Clear exterior design accents give it a purist appearance that emphasises the hallmark design features. In addition, the innovative Multitone Roof creates unique individualisation opportunities. In the interior, the extensively redesigned cockpit underlines the premium character of the MINI 3-door Hatch, the MINI 5-door Hatch and the MINI Convertible. Attractive additions to the range of standard and optional equipment, new exterior paint finishes, light-alloy wheels, interior and seating surfaces as well as innovative technology in the areas of chassis, driver assistance systems, operation and connectivity round off the latest update for the British brand’s small car models.
Twenty years after the launch of the modern MINI, the latest model generation presents itself in top form. The concept associated with the relaunch of the brand, namely, to build
premium cars for the small car segment, has turned into a unique and global success story. Today, MINI is the epitome of agile driving combined with an unmistakable look; it meets the highest standards in terms of technology and quality in its vehicle class. “With the current model revision, the MINI has reached a level of maturity that makes it more exceptional in the small car segment with regard to design, product substance and premium quality, than ever before,” says Bernd Körber, Head of the MINI brand. “The MINI is the
original that stands out from the crowd and it continues to reinvent itself again and again.”
The global market launch of the latest edition of the MINI-3 door Hatch, MINI 5-door Hatch and MINI Convertible models will begin in March 2021. In a model-specific version, the
comprehensive design, technology and premium quality update also gives fresh impetus to the all-electric MINI Cooper SE in continuing its successful push into the electric vehicle
segment. The latest version of the extreme athlete, the MINI John Cooper Works, also benefits from a model-specific further development of its design and product substance.
“The MINI’s increased product substance is visible at first glance and is noticeable everywhere,” says project manager Petra Beck. “This applies to the design, the materials and
the quality feel in the interior as well as to the numerous new functions with regard to operation, driving fun and driver assistance.”
Purify MINI: The new exterior design.
A new exterior design language now puts the unmistakable appearance of the MINI in a decidedly purist light. Above all, the enhanced aesthetics ensure that the central design features of the MINI become even more apparent and modern by means of reduction. The front view of the MINI 3-door Hatch, including the MINI Cooper SE, the MINI 5-door Hatch and the MINI Convertible is particularly expressive. It is dominated more than ever by the characteristic radiator grille, the hexagonal surround that now takes up significantly more space, and by the round hallmark MINI headlights. The position lights are replaced by vertical air inlets placed far to the outside, which serve as an opening for the air curtains in order to optimise aerodynamics. The central bumper strip, which also functions as a number plate holder, is now in body colour rather than in black.
“The new MINI design is more modern, fresher and clearer,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design. “All innovations follow a common mission: Purify MINI! Less complexity, more individuality.” Typical MINI proportions and short overhangs continue to define the side view. The new contours of the wheel arch surrounds are striking. In addition, the side indicators integrated into the redesigned side scuttles now feature LED technology. A reduced surface design characterises the rear view of the combustion engine powered MINI model variants. A black surround picks up the hexagonal shape of the radiator grille. The rear fog light is now integrated into the rear apron as a narrow LED unit.
Each roof is unique: The Multitone Roof.
Contrasting colours for the roof and exterior mirror caps are among the most striking design features that have made MINI a pioneer when it comes to customisation. In addition to the Jet Black, Aspen White and Melting Silver paintwork, as well as Chili Red for the MINI John Cooper Works, an innovative and globally unique variant of the roof paint finish is offered for the MINI 3-door Hatch and the MINI 5-door Hatch. The new Multitone Roof features a colour gradient from San Marino Blue through Pearly Aqua to Jet Black, created with a new painting technique and by extending from the windscreen frame to the rear. For this purpose, the three colour shades are applied one after the other in a wet-on-wet painting process. This paint finish, known as Spray Tech, is fully integrated into the mechanised production process at the MINI Oxford plant in the UK. Nevertheless, slight deviations in the colour pattern occur due to changing environmental conditions, so that every MINI with Multitone Roof is already unique ex works.
“The new Multitone Roof for the MINI is not only the most expressive form of contrast paint to date, it also takes the brand’s hallmark ex works customisation options to a new level,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design. “And because every roof looks a little bit different and is so unique, it pays to look closely more than ever.”
Three new exterior paint finishes, three new light-alloy wheels.
The choice of body paint finishes includes three new colours. In addition to the Rooftop Grey metallic and Island Blue metallic exterior paint finishes, the Zesty Yellow variant, initially only available for the MINI Convertible, will also be available. As part of the Piano Black Exterior option, the door handles, side scuttles, fuel cap, MINI logos on the bonnet and luggage compartment lid and the model lettering and tailpipes of the exhaust system are now finished in high-gloss black in addition to the surrounds of the headlights, radiator grille and rear lights.
The range of light-alloy wheels available for the MINI has also been extensively renewed. Three new variants are available: a black version of the 17-inch Pedal Spoke variant that had been previously introduced exclusively for the 60 Years Edition models, and 18-inch light-alloy wheels in Pulse Spoke design, with a concentric bi-colour look that creates particularly impressive design accents, as well as John Cooper Works light-alloy wheels in Circuit Spoke black design.
Dark headlights, brightly illuminated roads: LED lights now standard.
A new, expressively designed version of the LED headlights will be standard equipment on the MINI-3 door Hatch, the MINI 5-door Hatch and the MINI Convertible. The inner housing of the characteristic round lights is no longer in chrome, but in black. LED units for the low beam and the high beam ensure bright and even illumination of the road. A circumferential light band takes on the function of the daytime running lights and the turn indicators.
The range of functions of the optional Adaptive LED headlights includes the cornering light, the matrix high beam and the bad weather light. When turning, a separate light beam automatically falls on the lane where the driver is headed. The high beam is also automatically controlled according to the respective traffic situation at speeds of more than 70 km/h. For this purpose, the corresponding LED unit is divided into four segments that can be activated and deactivated independently of each other. This matrix function makes it possible to avoid dazzling other road users. As soon as the MINI front camera registers an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle driving ahead, the space that vehicle occupies is only illuminated at low beam brightness. The bad weather light can also be activated at the touch of a button. When visibility is limited, for example due to fog or heavy rain or snow, the low beam can be supplemented by a dimmed cornering light to illuminate the road more intensively.
Rear lights in Union Jack design now standard.
The characteristic rear lights in Union Jack design are now also part of the standard equipment range for the MINI 3-door Hatch, the MINI 5-door Hatch and the MINI Convertible. The British flag-inspired graphic of the rear lights is particularly emphasised by a darker version of the pattern. All functions of the rear lights are in LED technology with the exception of the reversing light.
Interior: Clear design, high-quality finish.
The redesigned interior of the MINI 3-door Hatch, MINI 5-door Hatch and MINI Convertible is sophisticated, modern and of particularly high quality. New to the range are sports seats in the Light Chequered colour variant, which perfectly complement the Zesty Yellow exterior paint finish. The familiar Black Pearl fabric quality is given a new, expressive check look in hallmark British MINI style. The seams at the transition to the black imitation leather of the seat bolsters feature a colour scheme that matches the fabric of the seat surfaces.
The design of the Colour Line, which was previously selectable as an individual option, is now harmoniously matched to the respective seat upholstery colour. The number of chrome elements has been significantly reduced throughout the interior. The two outer, round air outlets are now framed by black panels. The internal air vents have been completely redesigned and are now embedded to be flush with the interior surface. The interior surface,optionally available in MINI Yours Aluminium variants as well as the Electric for the MINI Cooper SE, now extends across the entire width of the instrument panel into the driver’s area.
The premium look of the hallmark central instrument has also been optimised. An 8.8-inch colour touchscreen display, touch-sensitive favourite buttons and Piano Black high-gloss surfaces are now standard features. In addition, the audio control unit and the function buttons for hazard warning lights and driver assistance systems are integrated even more harmoniously into the circular control unit. In conjunction with the Ambient Light option, a new surface design with laser engraving optimises the appearance of the LED light ring surrounding the central instrument. The operating system controller placed on the centre console now features an all-black surface in conjunction with a navigation system.
Sports leather steering wheel now standard, digital cockpit optional.
A newly designed sports leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons will be part of the standard equipment of all model variants of the MINI-3 door Hatch, MINI-5 door Hatch and MINI Convertible. A new structure for the keypads optimises operation of the audio and telephone functions, voice control and driver assistance systems. A high-grade version of the sports leather stering wheel is optional, featuring a nappa leather surface and larger thumb rests.
A multifunctional instrument display behind the steering wheel is a component of the standard Connected Media offering. The digital colour display in black panel design, which is standard in the MINI Cooper SE, has a 5-inch diameter and displays all driving-relevant information as well as check-control messages and status displays of the driver assistance systems. In the all-electric MINI, it also serves as a charging status indicator while connected to the power grid.
Choice of display colours and lighting mood: The new “Lounge” and “Sport” modes.
There is a choice of two colour schemes for the central instrument display and the digital cockpit display, which can be called up in the control system menu. In “Lounge” mode, the
content displayed is in a relaxing colour setting ranging between turquoise and petrol blue. If “Sport” mode is active, the screen backgrounds are red and anthracite. On vehicles equipped with the optional MINI Driving Modes, the colour scheme is linked to the respective vehicle setting selected. In the MID and GREEN modes, the “lounge” style screen display is then called up, and when driving in “SPORT” mode, the corresponding colour scheme of the same name is also activated. Optionally, a uniform colour scheme for all MINI
Driving Modes can be set in the control system menu.
In conjunction with the new Ambient Light option, the colour worlds of the displays can also be combined with the interior light control. There is a choice of six interior light colours for each of the two modes “Lounge” and “Sport”. They can each be set using a toggle switch located in the upper area of the windscreen frame. Corresponding coloured light is then emitted from the laser-engraved LED ring of the central instrument, from the now indirectly illuminated undersides of the interior surfaces, along the contours of the door panels, at the driver’s and passenger’s door openers, from the base of the roof as well as in the front area of the centre console and in the footwells. This provides an individually configurable and always harmonious lighting mood in the interior of the MINI 3-door Hatch, the MINI 5-door Hatch and the MINI Convertible. In addition, the Ambient Light option also illuminates the door handles and the entry areas on the driver and passenger sides.
Engines with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology and Euro 6d emission standard.
Powerful and efficient petrol engines with three or four cylinders constitute the drive portfolio for the MINI 3-door Hatch, the MINI 5-door Hatch and the MINI Convertible. Their MINI TwinPower Turbo technology is made up of a turbocharging unit integrated into the exhaust manifold, direct petrol injection and variable valve timing. The 3-cylinder engines, each with a capacity of 1.5 litres, are available in two versions with outputs ranging from 75 kW to 100 kW. The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine generates a maximum output of 141 kW in the Cooper S or 170 kW in the John Cooper Works models. Thanks to consistently optimised emission control technology, which includes a petrol engine particulate filter, all model variants comply with the Euro 6d emission standard.
With its 135kW electric motor, the MINI Cooper SE provides emission-free driving fun. Power is transmitted via a single-stage automatic transmission. The high-voltage lithium-ion battery, which is located deep in the vehicle floor and has a gross energy content of 32.6 kWh, enables an estimated range of 215 kilometres.
The combustion engines of the MINI 3-door Hatch, MINI 5-door Hatch and MINI Convertible are combined with a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch as standard. (The John Cooper Works model uses an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.)
New equipment packages and trims allow for targeted individualisation.
A newly structured range of trims and equipment packages permits customers to optimally customise the MINI 3-door Hatch, the MINI 5-door Hatch and the MINI Convertible. It allows customers to add their favourite options to the extended standard equipment range of the MINI in a simple and coherent way. The trims are distinguished above all by their independent and harmoniously coordinated exterior and interior design features. Individual wishes regarding comfort, driver assistance, operation and networking can also be fulfilled thanks to a clear selection of equipment packages. In addition, a reduced number of individual options remain for the final configuration of the vehicle, oriented towards the customer’s personal style.
The trims available to complement the extensive range of standard equipment also each include the Ambient Light and MINI Driving Modes options. The Classic Trim also includes particularly attractive exterior paint finishes and light-alloy wheels as well as sports seats in the fabric/leatherette combination Black Pearl/Carbon Black and the interior surface in the Piano Black variant.
New operating system with modern graphics display and additional connectivity features.
The operating system of the MINI 3-door Hatch, MINI 5-door Hatch and MINI Convertible is now more advanced than ever before thanks to a new graphics display and further developed options for selecting and controlling vehicle functions, audio system, hands-free telephone system, navigation, and apps. The screen display with symbols and white text on new colour backgrounds has a particularly high-grade and modern look.
The desired menu items are displayed as “live widgets” and can be called up by swiping the touchscreen, whereupon they are shown in enlarged form in the centre of the display. This stages the content even more vividly.
Advanced connectivity features, audio and navigation features are combined in three further equipment packages that build on each other. The multifunctional instrument display, MINI Connected, ConnectedDrive and Remote Services are all components of the Connected Media package. The Connected Navigation Package adds the MINI navigation system including Real Time Traffic Information and Apple CarPlay preparation. The Connected Navigation Plus package also adds MINI Connected XL, Concierge Services, MINI Head-Up Display and telephony with wireless charging.
Always connected to your MINI: The new MINI App.
The new MINI App offers an advanced user experience that is completely oriented towards a digital lifestyle. It allows drivers to contact their MINI at any time, for example to call up information on the car’s status or to prepare the next excursion. The MINI App, which can currently be downloaded free of charge from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store in 30 European countries as well as in South Korea, serves as a universal interface between the smartphone or other personal devices and the car. The MINI App features fresh design and new functions.
For example, the fuel level or charge status can be called up remotely. With Remote Services, the MINI can be located and its doors locked or unlocked. You can also send navigation destinations from a smartphone directly to the car. Service appointments can also be arranged very conveniently using the MINI App. Model-specific MINI Electric services are another component of the app. The charging process can also be controlled from a distance and – depending on the time of year – the auxiliary heating or auxiliary air conditioning of the MINI Cooper SE can be activated. By mid-2021, the MINI App will be available in more than 40 countries and 23 languages.
