MINI Vision Urbanaut Makes U.S. Debut As A Cute Autonomous Minivan

The MINI Vision Urbanaut electric concept has made its U.S. debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

MINI presented the autonomous Vision Urbanaut concept in full in late June as a look towards the minivan of the future. The British automaker hasn’t said if the Vision Urbanaut will spawn a production model but if it did, it would be a very interesting proposition.

The exterior of the Vision Urbanaut is identifiable as a MINI thanks to the round headlights and LED light bar. It has a large faux front grille, sits on illuminated blue wheels, and features a single sliding door and a windshield that can be opened outwards.

However, it is the interior of the concept where most of the action is happening. There is a driver’s seat that can swivel around and a passenger seat and dashboard that can morph into a daybed. There is also a couch-like rear bench seat and MINI has also equipped the concept with a small planter box and a table. A number of recycled materials are also featured throughout, including recycled wool, polyester, and Tencel. Cork has also been used on the steering wheel and parts of the concept’s floor.

It is understood that the concept has received quite a positive reaction since its unveiling and speaking about it at the Munich Motor Show in September, MINI designer Oliver Heilmer said BMW was pondering the possibility of building a production version.