Mini Could Go Bigger With A Seven-Seat Model

One can say now is the time for Mini to explore additional models amid the attention from its transition to electrification. While the British automaker had interesting concepts over the years, it is looking at a previous concept in bringing an uncanny Mini seven-seater model to the range.

Speaking to CarExpert, Stefanie Wurst, the global boss of Mini, said the brand is exploring many possibilities for future models, and the Urbanaut concept seems to be one of the frontrunners.

The concept comes with a silhouette similar to the futuristic Hyundai Staria minivan, albeit with a lower stance. However, the highlight is the interior, which has a lounge-like layout that could seat more than five people. That does not sound very Mini, but it could be a smaller alternative to the three-row Volkswagen ID. Buzz.

After all, Mini's goal is to roll out products that won't cannibalize the BMW lineup. This could be the brand's ticket to coming up with a unique offering out of the bigger BMW Group and finally entering the seven-seater market.

"The Urbanaut was a great concept… it wasn't very specific on the seating capacity but the concept had a lounge with two benches across from each other, so you can imagine a bigger seating capacity as well," said Wurst.

Another model Mini is considering is a revival of the Moke, or at least a utilitarian-style vehicle. This type of vehicle would replace the Mini Clubman, which is exiting the lineup sometime in 2024.

"I think [a utilitarian vehicle] would fit the Mini brand very well, also possible if you think of it as a variation of a Countryman it would be a great concept. In China, when they were locked down in COVID, they used these rugged vehicles and went camping in the desert, and rugged is very relevant in a lot of areas in the US, and also in China."

There will still be many discussions behind closed doors - chief among them is the arrival of the all-electric Aceman next year.