Mini has offered another glimpse at its next-generation electric Hatch and will soon preview its next-generation Countryman.
The upcoming electric hatchback is currently undergoing testing in the Arctic Circle, ahead of a likely reveal in the coming months.
Electric versions of the new-generation Mini are being jointly developed by BMW and Great Wall Motor, and will be built in China for sale around the world.
Petrol versions of the fourth-generation Mini are expected to ride on BMW’s FAAR front- and all-wheel drive architecture, which is an evolution of the UKL platform used by today’s models.
It’s unclear if the electric version of the Mini three-door will ride on the FAAR platform too, or something different.
Mini has previously confirmed the next-generation Hatch will launch in time for the 2023 model year, likely meaning it’ll show its face in the middle of 2022.
Previous leaks reveal the Hatch will instantly be recognisable as a Mini, albeit with a number of new takes on the classic design language. The round headlights remain, but the tail lights have a new shape, and the clamshell bonnet appears dead.
Inside, there’s a minimalist dashboard with a fabric cover and a leatherette strap on the passenger’s side.
Ahead of the driver is a steering wheel with only two spokes, as well as a head-up display that replaces the digital instrument cluster.
The brand has also confirmed the next Countryman SUV, which will be available with petrol and electric power, will be previewed by a concept at some point in 2022.
It has also confirmed the next-generation Countryman will be made in Leipzig, Germany alongside the BMW X1.
Based on the previous updates from Mini, its next-generation model rollout will include the following cars:
- The classic 3-Door Hatch, available with petrol and electric power. It’s expected to be smaller than the current car
- The Countryman SUV, grown up to take on the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA and with petrol and electric power
- A new SUV to slot between the 3-Door Hatch and Countryman, potentially called the Aceman
- Another premium compact car in an as-yet unrevealed segment, potentially based on the Vision Urbanaut
- A new Convertible, due in 2025
Next-generation Countryman 
Vision Urbanaut
The next-generation 3-Door Hatch is expected to shrink compared to the current car, with a new Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur-sized SUV model in the works to sit above it.
Mini is expected to make the new Countryman bigger, bringing it into line with the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
The last new Mini model with an internal-combustion engine will be released in 2025, and Mini says 50 per cent of its sales will be pure-electric by 2027.
Come 2030, every single Mini will be electric. That includes the performance-oriented John Cooper Works brand, which will live on with electric power.
