Mini, the iconic British brand under BMW’s ownership, is making significant strides in its product lineup, including the development of a five-door version of its latest Cooper hatchback. Stefanie Wurst, the company’s CEO, shared this exciting news with Autocar during the 2023 IAA Mobility Munich event.
Expanding the Mini Family
The upcoming five-door hatchback will join Mini’s existing lineup, which includes the recently unveiled three-door Cooper, the five-door Countryman crossover, and the highly anticipated Aceman, slated for debut next year. The Aceman, a compact five-door urban crossover, will fall between the Countryman and the Cooper in terms of size and positioning.
Wurst also revealed that Mini has more in store for enthusiasts, including the development of an all-new convertible model and sporty John Cooper Works variants for all its core models. This signifies an exciting era of expansion and innovation for Mini.
The Future of Mini’s Electric Lineup
While the 2024 Mini Cooper three-door and 2024 Mini Countryman have already been unveiled as all-electric models, it’s worth noting that traditional internal combustion engine variants will also be introduced at a later date. Although Stefanie Wurst didn’t explicitly mention it, it’s reasonable to assume that the upcoming five-door and convertible Mini Cooper models will share the same powertrain options as the new three-door Cooper.
These electric powertrains are expected to feature a front-mounted electric motor, delivering 181 horsepower in the Cooper E variant and a more potent 214 hp in the Cooper SE trim.
Production Plans
Mini’s production strategy involves building the Countryman in Germany, while the Cooper will enter production in China. Notably, the Aceman is the result of a 50:50 joint venture between the BMW Group and Great Wall Motor, solidifying Mini’s commitment to electric mobility.
In contrast to the Cooper and Countryman, which will offer traditional internal combustion engine versions, the Aceman will be exclusively electric. It will provide the same two drivetrain options as the Cooper BEV, with power outputs of 181 hp and 214 hp, respectively.
Conclusion
Mini’s expansion into the electric vehicle market is a testament to its commitment to innovation and sustainability. With a growing lineup that includes the upcoming five-door Cooper and convertible, along with the electrified Aceman, Mini is poised to cater to a diverse range of preferences and needs. Keep an eye on Mini for more exciting developments in the world of electric mobility.