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Future Mini EVs May Switch To Rear-Wheel Drive

4 min read

BMW's new platform, officially known as the Neue Klasse, may mark a first for Mini, allowing the company to produce a production rear-wheel drive vehicle.

  • Future Mini models will transition to the new BMW Group's Neue Klasse platform.
  • BMW developed the Neue Klasse platform with either rear- or all-wheel drive in consideration.
  • A front-wheel-drive version of the platform at a lower price is not being considered.

Traditionally, Minis have been small, fun front-wheel drive cars known for their lively, go-kart-like handling. All Minis, both before and after the BMW takeover in 2000, have been front-wheel drive, but a new report indicates that this may change in the future as Mini models transition to the new Neue Klasse platform.

The current electric Minis will be replaced by new models based on the Neue Klasse platform once they reach the end of their lifespan. In an interview, Joachim Post, a member of BMW's purchasing and supply board, discussed the possibility of a future switch to rear-wheel drive, saying, "We will see what the future holds. Our main goal is to make one thing possible: pure driving pleasure."

BMW has no plans to develop a front-wheel-drive version of its new platform, which will underpin more affordable models. This means it may have to make future Minis rear-wheel drive.

BMW was contacted to inquire about the possibility of front-wheel-drive vehicles built on the Neue Klasse platform, and the manufacturer stated it had no such plans. All Neue Klasse cars will feature at least one permanent magnet motor drive unit in the rear. Vehicles with all-wheel drive will also have an additional asynchronous motor to power the front axle. Furthermore, high-performance BMW EVs built on this platform are expected to have three or four motors, with two motors per axle, while base model cars will be rear-wheel drive.

However, it was actually more enjoyable to drive than the BMW, even with the motor driving the front wheels.

I was initially drawn to a custom rear-wheel-drive electric vehicle, engineered to deliver a thrilling and agile city driving experience. Nevertheless, I found myself unexpectedly delighted by the front-wheel-drive Mini, which proved to be a more exhilarating and enthusiast-friendly option than the Honda.

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If BMW decides to make future Mini electric vehicles rear-wheel drive, it will have to invest significant effort in making them distinct from the BMWs they will share a platform with. Although they share some common characteristics, BMWs and Minis have distinct driving sensations, and a major factor in this difference is the axle configuration used in each brand's cars.

These new electric Minis will likely be around until the end of the decade, so BMW has time to develop a front-wheel drive EV platform or maintain Mini's characteristic driving style in a rear-wheel drive setup.

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