Mini Electric – Go-Kart Ride in the Snow

At the BMW Group's winter test center in Arjeplog, Sweden, the new Mini is currently undergoing its dynamic driving trials. The extreme minus temperatures pose significant challenges to the electric drive, high-voltage battery, power electronics, and charging technology of the prototypes. Snow-covered roads and prepared surfaces on frozen lakes serve as test tracks, where the characteristics of the drive, steering, and chassis can be tested, refined, and harmonized.

In its fifth model generation, Mini is once again starting with the Mini 3-Door. The new 3-Door will be complemented by the successor to the current Countryman in the new Mini family. The new edition will be offered with both a combustion engine and a fully electric drive. Later this year, Mini will present the concept study of a crossover model for the premium small car segment.

"Mini is on a growth path and heading towards a fully electric future. Our icon, the Mini 3-Door, maximizes the experience for our customers by offering an electrified go-kart feeling combined with digitalized touchpoints – and a clear focus on sustainability with a minimal ecological footprint," says Stefanie Wurst, Head of the Mini brand.

At the winter test center in Arjeplog, the driving characteristics of the new Mini 3-Door can be optimally fine-tuned. With each lap it takes on compacted snow and ice surfaces, the test engineers can precisely coordinate the power delivery of the electric motor, the control systems for optimizing traction, the cornering behavior, the suspension and damping characteristics, as well as the character of the steering and braking system. The integrated application of all drive and chassis systems forms the basis for a refined overall vehicle harmony, which grants the later production model a Mini-typical balance of go-kart feeling and driving comfort.