Mini is continuing to develop the next generation of the electric-powered 3-door. This time, a prototype was seen in cold weather testing in northern Europe. The vehicle had already been seen in China. Why China? Because that’s where it will be assembled, from 2023. For its next electric models, BMW, the parent company of Mini, has partnered with Great Wall Motors.

The current Mini is already successful in electric, since the Cooper SE version already represents a third of sales of the 3-door. However, the next generation will be a transition phase, since the manufacturer will always offer thermal variants, produced in England.

The thermal should be a new evolution of the current one, while the electric will be a new model. It will indeed have a base dedicated to this type of engine, shared with Great Wall. The Mini should thus be able to offer a larger battery than the current version, which has a 32.6 kWh battery which gives a WLTP range of 234 km.

The new base will be an opportunity to develop the style. Of course, we will always recognize the Mini at first glance, the silhouette hardly moving as we see with this prototype. We will thus find all the glazing designed in one block or the round optics.

But beware of camouflage tricks! The look should thus gain in finesse, with smaller headlights. The most visible change will be at the rear, with a new shape of lights, with a triangular point towards the trunk. We also expect a marked development on board.