New MINI Flagship SUV On The Table, Could Be Nearly As Big As The BMW X3

The BMW Group has transformed the MINI brand ever since its 2001 takeover, expanding the range with diverse models like the Countryman and Clubman while also keeping the hatch up to date.

Now, as customers continue to flock to crossovers and SUVs, MINI is looking to further enrich its lineup with two new models. One of them could revive the Traveler nameplate as early as 2024, playing the role of the brand’s biggest crossover placed above the Countryman, both in size and price. It would likely be based on BMW’s modular CLAR platform, which would allow it to be built in the U.S., alongside the Bavarian company’s other high riders.

Speaking to Autocar on the topic, MINI’s chief Bernd Korber said that even though “it would be hard to imagine a MINI the size of a BMW X3 or X5”, they need “to address the growth in SUVs and look at if we need a compact SUV.” He added that it would still retain the brand’s character by being among the smallest in the (premium) compact segment by offering, something that would also help the corresponding BMW model, as it won’t cannibalize it.

“We can stretch the interpretation of Mini always being the smallest but I can’t imagine being bigger in a segment. We need to fulfill a requirement on size,” the MINI boss told the British publication.

An electric SUV is also in the cards

A smaller electric SUV, similar in size to the BMW X1, is also said to be in the pipeline. The British magazine reports that it could be produced as part of the joint venture with Great Wall Motors, and will be launched in China and global markets. Production is expected to take place at the Zhangjiagang factory, close to Shanghai, which is currently being built and should kick off operations in 2022, with some 3,000 employees and an annual production capacity of 160,000 cars.

Rather than using a new platform, the vehicle might be based on a new co-developed architecture instead, and is understood that it will feature cobalt-free battery cells from SVolt, a Great Wall Motors division that has been operating independently for the last two years.

The yet-unnamed MINI, which was initially rumored to have been previewed by the Rocketman concept, could spawn a Chinese electric derivative which, in place, might adopt the Paceman moniker. This model could serve as the foundation stone for the BMW i3’s successor.

A new Mini Hatch

The future of the popular hatch is secure, with the new iteration expected to hit showrooms in a couple of years. It will use mild-hybrid petrol units with particulate filters and energy recovery system. A BEV variant should follow as the successor of the current Cooper SE. The performance-oriented JCW and GP models will also live on for the new generation.

Note: MINI Rocketman Concept pictured