The next-generation Mini Cooper has been spotted without any camouflage. The upcoming model boasts a familiar looking front but the rear design has been changed quite a bit. This new generation will arguably be the biggest deviation from the original model.
At the front, the Mini Cooper shows of an evolved face with smoother contours across the bumper and bonnet. The large circular LED headlamps remain as well as the bold plastic divider that runs through the grille. Throughout the front, a series of cameras and parking sensors interrupt the smooth lines.
New MINI @MINI@BMW @BMWGroup @GWMGlobal pic.twitter.com/GFq55Rw2ai
— Greg Kable (@GregKable) December 10, 2021
The rear is a bit less conventional as the Mini Cooper does away with its iconic rectangular taillamps for a more triangular shape. A gloss black bar runs along the tailgate to connect the two LED clusters. The bumper sports a subtle black diffuser, parking sensors and reflectors on each end.
The cabin of the new Mini Cooper remains largely the same but a highlight here is the round frameless screen that now floats atop the dashboard. Said dash also now uses a microfibre finish with an interesting buckle design cue fitted to the passenger side.
As the partnership between GWM and Mini solidifies, the Bavarian-owned British marque confirms that a line-up of radical products with varying body styles. Design boss Oliver Heilmer confirms that the upcoming products have officially been signed off and we can expect to see them soon.
The upcoming Mini range will be split into two divisions. The petrol-powered models will continue to be produced in Oxford and make use of the current platform with conclusive revisions. A new electric model will accompany this but will make use of a dedicated EV platform partly developed by GWM. We can expect both models to debut by 2023.