The Iconic Front-Wheel-Drive Mini Cooper Could Change Soon
BMW Group
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Since reviving the Mini brand in 2000, BMW has taken it in some surprising directions, expanding the classic hatchback into wagons and SUVs, and even transforming it into a “coupe” adorned with a backwards baseball cap. However, recent insights from the development team suggest that the next evolution could veer even more from Mini’s historical roots: it might feature rear-wheel drive.
Indeed, the well-known front-wheel-drive Mini—a car that has been closely associated with that drivetrain and its space-saving advantages, especially with a transversely mounted engine—could switch to rear-wheel drive in the next iteration, according to statements made by BMW officials to Autocar.
This shift seems to be influenced by the existing hardware at BMW’s disposal. As per the publication, BMW's Gen 6 platform, which supports the Neue Klasse models, is designed with a rear-axle drive unit and gearbox. Although there are dual-motor versions of the i3 and iX3 that provide front-wheel propulsion, these motors are supplementary.
BMW has produced four generations of Mini Coopers, with the EV made in China on the far right. Design chief Holger Hampf suggested that the upcoming model might take inspiration from the original "R50" generation, which is shown first on the left.
According to Autocar, BMW engineers stated that an equivalent primary drive motor for the front axle is not in development, making it likely that the next Mini EV will reverse the traditional layout. Interestingly, the forthcoming electric BMW 1 Series—previously a front-wheel-drive vehicle—is also rumored to undergo a similar change.
None of this, however, addresses Mini's future regarding internal combustion engines. Fans will note that the current Cooper EV, which is unavailable in the United States, is fundamentally different from the gas-powered version that looks similar. The electric variant is produced by Great Wall Motor in China, while the contemporary gas Mini is a complete redesign of the previous generation.
Will BMW maintain this strategy in the future, offering a front-wheel-drive, gasoline-powered Mini alongside a rear-drive, electric version? Or could the company choose to provide a hybrid based on the EV? Theoretically, that would need to be all-wheel drive, but it would at least be a bit closer to tradition.
It’s important to emphasize that these scenarios are purely speculative, based on what Autocar has learned from BMW executives. However, after years of seeing well-known models switch from rear- to front-wheel drive—much to the displeasure of enthusiasts—it’s unusual to consider a scenario where the opposite occurs. It’s even more surprising to think it could happen to the Mini Cooper specifically.
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The Iconic Front-Wheel-Drive Mini Cooper Could Change Soon
BMW's upcoming electric vehicle platform could necessitate that the next Mini adopts rear-wheel drive for the first time in the storied hatchback's history.