MINI cars redesigned with 'purified' yet more individualized makeover

20 years after the premiere of the modern MINI, the small car receives an intensive redesign for its 3-door, 5-door and convertible models. its renowned driving fun is coupled with a reduced design that accentuates its expressive features, most notably its increased customization. the new style even influences the all-electric MINI cooper SE, which we test drove in miami, florida on its launch in early 2020. the family of MINI redesigns are set to hit the market from march 2021.

the 2021 MINI family, including the SE (left front), 3-door (left back), 5-door (right back) and convertible (right front)
all images courtesy of the BMW Group

‘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.’

the MINI redesign magnifies its characteristic, hallmark exterior design features by means of reduction. the front view is dominated by a hexagonal-surrounded radiator grille, with round MINI headlights on either side. vertical air inlets are placed near the outer edges of the front to optimize aerodynamics. typical proportions and short overhangs for the marque are visualized from the side view. then, at the rear, the reduced surface design is clearly on display. the rear fog light is now integrated as a narrow LED in the rear apron. finally, the taillights are distinguished in their union jack design as standard.

as well as its design features, the exterior of MINI has – and continues to be – defined by its expressive customization options, meaning every car is unique and reflects the personality of its owner. the contrasting roof color is now available in a multitone gradient of three colored shades, fading from san marino blue though pearly aqua to jet black. the body can adorn three new paint finishes. there are also five new variants of light-alloy wheels: 17-inch wheels in tentacle spoke black design, scissor spoke design and in a black version of the pedal spoke variant; 18-inch light-alloy wheels in pulse spoke design; and finally a circuit spoke black design for john cooper 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 customization options to a new level,’ adds oliver heilmer. ‘and because every roof looks a little bit different and is so unique, it pays to look closely more than ever.’

customization continues inside the small cars. the cockpit has been redesigned to define a sophisticated, modern and high quality cabin; playful, rich details then bring out its quirky personality. the interior surface, interrupted by air vents that lie flush with the architecture, extends across the entire width of the instrument panel. the design of the color line then harmoniously matches the respective seat upholstery color. here, the new sports seats adorn a light chequered color variant.

the new surface design is laser engraved to highlight the LED light ring that frames the optimized central instrument. an 8.8-inch color touchscreen display, touch-sensitive favorite buttons and piano black high-gloss surfaces are now standard. behind the sports leather steering wheel sits a multifunctional instrument display, which holds all driving-relevant information and communicates charging levels for the all-electric SE. a choice of display colors and lighting modes, such as sport and lounge, are offered and adapt to make the interior’s ambience fit the driving mode.

in terms of performance, the redesigned MINI continues to refine its renowned go-kart driving feeling. adaptive suspension and precise steering optimize the balance between sportiness and comfort. driver assistance packages further highlight its comfort. lane departure warning now alerts drivers to deviations, and active cruise control now offers a stop & go function where the vehicle can even be brought to a standstill and start up again with minimal input from the driver. the car is powered either by a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine with outputs ranging from 75 hp to 102 hp and 136 hp, or a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a max output of 178 hp or 231 hp.