When we think of an SUV, we are far from having the image of a Mini in mind. The British brand, bought by BMW in 2000, has specialized in the Cooper ever since, which was available in almost every way. Cabriolet (2005), Clubman station wagon (2008), Crossover Countryman (2011), Coupe (2012), Roadster (2012) and even the Paceman (2013) crossover coupe! BMW embraced the neo-retro Mini, which was a huge success when it was launched in 2001. This is already the third generation, from the next one – which will also be available in an electric version – is scheduled for next year. What about a Mini-based van? Minnie is very serious about this, and this is no joke.

Mini wants to ride Van Life

Beyond visualization a beautiful tribute to the Mini Van of the 60s (1960-1983), this modern van would give the brand a leg up urban and intellectual mobility. We know that with the democratization of public transport in the city, several initiatives of electric or even connected route transportation are multiplying. There will also be such a vehicle an opportunity for Mini to travel the ‘van life’ that has exploded post-Covid : a vacation trip in a converted van with several people in an unusual setting. Volkswagen was the first manufacturer to develop such a principle: its ID.Buzz electric van will soon be available in a California version, a typical camper. Mini aimed at him, and the project has already been implemented, under the name Urbanaut.

Let’s get the Urbanaut concept out of the closet

Presented as a concept in 2020, it is a model with a very original design, designed to maximize interior space and modularity. It offers 7 seats, lots of storage space, environment bathed in light, and original opening systems. Due to its architecture 100% electric, its floor is also completely flat. Why are we talking about this today, three years after the presentation? Because Chef Mini, Stephanie Wursttold our CarExpert colleagues about it: “The brand is exploring many possibilities for its future models. The Urbanaut concept is perhaps the most promising “. A surprising announcement, but a pleasant surprise if it was mass production. We can only wait and watch for the camouflaged prototypes that will be roaming Munich in the coming months…

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