MINI considers rear-wheel drive for next generation electric Coopers

MINI is considering a significant technical shift for its next generation of electric Coopers, potentially moving from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive. This transition would involve adopting BMW’s Gen6 electric architecture, which is designed for the Neue Klasse series. BMW development head Joachim Post has noted that while no final decision has been made, the company is evaluating options to prioritize “sheer driving pleasure.”

The move to the Gen6 platform would place the primary motor at the rear axle. This change aims to improve driving dynamics and balance, though it marks a departure from the front-wheel-drive setup used for decades. Current electric MINI models utilize a platform developed through a joint venture with Great Wall Motor in China.

In addition to mechanical changes, MINI design chief Holger Hampf has indicated that future models will look to the proportions of the 2001 R50 model for inspiration. The goal is to create a smaller, lighter vehicle that maintains the brand’s iconic aesthetic while utilizing new battery technology to ensure competitive range and interior space.