Shortly before the premiere of the new MINI Cooper Electric Hardtop and Countryman, the automaker has filmed a video revealing its latest design direction named ‘Charismatic Simplicity’,
According to the company representatives, Charismatic Simplicity combines recognizable appearances with a minimalist approach to design and structural innovations. A separate mention goes to eco-friendliness: all cars make active use of all kinds of nature-friendly materials, whether recycled, biodegradable, or both.
The cabin has been made visually smaller and equipped with a new 9.4-inch display as the dominant feature. MINI stresses that the screen is bezel-less and 100% usable.
The standard dashboard had to go because of ‘raw material economy’ reasons. The statement applied to the electric hatchback, though – we don’t know yet if the Countryman also gets to lose its instrument cluster in favor of a head unit and a heads-up display.
The steering wheel has a curious element resembling a strap at the 6-hour mark. For the fit and finish, buyers will be choosing between fabric coming in a variety of textures and colors. We are also promised state-of-the-art seats with armrests and broad customization opportunities.
On the outside, stylish wheels will be the main head-turner. The design team, which had previously focused on ‘sculpted spokes’ for the wheels, switched its attention to ‘a graphic design highlighted with color accents’ for the next-generation Cooper and Countryman. The idea was to make the rims look larger than they really are.