Mini is reportedly planning to release two more SUVs, including an electric car.
Mini reportedly hopes to capitalize on strong demand for crossover SUVs by adding two more models to its lineup in addition to the existing Countryman.
Autocar reported Monday that Mini is developing both a battery-electric SUV slightly larger than the Countryman and a conventional SUV similar in size to the BMW X3. According to the magazine's sources, the electric SUV will be called the Paceman, while the X3-sized SUV is being touted to revive the "Traveler" name.
Mini was rumored to be developing a mini-car smaller than a hardtop for its next EV. While that model may yet come to fruition, an electric SUV is now likely to be the first to appear, tapping into strong demand in China.
According to Autocar, the electric SUV will be the first vehicle built by Spotlight Automotive, a new Chinese joint venture between Mini and Great Wall Motor. Spotlight was established late last year to develop and market Mini and Great Wall electric vehicles in both China and export markets. The plant is scheduled to be completed in 2022.
The X3-sized SUV is designed primarily for North America, where the Countryman is considered too small. Completion is expected around 2024. Interestingly, Autocar reports that the SUV may share the rear-wheel-drive based CLAR platform found on the X3, meaning it could be built at plants in China and the US where the X3 is currently produced. In addition, the SUV will likely be the smallest competitor in the segment in order to maintain its Mini-like character.
Concurrent with the development of the two new SUVs will be the development of the fourth generation of the modern Mini lineup, which according to Autocar will again be a battery-powered Cooper SE variant, albeit with a more competitive battery and electric motor combination than the current model will be.