BMW Neue Klasse Architecture is not compatible with FWD applications, so mini will have to adapt
February 21, 2025 at 09:24
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- The next generation of mini electric models could move at an RWD provision.
- The reason is that the new platform dedicated to the BMW EV is not compatible with FWD.
- The change has not been officially confirmed, but Mini leaves room for speculation.
Mini could exchange towards a rear traction configuration for its new generation electric vehicles thanks to the sharing of platforms with BMW. Although the news has not yet been officially confirmed, the BMW Neue Klasse models and their new flashy architecture next year would only be compatible with RWD and AWD configurations, which means that Mini could have to adapt.
Until now, all the mini-models since the 1959 original were FWD, with the exception of the All4 versions of certain versions of Countryman and Clubman which offered all-wheel drive. This could change in the future when Mini will have to jump into the next electrical architecture of the BMW group.
Plus: Mini cancels the plans for Cooper Convertible Electric Cooper
The new foundations – which will be presented by the BMW IX3 “Neue Klasse” later this year – are compatible with simple, double, triple and quadruple electric motors. However, the single basic motor versions can only be the RWD, as the rear mounted engine is the only one to be delivered with an integrated gearbox.
Autocar spoke with BMW Group Engineers, who said there was currently no plan to adapt the Neue Klasse architecture for an FWD application.
The entirely electric mini range is quite new, the Cooper and the Countryman being launched in 2023, followed by the Aceman in 2024. This means that the new generation models are probably in several years.
Plus: why the new Cooper and Aceman Electric de Mini do not come to North America (for the moment)
However, at some point in the future mini will inevitably have to go ahead and adopt the new architecture. The latter should make significant improvements in the range, technology, performance and load speeds while benefiting from the economy of scale within the BMW group.
An alternative solution for the mini brand would be a synergy with another car manufacturer which could possibly provide them with an FWD architecture, although it is pure speculation at this stage.
Our coach colleagues also spoke with Joachim Post, member of the BMW AG Board of Directors, responsible for the purchase and network of suppliers. When asked if the new platform will mark the end of the FWD electric models from Mini, the senior official replied: “We will see what the future is.”
Post said that future models “will always have miningions”, but have raised a question about the “optimal” solution for their packaging, the ultimate goal being “driving pleasure”. These comments suggest that Mini is not entirely sure of the future of its FWD range, fueling rumors on the potential beginnings of the very first RWD John Cooper Works model.
