Mini Vision Next Concept 100 unveiled

As part of its centennial celebrations, BMW has showcased its subsidiary Mini’s Vision Next 100 concept.The compact four-seater showcases a new design language for future Mini models, which is a departure from the retro designs of its current models.

The new Mini concept has a monovolume silhouette, its stubby bonnet followed by an elongated windscreen. Highlights of the exteriors include thin LED headlamps, prominent wheel housings, floating roof and a full-width LED tail-lamp incorporated into a subtle rear spoiler.

The concept measures 3,620mm long, which is in line with Mini's philosophy of maximising space within the smallest possible footprint. This way, it is 560mm longer than the original Mini, but 270mm shorter than the current hatchback. The concept also previews a model positioned beneath the existing hatchback.

There’s little information on the drivetrain used by the Vision Next 100, although company officials acknowledged that the company is working on multiple electric powertrains using the technical know-how of its parent company, BMW.

Despite the emphasis on autonomous driving technology, Mini is describing the Vision Next 100 as “small and nimble” like Mini’s offerings are famously known to be. To drive the point home, Mini has even given the concept car a John Cooper Works performance mode.

Inside, the Vision Next 100 previews a simple interior unlike the over-adorned interior seen in current models. The dashboard uses augmented reality and a series of high definition monitors to display vehicle and entertainment information.

In autonomous mode, the steering wheel slides to the centre of the dashboard. The pedals too slide with the steering wheel to provide increased legroom for the driver. In order to re-engage manual control, the driver can move the steering wheel to either the left- or right-hand side.

The highlight of the interior however, is the centrally positioned circular instrument cluster that resembles the round dial of original Mini models. The display allows the driver to choose differing set-ups for a range of functions, including the autonomous driving, entertainment and communication systems.

Alongside the Mini concept, BMW has also unveiled the Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 concept, which previews the luxury marque’s ambition of using autonomous driving technology in its future models.