What's the news?
MINI has revealed its centrepiece for the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in the shape of the Electric Concept. No prizes for guessing what this one is all about... Based on the three-door MINI hatch, the Electric Concept previews the company's first ever fully electric production model, due out in 2019 (not to be confused with the 600-vehicle field trial that was the MINI E in 2008), though MINI has not confirmed if the new showroom EV will be of the same size and shape as this show car.
Instead, we get lots of grey, silver, white and yellow stylising of the existing MINI design with some suitably concept-car-only detailing. The Electric Concept features reprofiled and seemingly widened arches that lead into protruding side sills and a wide, deep new front apron. Despite appearances, however, those large 'air intakes' up front are just for show, as the electric motor mounted under the bonnet doesn't need a lot of cooling. Hence the more or less blanked off radiator grille. A pair of new all-LED lights are added up front for good measure.
The rear lights stand out from an otherwise remarkably smooth back end, utilising LEDs to depict half of the Union Jack on each of the lamps. The hatch itself is shorn of a number plate, while the badges are flush with the matte-finish paintwork. Below is a sporting new bumper that hints at centrally mounted exhausts, but obviously doesn't have any. It's highly likely we're being shown aspects of the next generation MINI's design, here.
Cool four-spoke asymmetrically designed alloy wheels continue the design theme while mimicking those of the first generation MINI GP. They were created using 3D printing technology, and other body parts of the concept are made from glass fibre.
Unfortunately, MINI doesn't tell us much about the powertrain. It's presumed that the 2019 production model will have a front-mounted motor sending power to the front wheels. Options from the existing line-up include the 88hp/165Nm motor from the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 or even the 184hp/270Nm motor in the recently revealed BMW i3s.
"With its characteristic go-kart feeling and powerful electric motor, the MINI Electric Concept is great fun to drive while also being completely suitable for everyday use - and producing zero emissions to boot. That's how we at MINI envisage electric mobility in tomorrow's world," says Peter Schwarzenbauer, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad.
Anything else?
A word on the design from Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design: "The MINI Electric Concept is a quintessential MINI - compact, agile, simply the ideal companion for everyday driving. At the same time, it conveys a whole new take on the concept of sportiness. Indeed, aerodynamics and lightweight design aren't just important in the world of motor sport; they are also essential factors for maximising electric range. The car's surfaces have a sense of precision and contemporary clarity about them that lends added impact to the car's efficient character. Plus, striking accents and vivid contrasts give the exterior that distinctive MINI twist."