New MINI to be even more electrifying than before with a plug-in hybrid model

By Nick Jaynes October 12, 2013

mini to have 10 new versions of the all cooper including a plug in hybrid vision — If you thought seven MINI variants was too many, just wait. The British brand has 10 new versions planned for the new future, including a plug-in hybrid. Image used with permission by copyright holder

As it currently stands, MINI has seven models. Only a few of which are actually mini. The rest are actually kind of large, which has always confused me a bit.

For next year, MINI has an all-new Cooper planned based upon an all-new chassis. The first new MINI, the Cooper, won’t be very large, but – from there – MINI will only go bigger.

That new platform underpinning the next-gen MINIs, called ULK (abbreviation for “Unter Klasse”), is shared with the new entry-level, front-wheel drive BMWs. Unlike Bimmer, though, MINI is going to get its money worth from the platform, planning as many as 10 variants of the new architecture.

What all could those be? We’re not sure. Maybe an amphibious variant? We can only hope.

No, it’s likely to be a bunch more bulbous MINI four-door thingies. One of those rotund MINIs, intriguingly, will be a plug-in hybrid.

In an interview with Automotive News Europe, Peter Schwarzenbauer, BMW’s board member in charge of Mini, said, “There will be electrification within the Mini brand, including a plug-in hybrid for certain. We’re still investigating pure EVs.”

We’re not sure why MINI would go plug-in hybrid, though, as its new three-cylinder engine will be both peppy and fuel-frugal. A turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine producing 134 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque will power the base unit. The more powerful option is a turbo 2.0-liter four that makes 189 hp and 221 lb-ft.

Why add all that weight and complexity to a little car? It’s beyond me.

If people will buy them, though, MINI will build them – even if they don’t really make much sense.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.

Cars

2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan gets new face, bigger battery

2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan front-quarter view.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan arrived during the 2022 model year as the flagship of Mercedes' EV fleet. But now that it's been on sale for a few years, it's time for this flagship to get a refit so that it can stay competitive with other six-figure electric sedans like the BMW i7, Lucid Air, and Tesla Model S. The updated EQS sedan is scheduled to reach dealerships later this year as a 2025 model.

One of the most controversial features of the EQS has been its unorthodox streamlined shape, which makes the EQS one of the most aerodynamic sedans around, but also means it doesn't look much like a traditional Mercedes. For 2025, the EQS takes a step closer to that traditional look with a new grille featuring chrome bars like on the Mercedes S-Class. It also sports the brand's trademark hood ornament.