Next-Gen MINI Cooper May Switch to Rear-Wheel Drive for First Time in 70 Years

According to a report on August 17, MINI has commenced development of the next-generation Cooper, which is expected to launch in the coming years and may switch from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive for the first time. Since its debut in 1959, every MINI model has featured a front-wheel-drive layout. The current all-electric Cooper is produced by Spotlight Automotive, a joint venture between MINI and Great Wall Motor, and is built on a platform specifically developed for front-wheel drive, sharing its architecture with the ACEMAN. The next-generation Cooper is planned to move to BMW Group’s new, native rear-wheel-drive Gen6 electric vehicle platform. BMW engineers stated that the company currently has no plans to develop a front-wheel-drive drivetrain unit for the Gen6 platform. Holger Hampf, MINI’s newly appointed Head of Design, confirmed that the team is reevaluating the entire product lineup and emphasized that regardless of changes in drivetrain configuration, MINI’s signature design elements—including its iconic proportions, short overhangs, wheels positioned near the four corners, and the distinctive combination of circular headlights and grille—will remain unchanged.