Mini Electric Concept: Return of the Mini E

Almost a decade ago, Mini took the lead in BMW’s slightly premature charge into what it anticipated to be an imminent electric future. The Mini E was beloved by its hand-selected customers, even though the electric powertrain and huge battery pack turned it into a two-seater. Now Mini is back with an all-electric concept called the Mini Electric Concept (naming electric cars remains a challenge at Mini).

The concept previews a new production EV slated for a 2019 launch. It’s a futuristic interpretation of the Mini styling theme, with a closed-off front “grille,” special LED head- and taillights, restyled front fenders, modified rocker panels, and new front and rear bumpers. The car is painted in Reflection Silver with a liquid matte metal finish, and, just as on the Mini E, there are yellow exterior accents, this time on the front-end trim, mirror caps, wheels, and lower body. The roof is painted with a gradient that changes from white up front to yellow at the rear.

Besides those yellow accents, there is yet another nod to the past. The four-spoke wheels are reminiscent of those fitted to the Mini John Cooper Works GP, but their execution is asymmetrical; one of the four rectangles in each wheel is longer than the others and stretches to the center.

Unlike the Mini E, the Mini Electric Concept is a four-seater, and it will keep that layout when it goes into production. The series-production car will look more like its conventionally powered hardtop brethren, so don't be surprised if those modified front fenders disappear, but it is likely to keep many of the other details. The powertrain technology will be shared with the BMW i3, so expect a range of about 150 miles and an electric motor that turns out at least 150 horsepower when it arrives at Mini dealers in late 2019 as a 2020 model.