New MINI Cooper EV Interior Unveils Retro-Futuristic Cabin Design

2024 MINI Cooper EV cabin boasts retro-futuristic design and styling

It is no secret that MINI is building the next-gen MINI Cooper EV model, which is poised to make its debut in near future. Ahead of its global unveiling, the Anglo-German boutique marque has unveiled the interior of its new EV hatch model, featuring retro-futuristic design and layout.

For starters, the new MINI Cooper EV’s cabin no longer comes with a digital instrument cluster behind its steering wheel. Instead, drivers will only get a sizable head-up display (HUD), while said steering wheel still features physical buttons for both driving-related and infotainment controls.

As for the front dash, it is wrapped with fabric upholstery featuring a grey gradient pattern on the driver's side and transitions to a houndstooth pattern on the other end. Adding some futuristic element to this retro-inspired pattern is the addition of an ambient lighting system at the lower part of the front dash.

Aside from that, the new MINI Cooper EV also gets a massive rounded central infotainment display, which doubles as a secondary driver’s display. Below said display lies a small oval-shaped control panel, featuring physical buttons and dials that is probably reserved for the car’s climate control.

Previously, MINI has published several teaser photos of its new electric hatch, albeit draped in camouflage. However, said images were followed by a few leaked spy shots showcasing Mini EV hatch without the camo wrap.

2024 MINI Cooper EV leaked image

From said images, we can see the next-gen MINI Cooper EV boasts several design tweaks. Up front, the hatch now comes with a wide octagonal faux front grille with trapezoidal lower apron sitting inside it. While its headlights retain the signature MINI round shape, they now come with dual horizontal LED light bars inside them.

From the side, the next-gen MINI still retains the signature MINI hatch silhouette, with the windscreen now has a steeper rake, giving the hatch some extra sportiness. With this being an EV, both the car’s front and rear overhangs are noticeably shorter than before, thus freeing up some extra cabin and cargo space.

At the rear, the new model sports dual-stacked triangular-shaped LED taillights, with both of them connected by a full-width bar draped in gloss black. Just like many modern cars nowadays, the new MINI model also comes with letterings that spelt the model’s name, instead of a traditional badge.

As for the powertrain specs, the next-gen MINI Cooper will come in both EV and ICE powertrains – both riding on different platforms. The baseline MINI Cooper E EV will sport a front-mounted single electric motor rated at 181 HP, which is juiced by a 40.7-kWh battery pack – good enough to drive this small EV hatch as far as 300 KM on a single charge.

Meanwhile, the up-specced MINI Cooper SE gets a peppier 215 HP-rated electric motor setup, as well as a larger 54.2-kWh battery pack. This model boasts a maximum EV range of 400 KM, MINI claims.

With MINI now unveiled both the interior and exterior of the car, as well as the detailed powertrain specs, perhaps it is finally time for the MINI Cooper EV to make its global debut. However, the automaker remains tight-lipped about the exact launch date. As there’s not much left to know about the car, perhaps it may come sooner than expected…