The future of Mini EVs is looking to be quite exciting, as reports suggest that these small, fun vehicles may soon switch to the BMW Neue Klasse platform. This platform, created by BMW with rear- or all-wheel drive in mind, could bring a significant change to the traditional front-wheel drive Minis that we have come to know and love.
According to a report by Autocar, the current electric Minis will be replaced by Neue Klasse-underpinned cars once they reach the end of their lifecycle. Joachim Post, a BMW board member, hinted at the possibility of a switch to rear-wheel drive, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to “sheer driving pleasure.”
Unlike other manufacturers like Hyundai-Kia and Volkswagen, which have cheaper front-wheel-drive versions of their platforms, BMW has no plans to develop a front-wheel-drive version of the Neue Klasse platform. This means that future Minis may have to make the switch to rear-wheel drive, a significant departure from their front-wheel-drive roots.
BMW has confirmed that all Neue Klasse cars will have at least one permanent magnet motor drive unit in the back, with all-wheel-drive models featuring an additional asynchronous motor to power the front axle. Performance BMW EVs on this platform may have two motors per axle, while base model cars will be rear-wheel drive.
The idea of rear-wheel drive Mini EVs may be a few years away, but it poses an interesting challenge for BMW in differentiating these vehicles from their BMW counterparts. The driving experience of BMWs and Minis is distinct, with much of it attributed to which axle is powered in each brand’s cars.
While the switch to rear-wheel drive may not happen immediately, BMW recently released new electric Mini models built on a front-wheel-drive platform. The brand has time to develop a front-wheel-drive EV platform or find a way to retain Mini’s trademark driving characteristics in a rear-wheel drive package.
In conclusion, the potential switch to rear-wheel drive for future Mini EVs on the BMW Neue Klasse platform opens up new possibilities for these iconic small cars. While the transition may take some time, it could bring a fresh and exciting driving experience to Mini enthusiasts in the years to come.