Info Surfaces on the 4th Generation 2020 MINI
Edmunds has a pretty worthless report on the 2021 G5X MINI which includes:
– Coming in 2020, which we knew, as a 2021 model
– May make use of lightweight materials which we knew
– May include all electric model – something that has been hinted at in the past
– Will remain unmistakably MINI – file that under shocking news
Now lets dig into this a bit more and fill in the gaps with what we know to expect for the next MINI. It will certainly ride on the second generation of the UKL FWD/AWD platform that will spawn vehicles roughly the same size as the current line-up. There is still talk of MINI partnering with Toyota to share a city car platform for the MINI Rocketman, but that is not this car and would be a completely separate model if it happens.
The next generation UKL platform won’t make use of all carbon fiber construction like BMW’s new i3, but the platform will use it along with high strength steel and aluminum to reduce weight. While it’s too early to know if it will actually be lighter (despite surely having much more technology and equipment onboard) we’d expect weight will play a crucial part in the car meeting incredibly stringent efficiency standards that will be in place by that time.
Inside we should look at the recent BMW Luxury Vision concept for a hint at what is in BMW’s labs. That could mean potentially three screens, one for the driver and passenger along with a more traditional center screen. Along with that BMW is currently working on a gesture based system that allows content to be moved from screen to screen.
Under the hood we wouldn’t be surprised to see MINI move to an all three cylinder line-up that will provide more power, torque and greater efficiency than what we see today. Beyond the petrol and diesel engines, expect both a full electric version of the next MINI along with a plug-in hybrid that will be similar in philosophy to the new X5 eDrive.
Look for the G5X MINI to debut in late 2019 with hit showrooms in the first half of 2020. In other words, you’ve got time. Don’t wait if you need a car now.
<p>Shame the F56 doesn’t look like the picture. Just moving the fog lights to the position shown
above would make a big difference. IMO,
the location of the fog lights, the led headlight rings not making a complete circle, and the fat lower lip on the
S are really my only gripes about how the F56 looks; oh, the tail lights could be a bit smaller. It will be interesting to see what they will do at the mid-cycle refresh.</p>
<p>Yes, this concept was loved by Motoringfile readers but the Clubman concept takes it a step further and it more attractive. Sadly I fear that the Clubman will get the same treatment that the hardtop got.</p>
<p>Long time to wait for an all electric model, but maybe a hybrid will be released before then.</p>
<p>Whilst I think the F56 has moved the game on, BMW’s strategy is to improve and evolve the car, not radically redesign. I would expect the 4th generation car to have up to date technology (who knows where that will be in 2021) but as the article makes reference to it will probably have a relatively normal mix of materials. A hybrid should be on the cards though.</p>
<p>I really don’t get everyone’s clamoring for hybrids. A diesel will net you the same mileage with none of the drawbacks of having batteries on board (weight, longevity).</p>
<p>What about emissions?</p>
<p>Please let the diesel motor trucks….</p>
<p>There are potentially many benefits to a hybrid system. If you mate a diesel (doesn’t have to be petrol) then fuel economy and emissions improve and you can have vastly improved performance through a four wheel drive system (think i8). Don’t let the Prius cloud your judgement on what is possible, particularly in 7 years’ time.</p>
<p>All the Eco crazed individuals out there that think Hybrids are saving the earth are delusional. It’s been proven over and over that the amount of energy it takes just to create the battery packs is beyond staggering. The fuel economy ratings that are quoted rarely materialize for the average user, and all of the chemicals and heavy metals it takes to create these battery packs are harmful to the Earth. In China, where a lot of batteries are made, these chemicals are just being released directly into rivers and streams, or put into large open pits to seep into the ground. It’s a sham.</p>
<p>As for the electric model, better late than never, I suppose. Wouldn’t want to rush into it, would we? I wish I could wait, but I’m eyeing VW’s upcoming e-Golf. It’s no MINI, but it’s a little German electric that doesn’t look like an Aztek (hello i3), and it’ll be out this year.</p>
<p>The MINI must be really quiet at the moment if new is stretching to this. We all know there will be another one and we know it will be different. It is interesting seeing the Rocketman is still at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Even if it is expensive to conceive, I think BMW would find they have a rolling success story on their hands if they priced it right and made the dimensions that of the classic, and with much of the same versatility. In Europe (especially Britain) it may even start making ignorant classic mini owners (though I own one, I appreciate the new MINI as a car) realise that the world has moved on, but give it to them in a package they can find little to moan about. The greatest customer base BMW could obtain is to further tap into the classic mini community who, if the product was right, would happily own one alongside their classic as weekend car.</p>
<p>“The Mini-scene” that first sentence should have been, sorry!</p>
<p>get rid of the feeble looking fake hood scoop.</p>
<p>Guess this means an even steeper price tag than now.</p>