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.
Speaking to Autocar at this year’s IAA, Heilmer says that Mini will undergo an evolution of style but the icon of its range remaining a three-door hatchback. It’s understood that concepts such as the Urbanaut could give us a hint as to what we can expect.
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.
Heilmer assures that the halo of the brand will be a more revolutionary product that will not stray too far from the iconic presence of the original Mini.
“Yes, you go even more radical. Just look at the Urbanaut. The closer you get to the original icon, the less revolutionary you become. The Urbanaut is the furthest away from the original hatch, but we can extend the brand more the further away we go from the original car.”
Via GWM, a new electric crossover is also on the cards for Mini but will not replace the German-built Countryman. The former will retain its petrol options and introduce a range of electrified alternatives.
Other Mini products rumoured to be on the cards is a small electric MPV which will bear the Traveller moniker. A production version of the aforementioned Urbanaut concept is also under consideration.
When asked how diverse the Mini range could grow, Heilmer said “It’s a topic we discuss every two weeks.
“We talk of new models, different models, and first ask about whether it’s a brand fit and not just doing the car for the sake of it. Interestingly, we’re not exploding to eight to 10. It’s always around four or five. It’s always important to question models and ask if they will have a market in the future. We’re in that process now, not for the next four to five years but the years after that.”
