Update: ‘Production’ section updated.
The next-gen MINI 3-door Hatch is ready for prototype testing, BMW Group indicated by releasing pictures of a camouflaged test mule in November 2021. While the company may conduct the unveil much closer to its launch, likely scheduled in early 2023, EVW can show what the 2023 Electric Mini Cooper would look like in two different shades of blue.
Design
The Hatch (3-door and 5-door) is the best-selling MINI model, and is coming under fire with a raft of next-gen electric hatchbacks due mid-decade. With the introduction of renewed 3-door models leading MINI’s campaign to go all-electric this decade, it must be designed and engineered to meet all expectations of its customers. Our exclusive renderings of the 2023 MINI 3-door Hatch are based on the photographs that recently hit the web.
The next-gen MINI 3-door is an evolution of the current-gen model, and the charming, iconic design cues of the MINI Hatch will stay. Our rendering shows the front-end with subtle visual changes like new headlamp clusters with improved lighting technology, a new hexagonal grille, and a cleaner bumper cast without air inlets. Expect new alloys and fresh styling touches on the sides, while the rear-end could flaunt new tail lamps and bumper.
Interior
The interior of the 2023 Electric MINI Cooper will likely pack more significant visual changes, a spy shot (via Twitter) floating on the web had revealed. The layout and rounded theme will travel from the current-gen model. However, the next-gen 2023 MINI will have a cleaner interior. The expected highlights are fewer switches, slim, horizontal AC vents neatly integrated into the centre console, and a new, floating central display.
The new floating central display could take up more of the dash’s real estate and offer comprehensive AVN features. Instead of using a separate physical panel, the company may integrate all climate control functions into the touchscreen infotainment system. An instrument cluster might not be present either, not even as an LCD panel. Expect the head-up display to offer driving information, a feature that is generally reserved for top-end variants.
Production
BMW Group will manufacture the ICE next-gen MINI 3-door at its Oxford plant in the UK. Spotlight Automotive Limited, a new joint venture between BMW Group and Great Wall Motors, will produce the electric counterpart at its upcoming factory ‘Zhangjiagang Spotlight’ in China. BMW Group confirmed the Chinese production site of the next-gen MINI Hatch EV during a Q&A session with employees, as per a report on autohome.com.cn. Moreover, the company revealed that this factory will make the second MINI electric car it plans to launch in China as well.
The first two electric cars for China will be MINIs produced in Zhangjiagang Spotlight. Then we will still have, by the way, cars exported or imported from Oxford. And then the idea is to localize cars in Shenyang.
BMW Group – Q&A session with employees (via autohome.com.cn)
2023 Electric MINI Cooper FAQs
What is the 2023 Electric MINI Cooper release date?
MINI should unveil the new generation model in early 2023, before it hits showrooms later that year.
What is the expected 2023 Electric MINI Cooper price?
Expect the new MINI Cooper SE to be priced between GBP 28,000 – 36,000 in the UK.
What are the main features expected on the 2023 Cooper SE?
HUD, revised infotainment system, longer range, and marginally higher interior space are some of the expected features.
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