Again in 2016, MINI unveiled the Imaginative and prescient NEXT 100, a futuristic idea designed to not preview the subsequent yr’s mannequin however to think about what private mobility would possibly appear to be many years from now. Created as a part of BMW Group’s centenary celebration, the automotive explored how MINI’s values—small footprint, enjoyable driving, and individuality—might evolve in a world of autonomous driving, automotive sharing, and related companies.
Form-Shifting Exterior and a Smarter Core
The MINI Imaginative and prescient NEXT 100 was constructed round the concept that the automotive itself would not have to be owned. As an alternative, it could be a part of a shared fleet—a MINI might present up wherever you had been, alter to your preferences, and really feel like your personal. To make that occur, MINI imagined a car with a shape-shifting exterior, coated in a easy silver “clean canvas” pores and skin. The floor might change shade and patterns relying on the person, successfully making it really feel customized with out being bodily modified.
On the middle of the inside was the “Cooperizer”, a round management interface that glowed and shifted in shade. This wasn’t only a mild present—it was a option to sign what mode the automotive was in, whether or not autonomous or handbook, relaxed or energetic. It additionally managed issues like infotainment and local weather settings, tailoring the cabin to whoever was inside.
The “Each MINI is My MINI” Thought
Some of the forward-thinking components was the concept that folks wouldn’t personal MINIs in any respect. As an alternative, you’d entry one by a digital platform, and it could arrive already set as much as your profile—most popular steering really feel, leisure decisions, seat place, even the way it appeared on the surface. It was a imaginative and prescient of mobility as a service, not a product.
Much less Stuff, Extra Substance
Inside, the idea stored issues minimal. Most bodily controls had been eliminated, changed by projections and touch-sensitive surfaces. The supplies had been sustainable and recyclable—lengthy earlier than each automaker began speaking about circularity. The automotive wasn’t about luxurious; it was about sensible use of area and assets.
What Really Made It to Manufacturing?
Whereas the Imaginative and prescient NEXT 100 didn’t change into a manufacturing automotive, a few of its concepts have discovered their approach into actual MINIs:
- The brand new round OLED show within the 2025 MINI Cooper Electrical takes clear cues from the Cooperizer. It additionally capabilities as the principle command middle for drive modes, ambient lighting, and infotainment.
- MINI Expertise Modes, now present in manufacturing automobiles, enable the cabin to shift character with sound, visuals, and lighting—similar to what the Cooperizer hinted at.
- The push towards sustainability is seen in MINI’s present lineup. The most recent automobiles characteristic leather-free interiors, recycled textiles, and a simplified supplies method that aligns with the idea’s objectives.
- As for shared mobility, MINI hasn’t absolutely leaned into the “Each MINI is My MINI” imaginative and prescient but. However options like Digital Key Plus, distant app integration, and potential subscription fashions counsel that infrastructure is being constructed.
- Spike, the MINI Private Assistant: Launched in present MINI fashions, Spike is a digital character and voice assistant that may take pure language instructions, alter car settings, present navigation assist, and add character to on a regular basis interactions—echoing the Imaginative and prescient NEXT 100’s objective of a extra human-centered, clever interface.
A Future Nonetheless in Progress
The MINI Imaginative and prescient NEXT 100 didn’t simply discover what a MINI may very well be. It questioned how we would relate to automobiles altogether. Whereas not all the pieces has materialized—autonomous pickups and full personalization-on-demand are nonetheless some years off, if ever coming—lots of the idea’s themes have slowly began showing in MINI’s electrified lineup.
It could have appeared like science fiction in 2016, however a few of that future is already sitting in showrooms at present. For this reason it’s much more attention-grabbing how BMW will convey MINI into their Neue Klasse world after 2030.
