The upcoming Mini Cooper could be transitioning to rear-wheel drive.

      As the BMW Group moves toward its Neue Klasse of electric vehicles, a recent technology workshop provided updates on the new EV platform. A notable point mentioned was that no Neue Klasse vehicle will have a single motor located at the front. This means that front-wheel drive is effectively phased out, which is a core aspect of Mini's identity.

      BMW has stated that its sixth-generation eDrive technology will be lighter, faster, and more cost-effective, while also increasing charging speeds and range by 30%. Its modular manufacturing process allows for flexible vehicle production, enabling customers to choose between vehicles with one, two, three, or four electric motors. However, BMWBlog learned that no motor will function alone on the front axle.

      This decision stems from the constraints of the technology. BMW's Gen6 EV powertrain will incorporate two types of motors: asynchronous (ASM) and electrically excited synchronous (EESM). The compact and economical ASM will be placed at the front axle in future xDrive all-wheel-drive vehicles. According to BMWBlog, an ASM lacks integrated gearboxes and generates less power compared to the EESM positioned at the rear axle. Essentially, ASM serves merely as a supplementary power unit rather than a primary one.

      Not a big issue, right? After all, rear-wheel drive is often seen as more enjoyable. However, Mini enthusiasts might disagree. Despite its expanding physical size each year, front-wheel-drive Minis continue to offer an enjoyable driving experience. Its sport drive mode was even named “go-kart” mode. Currently, only the larger Countryman variants come with all-wheel drive, while the other Mini models are recognized as fun front-wheel-drive vehicles. Would transitioning to rear-wheel drive alter the fundamental character of Mini?

      Mini has been facing challenges. Sales decreased by 21.5% last year, in contrast to BMW, which saw a 2.5% increase in sales. Although BMW boasts a broader lineup, it appears to have a strong identity, whereas Mini seems to be progressively losing its own. The manual Mini used to be a staple offering but vanished, only to return briefly as the highlight of a stick-shift driving school, before disappearing again. This was compounded by the discontinuation of the Clubman and its iconic barn-style split doors.

      There were plans for Mini to become an entirely electric brand, but that announcement is now nearly ten years old. Almost all original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that made similar commitments have since revised their EV schedules and model plans. Currently, the Countryman SE remains the only all-electric Mini available in the U.S.

      BMWBlog proposes that Mini could strike a balance by keeping traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) front-wheel-drive models for purists while simultaneously offering battery electric vehicle (BEV) rear-wheel or all-wheel drive models as part of the Neue Klasse. The latter could attract buyers who are less focused on heritage and seeking a BMW in a Mini package. Christian Wehner, the former global VP of Mini products, had previously indicated that Mini EVs would maintain the brand's signature go-kart feel. However, with Wehner recently returning to the BMW side, it raises the question of whether that vision still drives the Mini brand.