Someone discovered a few next-generation MINI compacts parked somewhere in China and took photos. The all-electric Cooper SE is not coming to that market until two years later.
MINI had already posted some early shots of the car, but they were all heavily camouflaged and impossible to view in detail. As we can see now, the next generation keeps the overall proportions and the round headlights while getting an all-new rear end.
This includes new triangular taillights coming to replace the old design, UK flag light patters, a gloss trim piece linking the left and the right lights, and smoother, more rounded bumper and fenders.
For its own part, the front looks more traditional than ever. The hood and the front fenders in particular are far more classical in appearance, especially compared to the smallish fenders and the giant hood of the current model (watch the video and compare for yourself if you would like it).
Inside, the dashboard is absent, but there is a heads-up display on a small piece of glass. The dish in the middle is still there, although looking slimmer and lacking hardware buttons. The knobs and switches under the display and the dual-spoke steering wheel are the same as usual.
From the technical point of view, the compact car makes use of an upgraded platform. MINI said the convertible would remain in the lineup, while the five-door hatchback might be dropped. The new Cooper S will ship in ICE and all-electric variants, and the one depicted here is a battery-powered Cooper S.