Next Generation MINI Hatch To Be Split Between Electric And Petrol
„(…) The Next Hatch To Be Split Between Two Models
The F56 hatch will be produced for nearly ten years before it’s officially done. However much of that chassis will live on in its successor. The next generation internal combustion hatch will be heavily based on the F56 and will be made at Plant Oxford. Much like the transition between the R50 and the R56, key elements will be reengineered but much of the core structure will remain the same. This will allow for cost savings as BMW launches the parallel all electric MINI hatch designed on a completely separate platform and built in China by Great Wall Motors.
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The electric hatch will offering much more performance and range than the current Cooper SE If rumors are to be believe, MINI will make use of the Ora Kat’s single electric motor producing 169bhp and 184lb ft, (which results in a 0-31mph in 3.8sec) and come with driver assistance systems not seen in small cars before. It will also feature a range of around 250 miles in base form. That last number is identical to what we’ve heard from sources about the next generation MINI (although expect that to be closer to 200 miles on the EPA’s testing cycle). We’d also expect a Cooper S and even JCW variant with even greater performance.
Massive Leap In Technology & Infotainment
Here’s where things get really interesting. In the BMW version we’ll see the all-new BMW Operating System 8 debut. Note this is not called iDrive because the iDrive controller is gone in this application. We’d expect MINI to follow suit. In our minds it’s a step backwards given the data that points to a multi-function controller being safer to use while driving. And having tested the new BMW OS8 recently we can also say things have gotten much more complex in both functionality and usability.
Yet MINI has a history of going their own way in terms of infotainment so we expect an in-car experience that feels more intuitive and much more MINI. It’s unclear if MINI will carry over the two large screens seen above.
The Next Generation MINI Hatch Timeline
We believe the next generation internal combustion hatch and separate electric model should both debut sometime in late 2023. What models will be available at launch is a mystery as is the JCW sub-brand product strategy. It’s expected MINI will offer both petrol and electric JCW models but that launch might be staggered.
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