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| Model Year: | 2017 |
The Mini Electric Concept, unveiled in 2017, represents a forward-thinking prototype that foreshadowed the transition of the iconic Mini brand into the electric vehicle segment. As a compact hatchback, the concept maintained Mini's hallmark small footprint and urban-friendly dimensions, making it highly suitable for city driving and tight parking environments. Although exact detailed dimensions and weights of this prototype have not been publicly released, it stays true to Mini’s tradition of compact design, likely measuring close to conventional Mini hatchbacks with a length around 3.8 meters (approximately 12.5 feet), a width near 1.7 meters (5.5 feet), and a height about 1.4 meters (4.6 feet). The concept car's design emphasizes electric mobility with a fully electric powertrain, combining efficiency with Mini’s signature style and innovative technology. This vehicle was never intended for mass production in its concept form, but it laid the groundwork for future electric Minis by showcasing electric battery integration, motor placement, and sustainable design principles. The Mini Electric Concept bridges the gap between classic Mini compactness and modern electric vehicle technology, highlighting what an urban electric hatchback could offer in terms of driving dynamics, efficiency, and environmental consciousness. This 2017 prototype concept is significant in Mini’s lineup as a pioneer that signals the brand's commitment to electric mobility without compromising the iconic Mini look and feel.
Discover the standout features that make the 2017 Mini Electric Concept a leader in its class
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The Mini Electric Concept, introduced in 2017 as a prototype, features compact dimensions typical of the Mini brand, designed to optimize urban mobility. While exact production car dimensions were not officially released for this concept, concept cars like this generally maintain a length close to around 3.8 meters (approximately 150 inches), a width near 1.7 meters (about 67 inches), and a height close to 1.4 meters (roughly 55 inches). These sizes enable agility in city driving and parking, adhering to Mini’s trademark compact and nimble character. As a prototype, these dimensions provided a foundation for Mini's first fully electric model, aiming to balance interior space with external compactness, though final production specs may slightly differ.
Yes, the Mini Electric Concept is designed with urban environments in mind, meaning its compact dimensions allow it to fit comfortably in a standard residential garage. Typically, a standard garage door opening is about 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide and 2.1 meters (7 feet) high, while the internal garage space usually measures around 6 to 7 meters (20 to 23 feet) in length. Given the Mini Electric Concept's estimated length around 3.8 meters (150 inches) and width about 1.7 meters (67 inches), it leaves ample clearance on all sides. This makes it convenient not only for parking but also for maneuvering in tight spaces, aligning with Mini's ethos of practicality and city friendliness.
The Mini Electric Concept’s width, estimated at roughly 1.7 meters (67 inches), places it well within the typical range for compact hatchbacks. Most compact hatchbacks usually range between 1.7 to 1.8 meters (67 to 71 inches) in width, balancing stability and urban usability. This means the Mini Electric Concept provides a good stance on the road with enough cabin width to comfortably accommodate passengers while maintaining ease of maneuverability in narrow city streets or parking spaces. Its compact width also supports the electric powertrain integration without significantly increasing size beyond expectations for city cars.
As the Mini Electric Concept is a prototype, official curb weight figures were not publicly disclosed. However, typical small electric hatchbacks weigh between 1,300 kg to 1,500 kg (approximately 2,870 to 3,300 lbs), due largely to battery weight. The Mini Electric Concept likely falls within this range. This weight balance is crucial to ensure a nimble driving experience, characteristic of Mini cars, while providing sufficient battery capacity for an urban electric vehicle. The weight influences aspects such as acceleration, handling, and energy efficiency; balancing the battery mass with a compact chassis is key to maintaining the fun-to-drive nature expected from a Mini.
The Mini Electric Concept’s height is estimated around 1.4 meters (55 inches), which is slightly lower or comparable to many conventional compact hatchbacks that range between 1.45 to 1.55 meters (57 to 61 inches) in height. This relatively low height helps in lowering the center of gravity, enhancing handling and stability, which suits Mini’s sporty driving character. However, it may limit headroom slightly compared to taller hatchbacks. Aerodynamically, a lower profile reduces drag, improving energy efficiency and electric range. The design reflects a balance aiming for city-friendly proportions and optimized electric performance.
The Mini Electric Concept maintains the traditional Mini hatchback layout with seating designed for four passengers. As a compact city car, cabin space is optimized to provide sufficient comfort for front and rear occupants within limited exterior dimensions. While the front seats benefit from ample space and characteristic premium finishing, rear seat legroom and shoulder room are modest, appropriate for shorter urban trips or smaller adults and children. The concept’s design focuses on maximizing space usage through clever packaging, though as a prototype, final production models may have minor changes to improve passenger comfort.
Compared to the classic Mini Hatch (such as the third-generation Mini Cooper introduced in 2006), the Mini Electric Concept maintains the compact dimensions but integrates an all-electric powertrain. Whereas the classic Mini Hatch features a combustion engine with a traditional layout, the electric concept focuses on battery placement, typically under the floor to maintain interior space and preserve the iconic Mini proportions. Size-wise, the concept is quite close in length, width, and height, but the electric version might be slightly heavier due to batteries. This blend of a similar size with clean electric propulsion represents Mini’s evolving strategy without compromising the brand’s celebrated compact footprint.
The Mini Electric Concept is sized similarly to other premium small electric hatchbacks like the BMW i3, though the i3 is slightly taller and has a more futuristic design with a different construction approach including carbon fiber. The Nissan Leaf, although another pioneer electric hatchback, is larger and more family-oriented, offering more interior space and typically longer-range battery options. The Mini Electric concept focuses heavily on urban style, premium build quality, and a fun driving experience, while competitors often emphasize range and interior volume. In size, the Mini Electric fits neatly into the premium compact segment but stands out for its iconic design heritage and sporty character.
The Mini Electric Concept introduces a significant shift by integrating electric propulsion while preserving the iconic Mini silhouette and compact size. Compared to its predecessors, the concept likely maintains similar length (around 3.8 meters or 150 inches) and width (about 1.7 meters or 67 inches), ensuring the city-friendly footprint isn’t compromised. However, changes may include subtle aerodynamic improvements such as smoother front and rear fascias and adjusted ride height to accommodate battery placement. These refinements aim to improve efficiency and performance without sacrificing the tight dimensions that define Mini cars. Thus, while it does not dramatically increase in size, it innovates with electric-specific design elements.
The Mini Electric Concept is a 3-door hatchback, consistent with Mini’s traditional and beloved body style. This compact, agile hatchback form enhances maneuverability and parking ease in urban settings. The body design closely follows Mini’s iconic styling cues with a modernized, electrified twist, emphasizing a friendly yet sporty look. The hatchback format also allows versatile cargo and passenger space within a small footprint, aligning perfectly with Mini’s philosophy of providing a fun, practical, and stylish city car. The concept’s design bridges heritage and innovation, reflecting Mini’s future direction toward electrification while maintaining brand identity.
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