MINI Reveal Sketches of First Fully-Electric Model

MINI has revealed what its first-ever fully electric production model would look like through a series of exclusive detail design sketches. "MINI is an urban brand and the fully-electric MINI the logical next step into the future," said Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design. "These initial sketches for the fully electrified MINI outline our vision of authentic design creating a bridge between the history of the brand and its electric future." The sketches show the car's grille--hexagonal in form since it's a signature MINI design element, but closed-off since there's no internal combustion engine behind it to be cooled, and since the grille is essentially closed, airflow going over and around the vehicle has been improved. A yellow accent bar with an E badge in the same color produces a powerful contrasting effect and identifies this as an electric MINI. The sketches also show the striking wheel design of the fully-electric MINI, which has been carried over from the MINI Electric Concept--unveiled for the first time last year--into the production model. The wheels take the motif of the accent bar on the radiator grille and add their own asymmetrical twist. The BMW Group announced the development of a battery electric MINI production vehicle in July 2017. The first of these large-scale produced MINIs with battery-electric drivetrains will be available from 2019--exactly 60 years after the launch of the classic Mini. This model will ensure that electro-mobility is delivered in a way unique to the MINI brand with driving fun, style and individualization at its core. The electric drivetrain will be built at the BMW Group's e-mobility center at Plants Dingolfing and Landshut in Bavaria before being integrated into the car at Plant Oxford, which is the main production location for the MINI 3-Door Hatch. [gallery size="vw_two_third_thumbnail_no_crop" ids="35755,35756,35760,35758,35759,35754">