Munich. The new MINI family is doing its warm-up laps
- and that works best on ice and snow in the bitter cold of the Arctic
Circle. The new MINI is currently undergoing its driving dynamics
tests at the BMW Group's winter test centre in Arjeplog, Sweden. The
new edition of the MINI is fully electric and is now completing a
major chapter in its series development process with the winter
testing in Sweden. The electric drivetrain, high-voltage battery,
power electronics and charging technology of the prototypes are
already demonstrating their high degree of maturity at extreme
temperatures below freezing. Snow-covered roads and specially prepared
areas on frozen lakes also serve as ideal test tracks on which the
characteristics of the drive, steering and chassis can be very
sensitively tested, refined and harmonised with each other.
MINI is launching its fifth generation with the MINI 3-door as the
first model of the new MINI family once again. With its vehicle
concept geared to fully electric driving fun from the outset, the new
edition of the original is ideally suited to deliver inspiring
hallmark MINI agility and the creative use of space, which guarantees
plenty of room inside and a small footprint.
The new MINI 3-door is supplemented in the new MINI family by the
successor to the current MINI Countryman. The new edition of the top
seller in the premium compact segment will be offered with both an
internal combustion engine and a fully electric drive. Still this
year, MINI will present the concept study of a crossover model for the
premium small car segment.
“MINI is on a path of growth and heading towards a fully electric
future. Our iconic MINI 3-door maximises the experience for our
customers through its electrified go-kart feeling combined with
digitalised touchpoints - and a clear focus on sustainability with a
minimal environmental footprint." says Stefanie Wurst, Head of
the MINI brand.
The new MINI 3-door consistently continues the concept of urban
driving fun that has been successful for more than 60 years. This will
be implemented even more puristically and sustainably in the future.
This becomes particularly clear in the design of the classic body
variant. Electrification offers designers the opportunity to think
fundamentally differently and creates new starting points for the
hallmark MINI combination of individual style, attention to detail, a
sense of tradition and a passion for innovation. The design of the new
MINI harks back to its unique history, uses the latest technology and
creates an environment for maximum emotions combined with a minimal footprint.
The inspiring driving characteristics of the new MINI 3-door can be
optimally refined at the winter test centre in Arjeplog. With every
lap it completes on packed snow and ice, the test engineers can
precisely tune the spontaneous power development of the electric
motor, the control systems for optimising traction, the cornering
behaviour, the suspension and damping characteristics as well as the
character of the steering and braking system. The integrated
application of all drive and chassis systems enables a mature degree
of overall harmony, which will help the later production model to
deliver a coherent and hallmark MINI balance of go-kart feeling and
driving comfort.
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the
BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles
and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility
services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production
and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global
sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2021, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles
and more than 194,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax
in the financial year 2021 was € 16.1 billion on revenues amounting
to € 111.2 billion. As of 31 December 2021, the BMW Group had a
workforce of 118,909 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company set the course for the
future at an early stage and consistently makes sustainability and
efficient resource management central to its strategic direction,
from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase
of all products.
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