Future Tiny EVs Might Shift to Rear-Wheel Drive
Mini has yet to produce a rear-wheel-drive model, but the BMW Neue Klasse platform could potentially introduce one in the coming years.
- Upcoming mini electric vehicles will transition to the BMW Neue Klasse architecture.
- BMW developed the Neue Klasse platform intended for both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.
- There are no plans for a more affordable front-wheel-drive variant of the platform.
Mini vehicles have historically been compact and enjoyable front-wheel-drive automobiles known for their agile, go-kart-like steering. Regardless of whether they were produced before or after BMW’s acquisition in 2000, all Minis have maintained this front-wheel-drive configuration. However, recent reports indicate that this could evolve since upcoming Mini models will utilize the new Neue Klasse architecture.
Autocar indicated that once the present electric Mini models have reached the conclusion of their life cycle, they will be succeeded by vehicles based on the Neue Klasse platform. When questioned about the potential shift towards rear-wheel-drive configurations with Joachim Post, who serves as a BMW board member for procurement and supplies, he did not dismiss the idea but instead commented, "We will see what the future holds. Our aim is simple: pure driving enjoyment."
Although this doesn’t confirm anything definitively, it seems he suggested that transitioning to rear-wheel drive is definitely part of Mini’s plans for the future. In contrast to Hyundai-Kia or Volkswagen, who offer less expensive front-wheel-drive variants of their E-GMP platform (utilized in vehicles such as the Kia EV4 ) and MEB platforms (utilized in entry-level VW EVs BMW does not intend to create a front-wheel-drive variant of its Neue Klasse architecture for less expensive vehicles. This could necessitate making subsequent Minis rear-wheel drive instead.
BMW Blog I contacted BMW regarding the possibility of front-wheel-drive models based on the Neue Klasse platform, but they stated that they do not intend to produce such vehicles. Every car built using this platform will feature at least one permanent magnet electric motor located at the rear. Models equipped with all-wheel drive will include an extra asynchronous motor for driving the front wheels. Additionally, high-performance variants utilizing this architecture may come with up to four electric motors—likely two per axle—with standard versions remaining as rear-wheel-drive configurations.
The original Mini Cooper SE remains one of the top three most enjoyable electric vehicles I've ever experienced, despite being a gasoline-powered model converted to run on electricity. It utilized the electric motor typically found in rear-wheel-drive configurations. BMW i3S , yet it turned out to be more enjoyable to drive than the BMW, despite having the engine powering the front wheels.
Around the time I was driving the Cooper SE, I also tried the Honda e , an exclusive rear-wheel-drive electric vehicle intended for zippy and enjoyable urban driving. Nonetheless, despite my strong inclination to enjoy the car and acknowledging its numerous positive aspects, I found myself unexpectedly impressed by how much more entertaining and engaging the front-wheel-drive Mini was to operate compared to the Honda.
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If BMW opts for a rear-wheel-drive setup for future Mini electric vehicles, significant modifications would be necessary to distinguish them from the BMW models sharing their platform. Despite having shared characteristics, BMWs and Minis exhibit distinct driving experiences, largely due to which wheels receive power across these brands' lineups.
Although this may become a reality, Mini’s transition to rear-wheel drive is still several years down the line. The company only relatively recently unveiled a fresh electric three-door Mini Cooper and a five-door crossover named the Aceman , which are constructed using a redesigned variant of the Great Wall Motor front-wheel-drive platform associated with the one that supports the Ora Cat These new electric Minis are expected to remain available until towards the end of the decade, giving BMW ample time to develop a front-wheel-drive EV platform or maintain Mini’s characteristic handling with a rear-wheel-drive setup.
