The new electric MINI 3-door prototype is proving its worth on snow-covered roads and specially prepared areas on frozen lakes at the BMW Group’s winter test centre in Sweden.

The tough conditions of the Arctic Circle serve as the ideal test track on which the characteristics of the drive, steering, and chassis can be very sensitively tested, refined, and harmonized with each other.

This is a major chapter in the series development of the new MINI 3-door, which is set to become the first model in the marque’s fifth-generation series line-up.

The electric drivetrain, high-voltage battery, power electronics, and charging technology of the new prototype is claimed to be already demonstrating a high degree of maturity at extreme temperatures below freezing.

And, with every lap it completes on packed snow and ice, the test engineers can further refine the application of the drive and chassis systems, which will help the later production model to deliver a coherent and hallmark MINI balance of “go-kart feeling and driving comfort.”

“MINI is on a path of growth and heading towards a fully electric future,” said Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI brand.

“Our iconic MINI 3-door maximises the experience for our customers through its electrified go-kart feeling combined with digitalised touchpoints – and a clear focus on sustainability with a minimal environmental footprint.”

While the vehicle concept is geared to fully electric driving fun, the MINI 3-door will also be available with an international combustion engine.

VIDEO: MINI | EXCLUSIVE LOOK AT THE NEW ALL-ELECTRIC MINI COOPER. ARRIVING 2024

Source: MINI Australia | Fully electric and packed with driving fun: the new MINI 3-door on snow and ice 

24 March 2022