The MINI Cooper 3-Door Receives its First Full Model Change in a Decade
MINI Countryman | MINI Countryman
BEV Models Also Arrive with the Countryman
BMW has fully redesigned the "MINI 3 Door" for the first time in about a decade. It offers a lineup of four types, including the first BEV (electric vehicle) and gasoline models. Additionally, two BEV models have been newly added to the "MINI Countryman," with sales commencing simultaneously.
A Cleaner BEV, a Gasoline Model Honoring Tradition
The MINI 3 Door, developed and produced by the BMW Group since 2002, has undergone a full model change to its fourth generation after approximately 10 years. Concurrently, MINI's first mass-produced BEV has also been introduced.
The body dimensions are nearly identical: 3,860 x 1,755 x 1,460mm (length x width x height) for the BEV models, and 3,875 x 1,745 x 1,455mm for the gasoline models.
The first thing that strikes you about the design is MINI's new design language, "Charismatic Simplicity," which reduces the number of components for a cleaner aesthetic.
Chrome parts and leather have been eliminated, with new materials such as recycled polyester and recycled aluminum being adopted instead.
Furthermore, considering aerodynamics, the BEV model presents a cleaner impression, while the gasoline model adheres to MINI's traditional design concept, creating a distinction between the two.
Additional new features include LED signature lights with customizable illumination patterns and "Welcome/Good-bye lights" that activate as you approach or leave the vehicle with the key.
The interior is minimalist and heavily digital. The instrument cluster behind the steering wheel has been removed, with essential driving information projected onto the head-up display.
The curved dashboard uses recycled polyester, employing fabric-like materials for the first time. The prominent 240mm circular center display allows for intuitive operation, similar to using a smartphone, and handles various settings like climate control and phone functions.
It also features an intelligent personal assistant utilizing AI technology. This allows for vehicle operation and access to information through voice commands alone, understanding driver instructions and queries in natural language and adapting to user preferences over time.
The intelligent personal assistant is activated by saying "Hey MINI" or pressing the talk button on the steering wheel. It can control navigation, phone, radio, and climate control.
The MINI 3 Door offers a powertrain lineup of two gasoline engines and two electric motors, totaling four models.
The BEV variants include the "MINI Cooper E 3 Door," featuring a 135kW electric motor with 290Nm of torque driving the front wheels and a 40.7kWh battery offering a range of 305km on a single charge. The higher-spec "MINI Cooper SE 3 Door" boasts a 160kW electric motor with 330Nm of torque, also on the front wheels, powered by a 54.2kWh battery for a range of 402km.
The gasoline engine options are the "MINI Cooper C 3 Door," equipped with a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder turbo engine producing 115kW and 230Nm, and the "MINI Cooper S 3 Door," featuring a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine delivering 150kW and 300Nm.
Safety features are standard on the higher-end models: the BEV "MINI Cooper SE 3 Door" and the gasoline "MINI Cooper S 3 Door." These include a drive recorder and the "Parking Assistant," which provides a view of the vehicle's surroundings.
Pricing starts at 3.96 million yen for the gasoline "MINI Cooper C 3 Door" and 4.65 million yen for the "MINI Cooper S 3 Door." The BEV models are priced at 4.63 million yen for the "MINI Cooper E 3 Door" and 5.31 million yen for the "MINI Cooper SE 3 Door." Deliveries are scheduled to begin from July 2024.
The All-Wheel Drive BEV "MINI Countryman SE ALL4" Also Debuts
Meanwhile, the new "MINI Countryman," for which orders began in Japan in November 2023, also sees the addition of two new BEV models: the "MINI Countryman E" and the "MINI Countryman SE ALL4," with sales commencing now.
Both models measure 4,445 x 1,845 x 1,640mm (length x width x height). The "MINI Countryman E" is equipped with a 204ps electric motor producing 250Nm of torque on the front wheels, powered by a 66.45kWh lithium-ion battery, achieving a range of 462km on a single charge.
The "MINI Countryman SE ALL4," featuring MINI's proprietary "ALL4" all-wheel-drive system, has electric motors on both front and rear axles, producing 190ps and 247Nm of torque respectively. The combined system output is 225kW with 494Nm of torque.
The battery capacity is 66.45kWh, the same as the "MINI Countryman E," with a stated range of 433km on a single charge.
MINI vehicles can be ordered not only through dealerships but also online. Pricing for the "MINI Countryman E" is 5.93 million yen, and for the "MINI Countryman SE ALL4," it is 6.62 million yen. Deliveries are scheduled to commence from July 2024.
MINI Customer Interaction Center (Weekdays 9:00-19:00, Weekends & Holidays 9:00-18:00)
Tel. 0120-3298-14
http://www.mini.jp
