The prototype appears to be wearing its production lights front and back, but the yellow-and-black disguise covers the entire car, making it difficult to see any exterior details.
Contrary to earlier reports, new information from inside the company suggests that the next-gen combustion-powered Mini Hatch and its electric cousin will have identical designs at the rear. The rest of the exterior is expected to be an evolution of the outgoing model.
The updated Mini will be built on a heavily modified version of the current UKL1 platform. However, the hardtop model will be slightly longer and wider than the current model, with a wider track and stretched wheelbase, as well as larger wheels.
Both combustion and electric Minis will continue to be produced at the same time. All ICE-powered new Minis will feature some form of electrification, such as a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain. The Mini EV will closely resemble its combustion-powered counterpart, but will be built on a dedicated electric platform. There are rumors of two EV variants being released, a base Cooper with a smaller battery and a range of under 200 miles and an electric S with 200 horsepower and a range approaching 250 miles.
The new Mini hardtop is expected to be released in the middle of this year, while a new convertible is set to arrive in 2025. The three-door hatchback is expected to be available in the United States for either the 2023 or 2024 model year.
Source: Motor1