World Premier: MINI Crossover Breaks Cover

Sections: R60 (Countryman) Sep 9th, 2008 43 Comments

(This news was originally press embargoed until tomorrow evening but with several sites breaking the agreed upon embargo we thought it was necessary to post.)

Today we get our first (very good) look what will be the biggest extension of the MINI brand to date. While we’re still weeks away from the public debut of the new MINI cross-over “concept” at the upcoming Paris motor show, BMW has released the first official photos of the highly anticipated MINI cross-over concept.

Note the word concept and remember how BMW traditionally uses this word. In some cases they use it to show-off very conceptual designs that subtly point the way forward. In other cases they use the word for vehicles that are very lightly disguises production vehicles. We believe the MINI cross-over concept falls in the latter category. We’ll have more details in the coming hours, until enjoy.

While there are some interesting features that we’ll leave for the official press release, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention a few of them. If you look closely above you can see that the left side rear door is actually not a traditional door but a scissor like sliding door seen earlier on the MINI concept from 2006 and 2007. And while the exterior may be very close to production, don’t expect the funky speedo and navigation to make it to production before 2020.

Elsewhere (under the skin) the MINI cross-over rides on a modified Clubman platform with bits and pieces from BMW’s upcoming small cross-over the X1. Look for an optional all-wheel drive system and some very familiar engines.

The MINI Crossover should go on sale in late 2010 as a 2011 model.

As always, click on each image for larger versions. And for those who like to zoom, you can download the (very) large 2400 px versions here. Look for a few more photos in a few hours.

Front | Rear View | Interior

Written By: Gabe

Mini2Go

I was literally “watching this space” via a refresh… just in time to see this post!
http://www.ausmotive.com Liam

I just saw this on the autocar website and figured an embargo had been busted … as usual it seems, haha.
Hai

I hope it looks better than that when it finally comes out. The headlights just keep on getting worse and worse…
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splee

Some random observations: It’s a bigger MINI, and yet it still only has four seats? I like the funky driver side swinging door concept. Would prefer both sides to have the swinging rear door Giant grill is overdone lately and looks bad anyways.
http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77863 Zyamfier

Q: How do you open the bonnet on that thing? Please say it tilts forward. Because that would be different and cool. This would make an excellent “teardrop” pulling rig. Give you any ideas DB?
greg

Definately cooler than the clubman.
dave

that’s pretty cool. the rear arch on the roof where it meets the windows reminds me of fj cruiser. and the seats look like toilets in that overhead sketch. but i like the way it looks
http://deleted cct1

Take an Infiniti FX35, add a MINI Clubman, throw them in a blender, this is what you get.

But the question is why?

If I was Stephenson, I’d be asking for a restraining order on the MINI design team, and I’d file it like yesterday….
http://vinreddy.blogspot.com vin.

Interesting.
Vanwall

Too much grillness, and the lights need to be more round. Still just a figment, have to see the real deal.
http://www.rustysteeldesigns.com rustysteel

I just threw up a little in my mouth. Why do we need to cater to the SUV mentality. Bring me the light, cheap, quick MINI of old and be done with it.
http://www.aimlesswandering.net Radiationman

I really dislike the front end. The rest of it isn’t too bad, but the front end is not very attractive.

Give the car a front end that looks more like “todays” MINI and I think it would look a lot better…

That being said, I’m not interested in buying one.
JonPD

Some not bad designs here and there.

The front: Not a fan of the headlights,the side detail panel lines definitely seems styled from BMW with the sculpted lines. All in all a not overly bad.

Rear view: The rear lights seem a bit dainty feeling. Like the door solution though wonder how that will work when though when paralleled parked, also wonder how it will deal with door sag. Overall design seems related to the Clubman.

Interior view: minimalistic and fairly clean design, though that nav system is very fairy tail inspired.

Overview: Interesting concept for the retractable roof section, really don’t see that making it to production. The scissor door is decent.

All in all not the worse design. In ways though looks like its realated to Mini, and yet says BMW to me.

Looks like its platform is about the right size for a 1 series SUV also. Still think Mini could have developed another solution versus following Detroit. Call me nuts (most do) I still disbelieve every manufactures need a SUV. Look forward to pointing and laughing once they hit the road. ;)
JonPD

Also wonder if its going to stick to a 4 seater, think if so this will make more than a few unhappy.
eto

I can definitely see the design cues from the original clubman concept car. I don’t think it is bad overall, and I like how they continue to push the envelope with door utility. If this makes it stateside with a 50+mpg diesel it will sell well.
Vic

One word:

UGLY
JonPD

Between 4wd, extra weight think a 50mpg diesel would be a pipe dream, expect a R60D would get mid to low 40′s. Maybe a hybrid diesel would be a good fit. Pretty sure we are still a long ways though on the final door design.
RocketMini

I am so camping out at the dealership until this comes out!!
JonPD

Sticking to the camping theme RocketVlini I can hear the sound of a wooden stake being pounded in, into the heart of the Mini community. My guess is that this will be a huge divisive gulf in the Mini community.
Aussom

Some initial thoughts:

Questions: Does the rear window raise and lower? Is there likely to be an S model and what powerplant options are likely to be available (eg: turbo diesel?) Does it have large cup holders in the right positions? Missing stereo / GPS antenna – where is it located? Has the rear passenger leg room increased (a plus if it has, a minus if it hasn’t)?

Likes: Optional AWD (so can have two wheel drive if desired – hopefully in rear-wheel drive configuration). Four doors! No split in rear gate/window. Tight swing arc of rear gate (needed for shopping car parks). Roof racks included? Increased ground clearance. Fuel cap on right-hand side (same side as driver for right-hand drive markets). Larger door opening for rear passengers on both sides. Rear seats fold down flat into rear cargo space. Twin rear exhaust pipes through rear bumper. Retro interior design.

Dislikes: Headlights (very Toyota-ish and lacking definition due to no rounded shape and missing chrome surround rings), front edge shape (too boxy) which necessitated larger chrome grills, centre console world map etched overlay, different coloured side mirror caps (simple cosmetic fix), retractable roof (why is it needed and can it become available as an option?). Two seats in the rear (why not three – or can it be an option?). Rear centre console not folding down into floor when rear seats folded down. Thick/high rear roofline that makes the back top lines look to boxy / top-heavy and rear corner outside pillars too squat. Wheels look too BMW-ish.
Eliot R.

I think this car has a cool vibe, much like the Clubman. Technically it is not a great design, but it so different and unique that my overall impression is a good one. Bottom line though is that this a car that will sell. Everyone is downsizing, and this will be a very unique car for a market that doesn’t need Suburbans any more.
Peter314

why god?….why?
Fred

“The MINI Goiter” makes its debut.
RocketMini

Looks a lot like the porsche cayenne…
JonPD

6″ longer than a Clubman, 6″ wider than a Clubman, 4 meters long a Mini. Seems like the typical BMW approach of bigger is better, if you doubt me check out a the monstrous size that the BMW has grown to.

Car Magazine:

Mini’s chief designer Gert Hildebrand has briefed us on the positioning of the new Mini 4×4. He told CAR: ‘The Crossover can be summed up by the number four: four doors, four-wheel drive, four seats, more than four metres long and, of course, itâ€™s our fourth variation of the Mini.’

So looks like they are sold on four seaters
nuvolari

Just plain silly.
http://www.matthewgifford.com/ Matt G.

Be careful about what details you pay attention to. The final product will probably be about as similar to this concept as the Clubman is to the concept wagon.
Dede

I hate, hate the dash concept. I own a 02 Cooper S and love the simple, yet stylish dash. Big dish speedo, simple central console, toggles, and a tach at the wheel. Nice and simple. Thought the 2nd generation was way over designed, overly complicated, so much so that I didn’t buy a new mini. Seriously. The interior caused me to walk. Hard core fan with on of the first S’s in the SF Bay area. Kept hoping someone would redo the current dash to provide the good exterior with the right interior. And now I see an even bigger step in the wrong direction. Who cares about tech if I can’t in an instant figure out how it works. You shouldn’t have to open a manual to figure out how to operate all parts of the vehicle. Should be intuitive. Not the piece of crap in this concept car. If Mini can’t produce a car with a stylish, simple interior, my 02 will be the last Mini I buy – and for me that would be a sad moment.
http://www.gominigo.com GoMiniGo

just give me a Clubman with AWD and the current ride height and you can have another $30k+ of mine. With this one, I will pass. too bad.
Ned

I have no issue with MINI bringing an SUV, my partner is very anxious to part ex her R52 for a 4×4 MINI, and I’ll get to keep my R53 Works, so it’s win win. What I do have an issue with is the rapidly declining ambience of the MINI brand.

The interior of this car, while still a concept, is conceptually hidious. The original R50/2/3 interiors were simplistic, yet a wonderful place to spend a few hours. But then, the R56 was a disaster, we all know about the horrific centre stack, but there are other weak points, the horrible hard plastic tunnel under the ebrake, the cup holders with exposed screws at the bottom looking up at you, the cheap colour lines that are harsh to touch, and the simple fact that the people who designed the centre console, and the ebrake console never seemed to have met and discussed ideas.

This car looks like more of the same. I know I’ll be impressed with the driving dynamics, as I am with the R56 in my stable that we only occasionally use, I’ll be impressed with the door configuration, and the practicality, and I’ll probably buy it. But it’s this constant downgrading of materials, and poor interior (Not exterior – I’m happy with that) design that will eventually ruin the brand for me.

It’s supposed to be a premium small car, sometimes I think MINI seem to believe all they need to achieve that goal is an impressive engine, and good chassis, and the rest will be ignored by the Motoring Press and Public …

For the record, I’ve been a MINI enthusiast for years, and will continue to be. I’ve visited all the Parisian and Londinium Motorshows to see the concepts, and the launch of new models. So while this is a concept, I do understand how that will be interpreted into the final design and the changes it will undergo.
http://www.dickdavid.com dickdavid

I don’t hate it.

Interesting door configuration.
AN

MattG – The Clubman is pretty similar. Remember when everyone said those bumps on the roof wouldn’t make it to production? Oops.
ohiocooper

Looks a little like an Infiniti FX that’s been shrunk in the wash and beat with a baseball bat. Still, the funky doors are cool. Just keep it small, MINI. If I wanted big, I would’ve kept my SUV.
http://www.matthewgifford.com/ Matt G.

AN: I didn’t say it wasn’t. I was just pointing out that some people are focusing on details that will certainly not make it to the production version.
C4

I think Frank Stephenson is bitting his tongue as hard as he possibly can…
Ian

I like it and that’s all that matters.
Nathan

HOORAY! After a few years of raging success, it’s time to dilute the brand. Sounds about right.
Nimcosi

Interesting that the fuel filler is on the left, probably because of the sliding door. Not a big fan of the headlights, looks too much like an Infiniti/Porsche love child. But overall it is intriguing.

I am not sure it is worthy of all the vitriol going on here….
faster,Tobias!

Why all the hysteria? It is a concept, a design exercise. When the Clubman made it to market, it didn’t have a bloody tea table on the roof or swivelling front seats, both of which were elements of the concept cars. And to put the size in perspective, at four metres it is about 10cm (3.97″) longer than the Clubman. How many seats JonPD, Splee, are you going to get in there? Personally I don’t care for the current interior but I am fairly confident it won’t arrive at dealerships in that configuration.
Rocketboy

Nimcosi.. It’s just the usual “IT’S NOT WHAT I’M USED TO” bellyaching. Take a look at it in A: Person, but more importantly B: In PRODUCTION, and then decide. I didn’t think that the changes in the 08 MINIs would be as drastic as they were, and well, I like my first year MCS better than the new MINIs. But again, I wasn’t pissing and moaning on blogs UNTIL I saw one in person.
Mark (Ohio)

One word: Boo!
Bor

nice concept – except the ugly headlights

I can see that after some brushing and simplifying it could become a nice production model (need to change the headlights first)

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