IAA 2023: Two new members for the Mini family

The Mini family has two new members: The all-electric Mini Cooper, a three-door model in its fifth generation with a typical design, underscores the brand's tradition and stands for urban driving pleasure. The new Mini Countryman has grown and offers more space, comfort and safety, even beyond paved roads thanks to all-wheel drive. Both are powered purely by electricity. In April, the Mini Aceman will join them as a crossover in the small car segment.

The new Mini family is designed to take the user experience and the brand's attitude into a new era. The design language "Charismatic Simplicity" stands for this transformation. It combines Mini's traditional values with innovations and reduces the vehicle design to the essentials. This includes short overhangs, a short hood, a long wheelbase and large wheels. The visual three-way division into vehicle body, wraparound window area and contrasting roof also guarantees recognition. The shoulder section gives them a decidedly athletic vehicle body.

The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor of the Mini Cooper E achieves a torque of 290 newton meters (Nm) and accelerates the vehicle from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. With 160 kW/218 hp, the Mini Cooper SE sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds with a maximum torque of 330 Nm. The range determined in the WLTP test cycle is 305 kilometers for the Mini Cooper E and 402 kilometers for the Mini Cooper SE.

Inside, the front-end design cites the minimalist design of the classic Mini, with a sleek and spacious dashboard and multifunction steering wheel for that typical Mini go-kart feel. The central OLED display sets a new standard with its high resolution and adds to the presence of the 240 millimeter diameter round instrument. The new Mini Intelligent Personal Assistant can be activated by calling out "Hey Mini.

Higher, longer, Mini - with an additional six centimeters in height (to now 1656 mm) and thirteen centimeters in length (4433 mm), the new Mini Countryman has grown noticeably. Wider wheel arches and the modern, clear design enhance the crossover aesthetic.

The 150 kW/204 hp electric motor of the Mini Countryman E achieves 250 Nm of torque and accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. With 230 kW/313 hp, the e-motors of the all-wheel-drive Mini Countryman SE All 4 achieve a combined torque of 494 Nm and accelerate the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The range determined in the WLTP test cycle is up to 462 kilometers for the Mini Countryman E and up to 433 kilometers for the Mini Countryman SE ALL4. (aum)