Offering an early look at what we’ll see when the automaker launches this all-electric production model in 2019, the Mini Electric Concept made its world premiere at the Frankfurt Auto Show before making its North American debut at the 2017 Lost Angeles Auto Show. In presenting this engaging precursor, Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG noted: “The systematic electrification of the brand and product portfolio is a mainstay of the BMW Group’s Number One > Next strategy. Mini and electrification make a perfect match.”
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Saying the volume-build version will be “powerful,” BMW offered little more about the motivation of this one-off which extends Mini’s EV legacy that began back in 2008 with the introduction of the original Mini E. However, Adrian van Hooydonk, senior vice president BMW Group Design did point out the look of the Mini Electric Concept was crafted to be aerodynamically efficient and visually appealing to young urbanites. “The car’s surfaces have a sense of precision and contemporary clarity about them that lends added impact.”
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While staying true to its Mini roots, the Electric Concept deftly blends colors, textures and clever details into a stylishly cohesive package awash in contemporary charm. Finished in Reflection Silver with Striking Yellow accents that recall the Mini E, this new variation features both matte and high-gloss surfaces as well as color gradients and the prominent “e” graphic on the front fender along with “Mini E” badges to add interest.
Another avant-garde touch in the Mini Electric Concept is the use of 3D printed components including the louver inserts filling its fake front air intakes and the aero-optimized inlays that appear in its custom 19-inch wheels. And in a classic Mini-style salute to its British heritage, each taillamp consists of half a Union Jack flag crafted in an LED matrix.
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