the ultra competitive small crossover segment. And until recently it was unclear exactly when we’d see this new, larger Countryman. However thanks to our sources we now have a clear understanding of the timing.

MINI will debut the 2024 MINI Countryman in the second half of 2023 with an all-out model onslaught. Based on our sources, this is what we expect to see in terms of production timing:

The obvious surprise here is that MINI will be staggering the launch of the ICE models but in a way not expected. They’re launching with the base and the top of the line JCW models. The model that will likely be the biggest seller in many markets, the Countryman S, will arrive in March of 2024.

However not surprisingly MINI will be waiting to launch the electric Countryman (likely called the Countryman E) with production beginning in March of 2024.

2024 MINI Countryman Engines And Transmissions

Given the investment going into electrifying the model range, MINI is playing it conservative when it comes to the ICE power plants. Because of that every petrol powered engine is a revision of an existing one. So things will look familiar but numbers will rise slightly. Based on what we know about the evolved three and four liter family of engines from BMW, we should see something close to the following:

• The 1.5 three cylinder which will be rated at 137 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque
• 2.0 four cylinder with varying tunes; 170 hp and 206 ft-lbs and 218 hp and 265 ft-lbs. 
• JCW branded 2.0 four cylinder with 330 hp and a mild hybrid system
• All petrol engines will get a 48 volt mild hybrid system and will be mated to a revised 7-speed dual clutch with an all new gear selector design. 
• The manual transmission will be eliminated in all models.

The All Electric 2024 MINI Countryman

Yes it’s coming and it’s powerful. The FAAR platform was designed from the ground up to accommodate a battery pack and electric motor as part of the brand’s plans to transition all products over the next decade. Again the BMW X1 (in this case the iX1) gives us a clue. Assuming MINI will be leveraging the same technical layout (which we’ve heard is the plan), we should expect the electric Countryman to have a peak output is 308 horsepower and 364 pound-feet of torque. Potentially branded as a JCW, the power comes from a modest 64.7-kWh t-shaped battery pack that produces 266 miles of range using the WLTP testing protocol. That would likely translate into something around 240 miles using the EPA testing. The iX1 supports DC fast-charging at up to 130 kW, which can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in only 29 minutes. 

Will it comes to the US? BMWNA cancelled the electric BMW iX1 due to range vs price concerns. The Countryman will have a similar range but could make more sense given its price will be slightly lower and aimed at a different demographic.

The 2024 MINI Countryman – The Most Maxi MINI Yet

Based on these photos and our sources, the all new 2024 MINI Countryman will be about 203 mm (almost 8 inches) larger – specifically in the rear. While MINI chose to modify the UKL chassis to shorten the rear giving the current Countryman slightly more MINI-like proportions, our sources tell us that this next generation car will more closely follow the BMW X1 in overall size. This will allow for a larger cargo area and more rear legroom. 

What about weight? Our sources are telling us that MINI will make use of advanced chassis design and plenty of new aluminum components to reduce the weight gain we’ll see. We can get an idea of weight by looking at the new BMW X1 which has a 3,750 lbs curb weight. That only up 24 lbs despite being marginally larger and being offered with more standard equipment. Given this we’d expect the next generation Countryman All4 will be close to the current car’s 3,726 lbs curb weight.

The post Exclusive: Next Generation 2024 MINI Countryman (U25) Launch Dates appeared first on MotoringFile.

The all new 2024 electric MINI Cooper will usher in a new era for the brand as its first electric vehicle on a dedicated electric platform. Unlike the current MINI Cooper SE which was built on an existing ICE chassis, this new electric MINI will be designed from the ground up to be an electric car which will allow for improved performance, range and more MINI-like proportions. However until now we didn’t know MINI’s timing for its launch. Thanks to some of our trusted sources, we can now bring you a full view of not just the car, but when it will go into production.

While we believe the J01 will eventually see production in the UK (around 2027), at launch it will exclusively be built in China for global export. The beginning of production is scheduled for November 2023 for both the Cooper E and faster Cooper SE variants. That should see a European market launch of early 2024. While there’s still a lot of question around the J01 coming to the US at launch (we’ll talk more about that in a minute), the earliest we’d see it in North American would be spring of 2024.

The 2024 Electric MINI Cooper (J01) Range & Performance

What makes the J01 Cooper such a massive car for MINI is that it’s the brand’s first electric vehicle on a dedicated electric platform. Unlike the current MINI Cooper SE which was built on an existing ICE chassis, this new electric MINI will be designed from the ground up to be an electric car which will allow for much improved performance and range. How improved?

According to sources, the entry level electric MINI Cooper will launch with a 40kWh battery (compared to 28.9kWh in the current Cooper SE) combined with an electric engine producing around 180 hp. That should give the car a range between 180 and 200 miles depending on how it’s measured. That would be a dramatic increase over the current 110 range from the F56 based Cooper SE. And that’s the initial release so there’s surely more to come.

The 2024 Electric MINI Cooper (J01) – The Return of the Minimal Interior

The other major step MINI is taking here is with the interior experience. Gone is the retro-futuristic details that have been part of MINIs for two decades. In their place is a clean, minimal aesthetic that harkens back to the original 1959 Mini. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be a massive technology upgrade. L1 and L2 autonomy features and a massive circular screen will be major additions as well a revised heads-up-display. The instrument cluster remains but will see the physical dials turn entirely into a screen.

In the center of it all is a massive, circular OLED display that will house everything from navigation to heating and cooling controls. Like other manufacturers, MINI will move a handful of traditional physical controls to the screen in an effort to simplify the interior and allow for more flexibility in functionality. While we have some concerns about usability of a move like this (a similar move in BMWs has been seen as a step backward) MINI has the luxury of seeing the where other automakers have taken missteps and might adjust accordingly.

The 2024 Electric MINI Cooper – An Evolutionary Design

The proportions are the first thing you notice when you see the new J01 MINI Cooper from the top. The hood is shrunk and the cabin now makes up a larger percent of the total car. It’s a move made possible by using a fully electric platform with an engine a fraction of the size of even the 1.5L 3 cylinder found in the current Cooper.

The proportions are right. That was our first thought when we first laid eyes on the J01. Even the belt-line to wheel ratio seems better judged than the current F56 generation of cars. The lights are also a big focus in the new car. While MINI has tried to hide the lights and the horizontal bar that dissects them – it’s clearly visible as is the dual LED design. Also visible is that the next generation light enclose will be smaller given that MINI is trying to hide its size by using the current dimensions as camo.

Around back things get a bit more revolutionary. That cut line around the taillights indicates an extra wide opening which should allow for easier loading. Those taillights we see on the test cars are completely fake as you can see the completely uncovered final version above.

MINI is leaning into digital customization inside and outside – specifically with these new taillights. Leveraging LED technology, an owner of the new J01 (or F66) Cooper can change how their front and rear lights look when on and active. Want Union Jack tail lights? Or how about something more minimal? MINI will offer a number of different designs that will help owners differentiate their cars.

Will the 2024 Electric MINI Cooper (J01) Come to the US?

Given that the J01 is made in China, it will see a 25% tariff added to it. That’s a massive amount for a small car intended to be affordable. How could MINIUSA overcome the 25% tariff on a small car with razor thin margins? There are several scenarios. The first (and the only one discussed publicly) would be to combine a slightly higher price with a reduction in dealer margin to make the car (slightly) profitable. The rational would be to build the brand’s EV credentials in the near term. 

But why can’t MINI simply move all production to the UK? It’s coming, but not right away. Given the thousands of components in the car (many Chinese), a move like that would be incredibly hard from a supply chain perspective. It would also not solve the tariff issues given those Chinese components would still be affected. Hence the time it will take to make such a dramatic move.

If we’re read between the lines, we believe MINI is working on several strategies in parallel to keep the latest MINI products in the US market. The first would be to use several economic levers to make the next generation (Chinese made) electric MINI Cooper financially viable in the US. The second is to begin a parallel sourcing of components (along with what could be a mid-cycle refresh) to bring these next generation cars to Oxford to be produced in MINI’s historical home.

The last point would be critical if MINI wants to transition entirely to electric cars by the early 2030s. They’ll need to solve these issues sooner later, why not solve both problems at once and have the J01 and J02 be made in England paving the way for their successors around 2030.

The post Exclusive: Next Generation 2024 Electric MINI Cooper (J01) Launch Dates appeared first on MotoringFile.

Over the past few months we’ve been exclusively reporting on the next generation MINI Cooper and Countryman, showing off some radical new details that will usher in a new era for the brand. However we haven’t had clarity on launch dates for each of the models until today. What we’ve found, through the help of our sources, is a radical approach that will rapidly revamp MINI’s entire family quicker than any of us expected. In an ongoing series, we’re going to be exclusively reporting on the launch dates of the next generation MINIs, starting with the iconic petrol powered (ICE) MINI Cooper.

The 2024 F66 MINI Cooper

MINI isn’t letting go of internal combustion engines (ICE) yet. In an unprecedented move there will be two next generation MINI Coopers (hatches) built on opposite ends of the planet on two different platforms. This move will allow MINI to offer innovative electric offerings while still selling to the traditional ICE market for as long as possible. But key to this will be upgrading the F56 to a more modern spec in terms of tech.

As you can tell by its codename, the F66 is an evolution of the F56 which is shared a chassis with. However MINI is refreshing the exterior design to better match the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper. That means we’ll see revised lights front and rear and even a slightly shortened front overhang. The key theme appears to be creating design consistency with the future of the brand – the all electric J01 MINI Cooper. The goal is clearly to unify the design language across all models allowing consumers to have a choice that feels strictly about the propulsion system and nothing else.

But what we didn’t know was MINI’s aggressive launch plans. As you can see below MINI will start production of the heavily revised F66 in March of 2024. Deliveries should start in April (for the UK and EU) and May for the US market.

For all of our reporting on the next generation F66 ICE MINI Cooper, check out the F66 section of MotoringFile.

2024 F66 MINI Cooper Gallery

The post Exclusive: Next Generation 2024 G66 MINI Cooper Launch Dates appeared first on MotoringFile.

A few weeks ago we brought you are first look at the next generation G56 MINI Cooper. The G56 is a substantial refresh of the F56 and will be MINI’s last internal combustion car when it debuts in 2024. As you can see in these photos, it’s been designed mimic the look of the all new J01 electric MINI Cooper. The idea it to create the semblance of one model offering two distinctly different drivetrains. However under the skin that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Design of the 2024 G56 MINI Cooper

We know that the G56 will be MINI’s last family of ICE (internal combustion engine) cars along with the last MINI offered with a manual. But these new photos show us much more. Below you can clearly see that MINI has retained the overall shape of the F56 but refined details including slightly reducing the front overhang. We’ve heard for years the brand had been toying with new crash materials that could pass pedestrian safety standards with less space needed. We also know that Oliver Heimler has gone as record several times that the current car’s front overhang is too large and not in fitting with the brand.

Looking deeper the key theme appears to be creating design consistency with the all electric J01 built in China. The goal is clearly to unify the design language across all models allowing consumers to have a choice that feels strictly about the propulsion system and nothing else.

MINI is radically changing the shape of the hatch to mimic the design choices made on the J01 electric MINI you see above. That means we’ll see fully customizable LED rear lighting that be a big departure from what we’re used to. Additionally MINI will introduce plastic trim that will stretch across the hatch connecting the rear lights. Finally it’s worth nothing that the Cooper models will have hidden exhausts. Given the brand is moving to all electric in the years ahead we expect that MINI wanted to visually reduce certain elements like exhausts on base models. The Cooper S and JCW models will retain them.

Wheels and tires sizes should stay the same as the F56 but we’ll see an entirely new family of designs throughout.

Why is MINI evolving the F56 after ten years in production?

We’ve been talking a lot about the upcoming all electric MINI offerings (the electric Cooper, Aceman and Countryman EV) but MINI isn’t letting go of internal combustion engines (ICE) yet. In an unprecedented move there will be two next generation MINI Coopers (hatches) built on opposite ends of the planet on two different platforms. This move will allow MINI to offer innovative electric offerings while still selling to the traditional ICE market for as long as possible. But key to this will be upgrading the F56 to a more modern spec in terms of tech.

G56 MINI Cooper

Massive Upgrade In Technology In the G56 MINI Cooper

There will be a biggest we can clearly see a camera and sensor module integrated into the top of the grille allowing this next generation of F56 MINIs to make use of L1 and perhaps even L2 autonomy features seen on some BMWs. Currently MINI has only one vaguely autonomous feature – adaptive cruise. While helpful it really does one thing – follow the car in front. MINI’s aim is to introduce this technology as an option meant primarily for highway purposes and likely only on automatic equipped MINIs. 

BMW’s current Active Driving Assistant Pro (optional on most mid-sized to larger BMWs) allows for Level 2+ below 81 MPH for 2023 models. That means you can take your hands off the wheel entirely as long as your eyes are on the road. The car will stop, go, turn and even change lanes on command. When that hits MINI models is yet to be seen but there’s no question it will eventually come.

But perhaps the most pressing reason for MINI to upgrade the Cooper’s camera system is newly introduced EU safety legislation that goes into affect in 2024. More specifically MINI needs to comply with the intelligent speed assistance (ISA) requirement that has the ability to limit cars speed in urban environments. Yes you read that right.

Yes that is a massive circular screen and it will be present on all next generation MINIs. What you see above is the screen sitting camouflaged plastic enclosure. The final version will allow the screen to float similar to what we saw a few months ago on the upcoming 2024 MINI electric hatch. 

Beyond the massive screen there’s a lot to take in here. The switches and knobs (which are actually marked) are also identical to what we saw in the electric hatch leak meaning that MINI is moving to a consistent user experience across all models no matter where they’re produced or what platform they’re on. The automatic transmission gear lever is now going to be on the dash and next to it the return of a twist to start rather than a button. From there MINI will have it’s “experiences” toggle (more to come on that) and volume knob.

The G56 MINI Cooper Engine Line-Up

Being the last of the line in terms of ICE engines, the key will be evolution and not revolution. The petrol powered range will use an evolved version of the current B48 engine range with mild-hybrid added to decrease CO2 and add performance. As we detailed in our recent preview of the next generation MINI Countryman, every petrol powered engine is a revision of an existing one. So things will look familiar but we believe numbers might rise slightly. The 1.5 three cylinder could use a more powerful BMW tune that would see it rise to 137 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Then there’s a series of 2.0 four cylinder that could also use various BMW tunes; 170 hp and 206 ft-lbs and 218 hp and 265 ft-lbs. 

Most petrol engines will get a 48 volt mild hybrid system and will be mated to a revised 7-speed dual clutch with an all new gear selector design. The manual transmission’s days may be numbered but we believe it will stick around in a couple trim levels on the new F56 through the end of the decade.

When Will The Refreshed Next Generation G56 MINI Cooper Launch?

With the test mules progressing quickly, we believe we’ll see the refreshed F56 (likely not to be called the F56) sometime in late 2023 or early 2024. We’d expect a tiered launch starting with the Cooper and Cooper S, followed by a JCW model. This will all happen in the shadow of the entirely new and all electric MINI Cooper built in China and meant primarily for Asia and Europe. We’ll have more on that car and MINI’s plan to get it to the US soon.

The post Exclusive: New Photos And Details On 2024 G56 MINI Cooper appeared first on MotoringFile.

The all new 2024 MINI Countryman is coming – sooner than you might think. Larger in every dimension and with loads more technology onboard, the new model will move MINI into direct competition with the ultra competition small crossover segment. And until recently it was unclear exactly when we’d see this new, larger Countryman. However thanks to our sources we now have a clear understanding of the timing.

MINI will debut the 2024 MINI Countryman in the second half of 2023 with an all-out model onslaught. Based on our sources, this is what we expect to see in terms of production timing:

The obvious surprise here is that MINI will be staggering the launch of the ICE models but in a way not expected. They’re launching with the base and the top of the line JCW models. The model that will likely be the biggest seller in many markets, the Countryman S, will arrive in March of 2024.

However not surprisingly MINI will be waiting to launch the electric Countryman (likely called the Countryman E) with production beginning in March of 2024.

2024 MINI Countryman Engines And Transmissions

Given the investment going into electrifying the model range, MINI is playing it conservative when it comes to the ICE power plants. Because of that every petrol powered engine is a revision of an existing one. So things will look familiar but numbers will rise slightly. Based on what we know about the evolved three and four liter family of engines from BMW, we should see something close to the following:

• The 1.5 three cylinder which will be rated at 137 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque
• 2.0 four cylinder with varying tunes; 170 hp and 206 ft-lbs and 218 hp and 265 ft-lbs. 
• JCW branded 2.0 four cylinder with 330 hp and a mild hybrid system
• All petrol engines will get a 48 volt mild hybrid system and will be mated to a revised 7-speed dual clutch with an all new gear selector design. 
• The manual transmission will be eliminated in all models.

The All Electric 2024 MINI Countryman

Yes it’s coming and it’s powerful. The FAAR platform was designed from the ground up to accommodate a battery pack and electric motor as part of the brand’s plans to transition all products over the next decade. Again the BMW X1 (in this case the iX1) gives us a clue. Assuming MINI will be leveraging the same technical layout (which we’ve heard is the plan), we should expect the electric Countryman to have a peak output is 308 horsepower and 364 pound-feet of torque. Potentially branded as a JCW, the power comes from a modest 64.7-kWh t-shaped battery pack that produces 266 miles of range using the WLTP testing protocol. That would likely translate into something around 240 miles using the EPA testing. The iX1 supports DC fast-charging at up to 130 kW, which can charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in only 29 minutes. 

Will it comes to the US? BMWNA cancelled the electric BMW iX1 due to range vs price concerns. The Countryman will have a similar range but could make more sense given its price will be slightly lower and aimed at a different demographic.

The 2024 MINI Countryman – The Most Maxi MINI Yet

Based on these photos and our sources, the all new 2024 MINI Countryman will be about 203 mm (almost 8 inches) larger – specifically in the rear. While MINI chose to modify the UKL chassis to shorten the rear giving the current Countryman slightly more MINI-like proportions, our sources tell us that this next generation car will more closely follow the BMW X1 in overall size. This will allow for a larger cargo area and more rear legroom. 

What about weight? Our sources are telling us that MINI will make use of advanced chassis design and plenty of new aluminum components to reduce the weight gain we’ll see. We can get an idea of weight by looking at the new BMW X1 which has a 3,750 lbs curb weight. That only up 24 lbs despite being marginally larger and being offered with more standard equipment. Given this we’d expect the next generation Countryman All4 will be close to the current car’s 3,726 lbs curb weight.

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