““The”” Mini Vision Urbanaut is not really a new concept as the design of the vehicle was first showcased back in November last year. The Vision Urbanaut concept has now been ultimately realized from those 3D mockups and can be experienced at BMWs Design studio in Munich, come July the 1st.

The Mini Brand Reimagined - with the Urbanaut

The British Manufacturer appears keen to keep pushing this Mini-van concept ahead. The brand's ultimate goal is to anticipate the elements and future stylistic features of upcoming Minis with the British brand set to go electric by 2030.

With the notion of self-driving and shared vehicles expanding, the future of vehicle design will be focused more on the use of space within the vehicle rather than the exterior, which will eventually shift towards some kind of low-profile aesthetic. The Vision Urbanaut is a very smart example of this concept and Mini essentially wants you to forget the Urbanaut as being a vehicle.

Clever use of space

Oliver Heilmer, the head of Design at MINI has really adopted a fairly tricky method to minimize the presence of the automobile when it is not in use. The entire vehicle is designed to resemble a modest yet functional living space.

This vehicle develops an idea of how the automaker can bring typical Mini attributes, such as the intelligent use of space into the future of mobility, and interpret them in a way that is consistent with Mini's identity. The Mini Vision Urbanaut represents the brand's idea of how Mini could provide an answer to the needs of future cities and lifestyles.  

While the original virtual mock-up from last year was generated using just augmented reality technologies, the treatment of spaces has tangibly changed in the physical model.

As a result, it is a Mini, unlike anything we've seen before, more resembling a future minivan than the famed English city car created from Alec Issigonis' pencil in 1959. But the design ethos of that original car is intact, in that it maximizes the use of space within the smallest footprint possible.

Three "moments" change the vehicle.

The design emphasizes smart use of cabin space, with front swiveling seats, a retractable steering wheel, a lowered sofa center console, a window-like opening front glass, and a rearward-facing camera. We haven't seen an open frontal glass design in over half a century.

The interior arrangement of the Vision Urbanaut alters depending on what is being touted as MINI Moments. Essentially, they are like modes, where the vehicle and space adapt depending on the MOMENT you choose. There are three Moments to choose from Chill,Wanderlust and Vibe.

Let’s dwell a little deeper into each one of them, shall we?

Chill Moment

The Chill moment urges you to take a deep breath and take a break. The car becomes a kind of hideaway, a safe haven where you may rest. While the back seat bench - Cosy Corner allows for a variety of seating and lying positions, the lighted Loop above it has the illusion of a green forest canopy. The round instrument in the center folds down to form a table lamp, removing any displays or switches that would remind the customer of them being inside an automobile.

Wanderlust Moment

Wanderlust is the only MINI moment in which the vehicle is performing its function for mobility. At this point, the inside becomes the ideal location for driving or being driven by the car. If you wish to take control of driving the vehicle yourself, can do so by tapping the MINI emblem which brings out the steering wheel and pedals. Furthermore, the user interface on the center circular instrument modifies its aesthetics; in addition to an animation of the route, additional journey information – such as visitor attractions and arrival time – are shown here for passengers on board.

Vibe Moment

The Vibe moment prioritizes time spent with other people in every way. Opening the side door and folding up the windscreen creates an inviting environment that blurs the lines between the outdoors and indoors. The central circular instrument is transformed into a media control center. To create a pleasant club ambiance, an animation of graphic equalizers moving with the music is projected onto the surfaces of the front, rear, wheels, and Loop over the rear seat bench.

Finally, there's a fourth option, the configurable "my moment," which gives customers even more leeway in tweaking the vehicle's design to their specific wants and wishes.

Final Thoughts

A great degree of thought has also been put into the use of sustainable and recycled materials in the cabin. For example, instead of standard leather and chrome parts, the interior is made from soft recycled wool, polyester, cork, and fabrics making the automobile feel more like a small living room, with driving elements like the steering and control pedals.

The Vision Urbanaut, is a zero-emissions vehicle and it’s not just a clay model, but an actual prototype that has a drivetrain. It joins the likes of the Volkswagens ID Buzz and the Mercedes Benz EQT in a new segment that's heating up, the EV Minivan Class.

As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, the Vision Urbanaut will make its debut at the DLD in Munich in just a few days on July 1st. The vehicle might also potentially be displayed at the IAA show in September.