The modern Mini Cooper was launched in 2001, some 42 years after the British firm launched the original model. This time build under BMW Group ownership, the Mini became more of a fashion statement rather than an affordable, people's car, but this is exactly what turned it into a big hit. Redesigned in 2006 and 2013, the Cooper grew larger and larger and gained more technology with each generation. In 2017, Mini introduced its first hybrid model, the S E Countryman All4, and it's now looking to launch its first-ever electric car. And it just unveiled the Mini Electric Concept ahead of the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Designed as a preview for a production model that will be introduced in 2019, the Mini Electric Concept arrives almost ten year since Mini built its first EV, the Mini E. More of a demonstration vehicle rather than a production car, the Mini E was produced between 2009 and 2010 in the form of a three-door Cooper. More than 600 cars were deployed in several countries for on-road testing in a project that eventually led to a couple of BMW trial cars and finally the i3. A modern reinterpretation of the Mini E, the Electric Concept moves Mini one step closer to joining the EV market. It's a bit late to the party, but as they say, better late than never.

Updated 09/19/2017: We added a series of new images taken during the concept's debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mini Electric Concept.

2017 MINI Electric Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 MINI Electric Concept
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

A quick glance at the Mini Electric concept is enough to see that the EV is actually a reworked Cooper. Now before you say that Mini should've created a more futuristic vehicle, keep in mind that the Cooper is the company's most iconic car and the company's best shot to make it in this niche. Also, the concept sports quite a few modifications compared to the standard model, so as far as design goes, I like it a lot.

The front fascia brings quite a few new features. While the typical hexagonal grille retains the shape and size of the Cooper, its design is completely different. Since the electric drivetrain requires very little cooling, the traditional grille was closed in order to improve aerodynamics. A Striking Yellow accent stripe and round "E" badge complete this assembly.

The same goes for the headlamps, which retain the traditional Mini shape, but feature a new LED cluster. The plastic covers have also been removed for a more futuristic look. Down below, there's a redesigned bumper with an aggressive, splitter-like lower section. Although it appears to sport four air intakes, these are actually simulated and do not let air go through.

Moving onto the sides, there are plenty of new design features to talk about. The rims have a unique design that according to Mini pick up on the idea of the radiator grille. All I see if four rectangular cutouts, with one longer than the other three. It also has a yellow accent ring, like most design elements on this car. On top of that, the rims were designed using a 3D printing process, which has become increasingly popular with concept cars lately.

Another unique feature you won't find on the regular mini is the molded fiberglass on the side skirts. More bright yellow accents can be seen above the skirts and on the mirrors, as well as a combination of matte and high-gloss grey on the door. The yellow in the side skirts gains transparency as it rises, while the roof color flows from matte white to high-gloss yellow toward the rear. Now this is color option I'd like to see on the standard Mini Cooper.

We can see more bespoke features around back, starting with the LED dot matrix taillights that each form half of the Union Jack flag. Just in case you forget that the Mini Cooper is a British vehicle. There's also a significantly wider bumper with air deflectors and a fiberglass diffuser, a yellow accent strip and "MINI ELECTRIC concept" lettering. Like all EVs, the Mini doesn't have exhaust pipes, but the dark louvered surfaces in the bumper simulate air outlets.

All told, this concept car looks like a next-generation Mini Cooper enhanced by feature we'd usually find on all-electric vehicles. Which is cool.

Interior

Interior from 2015 Mini Cooper S


Mini had nothing to say about the interior and did not release any photos. So I guess it's safe to assume that this concept car is only about aesthetics. But if this EV has an interior, I bet it's very similar to the standard model and includes the big round center stack, the large speedo behind the steering wheel, and an overall clean dashboard design. Of course, being a concept it could have a few fancy features like special materials and bright yellow accent stitching and detailing, but I'm not expecting anything wild.

Drivetrain

Likewise, Mini had nothing to say about the drivetrain, except that it's 100-percent electric. This also means that theoretically we don't know what powertrain we will find in the upcoming Mini EV. However, if we take a closer look at BMW's current lineup, there's just one option. And it's called the i3.

Updated for the 2018 model year, the i3 uses a synchronous electric motor that generates a maximum output of 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Hitting 62 mph from a standing start takes 7.3 seconds, while top speed is limited to 93 mph. The battery provides a range of up to 186 miles on the European NEDC cycle and up to 158 miles as per the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), but a range of around 124 miles in everyday driving conditions is more likely according to BMW.

I wouldn't be surprised to find this exact configuration in the Mini EV, although some specs might differ and the Cooper could be a tad slower due to the extra weight. After all, the i3 was design as a unique car, while the Mini would have to share some underpinnings with the conventional Cooper.

BMW also offers an i3s version of its EV. In this model, output increases to 184 horsepower and 199 pound-feet thanks to a modified motor control and taper roller bearing that further optimize power delivery at higher rpm. Getting to 62 mph takes 6.9 seconds, while top speed jumps to 99 mph. Mileage, on the other hand, drops to 174 and 152 miles on the NEDC and WLTP cycle, respectively, but the everyday driving conditions estimate remains the same at 124 miles.

You know what this means don't you? The Mini EV could get its very own S version, just like the regular Cooper.

Furthermore, with both the i3 and i3s available with a range-extender in the form of a two-cylinder gasoline engine, Mini could also benefit from this small unit. Rated at 38 horsepower, it drives a generator that produces power while driving to maintain a constant level of charge in the high-voltage battery. This feature extends the car’s range in everyday use by 93 miles, bringing it up to a maximum of 205 miles. That's a solid range that would enable Mini to give the Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3 a run for their money.

Conclusion

There isn't much I can say about the Mini Electric. The British firm made a few very cool revisions to the current design, but let's face it, that's exactly what you expect from a concept car. I have to give Mini credit for turning the already familiar Mini into a fancy show car, but that's it. I'm also a bit disappointed that the carmaker didn't showcase the car's interior. And judging by this, I'm assuming Mini didn't even bother to create something unique and it this concept is probably a standard cooper on the inside. Also, I would've like to see some drivetrain specs. Or at least some clever PR about how Mini will change the market and all that jazz. I'm not a big fan of PR talk, but I also hate it when concept cars come with dull descriptions and very little information. Still, this concept brings good news: Mini is finally taking the all-electric route after almost a decade since it created its first electric vehicle.

References

MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4

Read our full review on the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.

Read more Mini news.