During the 2023 Munich auto show, Mini unveiled its third-generation Countryman, which has grown by 5.1 inches compared to its predecessor, making it the largest Mini to date. Despite this expansion, Mini appears to be considering even larger vehicles.
Speaking at the launch event for the new Countryman, set to arrive in the U.S. in 2025 as a 2025 model, Mini’s chief, Stefanie Wurst, hinted at the possibility of a compact van with seating for more than five passengers. She referenced the 2020 Vision Urbanaut concept, which, while not specific about seating capacity, featured a lounge area that could suggest the potential for increased seating.
This isn’t the first time Mini has alluded to a larger vehicle than the Countryman. In 2020, the automaker mentioned working on an SUV larger than the Countryman. However, Wurst expressed a preference for pursuing innovative concepts rather than simply scaling up in size, emphasizing Mini’s commitment to doing things differently.
Regarding the long-standing rumors of a Mini minivan, often associated with the name “Traveller,” Wurst did not confirm any immediate plans. The original Mini Traveller, formally known as the Morris Mini-Minor Traveller, was a smaller van that, in certain iterations, featured distinctive wood body parts. Mini might opt to revive the traditional name, as it has done with the Clubman and Countryman, both inspired by the original Austin-Morris lineup.
While the possibility of a Mini minivan may still be some years away, Wurst hinted at the potential introduction of additional Countryman variants to fill the gap left by the discontinuation of the Clubman after 2024. Furthermore, Mini is set to launch the Aceman next year, an electric crossover smaller than the Countryman, expanding its range of innovative vehicles.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mini Van Concept
What did Mini unveil at the 2023 Munich auto show?
Mini unveiled its third-generation Countryman, which is 5.1 inches longer than its predecessor, making it the largest Mini to date.
What did Mini’s chief, Stefanie Wurst, hint at during the Countryman’s launch event?
Stefanie Wurst hinted at the possibility of a compact van with more than five seats, possibly inspired by the 2020 Vision Urbanaut concept.
What was Mini’s previous mention of a larger vehicle than the Countryman?
In 2020, Mini mentioned working on an SUV larger than the Countryman, although Stefanie Wurst expressed a preference for innovative concepts over simply increasing size.
What historical vehicle name might Mini consider for its potential minivan?
Mini may consider reviving the “Traveller” name, reminiscent of the original Morris Mini-Minor Traveller.
What other plans did Mini hint at regarding its vehicle lineup?
Mini hinted at introducing more Countryman variants and launching the Aceman, an electric crossover smaller than the Countryman, in the near future.
More about Mini Van Concept
- Mini Official Website
- 2023 Munich Auto Show Highlights
- 2020 Mini Vision Urbanaut Concept
- History of Mini Traveller