New Mini Cooper May Now Come With Rear-Wheel Drive

Mini’s design boss has confirmed early work on a new Cooper that borrows heavily from the stance and proportions of the 2001 R50, while BMW engineers are considering a move to a rear-wheel-drive Gen6 electric platform.

As Motor1 reports, it would be a big departure from today’s front-wheel-drive Minis, but the problem is that nothing has been finally decided yet.

Currently, the latest electric Cooper uses a front-wheel-drive platform from a Chinese joint venture, while Mini’s petrol Cooper continues with an evolved version of the previous chassis. BMW’s Gen6 electric hardware places its main motor in the rear and promises more dynamic balance from the get-go.

BMW’s development chief, Joachim Post, presented the rear-wheel-drive Mini as an option, not a done deal, with “pure driving pleasure” as the benchmark. In practice, the rear engine should mean a cleaner steering feel and more scope for playful back-road cornering compared to today’s front-wheel-drive Cooper.

Mini design chief Holger Hampf made it clear that proportions are “non-negotiable,” pointing to the way people around the world, even five-year-olds, instantly recognize the Mini. The 2001 R50 is the reference point: short overhangs, upright glass, and the familiar mix of round headlights perched above a simple grille opening.

Hampf also talked about combining those distinctive features with what he calls clever packaging and details that “induce a smile,” rather than creating a retro museum piece.

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