The new MINI family is doing its warm-up laps – and that works best on ice and snow in the bitter cold of the Arctic Circle, where driving dynamics testing is being carried out at BMW’s winter test centre in Arjeplog, Sweden.
The fifth generation MINI is fully electric and is now completing a major chapter in its development process, with the electric drivetrain, high-voltage battery, electronics and charging technology demonstrating a high degree of maturity at extreme temperatures.
Snow-covered roads and specially prepared areas on frozen lakes also serve as ideal test tracks on which the characteristics of the drive, steering and chassis can be very sensitively tested, refined and harmonised with each other.
The MINI 3-door will be the first model of the new range, with its vehicle concept geared to fully electric driving fun from the outset. The new edition is ideally suited to deliver inspiring agility and creative use of space, with plenty of room inside and a small footprint.
The successor to the current MINI Countryman, the premium compact will be offered with a choice of variants, including an internal combustion engine option, alongside this fully electric drive model.
Electrification has also given designers the opportunity to think fundamentally differently and creates new starting points for the MINI combination of individual style, attention to detail, a sense of tradition and a passion for innovation.
With every lap the new model completes on packed snow and ice, the test engineers can precisely tune the spontaneous power development of the electric motor, control systems for optimising traction, cornering behaviour, suspension and damping characteristics.
Likewise, they can hone the steering and braking system. The integrated application of all drive and chassis systems enables better overall harmony, which will help the later production model to deliver a coherent balance of go-kart feeling and driving comfort.
