The next-generation Mini Cooper Electric may abandon its front-wheel-drive roots in favor of a rear-wheel-drive layout, according to a new report.
The shift would mark a departure from decades of tradition for the iconic hatchback, which has long relied on front-wheel drive. The change is tied to Mini’s adoption of BMW’s Gen6 platform, currently used for the Neue Klasse i3 and iX3 electric vehicles.
Platform change drives the switch
The Gen6 architecture is designed primarily for rear-wheel-drive applications, with larger drive motors positioned at the rear axle. While the platform can accommodate all-wheel drive, it does not support front-wheel-drive configurations. This limitation appears to have pushed Mini toward the rear-drive layout for its next electric Cooper.
Power could see a significant increase as a result. The current Cooper Electric tops out at 215 horsepower, but the new platform’s capabilities suggest a higher output may be in store. The report does not specify exact figures, but the change aligns with BMW’s broader push toward performance-oriented electric vehicles.
For Mini, the decision may come down to more than just engineering constraints. Joachim Post, BMW’s development chief, told Autocar that the brand would prioritize “sheer driving pleasure” when choosing the optimal setup. The comment hints at a deliberate move to enhance the Cooper’s sporty character, even if it means breaking from convention.
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Combustion model may follow suit
The electric Cooper isn’t the only version facing a potential overhaul. A separate report suggests the gasoline-powered Mini Cooper could also transition to rear-wheel drive when it switches to the next-generation BMW 1 Series platform in 2028.
Unlike the current Cooper, which shares underpinnings with an older BMW architecture, the next combustion model would adopt a more modern setup. Holger Hampf, Mini’s design chief, emphasized that the car’s proportions and styling would remain unchanged, regardless of the mechanical changes beneath the skin.
Still, the shift raises questions about how the brand will balance its heritage with evolving technology. Front-wheel drive has been a defining feature of the Mini Cooper since its revival in 2001, but the move to rear-wheel drive could open new possibilities for handling and performance.
For drivers, the change might feel subtle at first. The Cooper’s compact dimensions and nimble nature are unlikely to disappear, but the rear-drive layout could sharpen its trends, particularly in corners. It’s a trade-off—one that Mini seems willing to make in pursuit of a more engaging driving experience.
The next-generation Cooper Electric is expected to arrive within the next few years, though an exact timeline has not been confirmed. Until then, the brand’s commitment to “sheer driving pleasure” suggests the changes won’t come at the expense of the car’s playful character.
