Rumor: the Next Generation Electric MINI To Be Based on the Ora Kat

BMW has made it abundantly clear it’s partnering with Great Wall Motors to build an all electric MINI in China. The partnership solves for the enormous development costs associated with bringing an entirely new platform to market while still selling ICE MINIs for another generation. But what does partnership mean and how will this new electric MINI slot into the range? We now might have some answers.
Last week Great Wall Motors unveiled the impressive Ora Kat – a small, premium electric car with the similar proportions as the forthcoming small MINI. Even aesthetically it looks a bit similar. But don’t pay attention to the looks – MINI will have total freedom when it comes to exterior design and performance tuning. In other words the electric MINI based on this chassis will look exactly how you’d hope – like a three door MINI which you can see below.
While the design won’t be shared, most of the mechanicals will be. And that’s where we can get a peek into the next generation electric MINI . The Ora Kat is powered by a single electric motor producing 169bhp and 184lb ft, (which results in a 0-31mph in 3.8sec) and comes with driver assistance systems not seen in small cars before. It will also feature a range of around 250 miles in base form. That last number is identical to what we’ve heard from sources about the next generation MINI (although expect that to be closer to 200 miles on the EPA’s testing cycle).
The all electric MINI will likely be available in both three and five door formats and will be sold alongside a new ICE version as well. However that ICE version will likely be an entirely different chassis developed from the updated BMW front wheel drive platform and built in the UK. .
MINI is trying to cover all its bases globally as electric cars are set to explode as prices come down and range goes up. Which is why this won’t be the only electric MINI in this next generation. BMW is also planning an all electric Countryman which will be sold alongside a mild-hybrid ICE version as well.
MINI is trying to cover all its bases globally as electric cars are set to explode as prices come down and range goes up. Which is why this won’t be the only electric MINI in this next generation. BMW is also planning an all electric Countryman which will be sold alongside a mild-hybrid ICE version as well.
Confused yet? You’re not alone. Not every variant will be available in every region but it’s safe to say that the success of the electric MINI Cooper SE has made MINI strategists realize the importance of being aggressive with this transition.
Here’s a quick view of what we believe we’ll see from the brand from 2021 to 2025: