Mini is getting ready the fourth era of its fashionable lineup, and among the many first members to reach can be a redesigned Hardtop, a prototype for which has been noticed.
The automobile will debut late this yr or early subsequent, as a 2025 mannequin, and Mini will revert to calling it a Cooper. Presently, Cooper is the identify of the Hardtop’s base grade.
There can be each fuel and electrical variations. The prototype we noticed is for the fuel model. A prototype for the electrical model is proven within the teaser shot beneath.
This time round, the electrical Cooper can be based mostly on a devoted electrical car platform developed by BMW Group and Nice Wall Motors in a Chinese language three way partnership generally known as Highlight, and manufacturing of the electrical model can be dealt with in China. Manufacturing of the fuel Cooper can be dealt with at BMW Group’s plant in Oxford, U.Okay., the place the present mannequin is constructed.

2025 Mini Cooper EV prototype
With the arrival of the devoted EV platform, Mini will provide extra electrical choices. There may be anticipated to be a repeat of the present Cooper SE possibility, in addition to a brand new Cooper E base possibility. Mini has additionally hinted at a high-performance John Cooper Works EV.
The fuel Cooper can be extra of a heavy replace of the outgoing Hardtop than a real redesign, which is mirrored within the spy pictures. This is smart as Mini plans to go the full-electric route later this decade, and has even locked in 2025 because the date that its last fuel mannequin can be launched.

2025 Mini Cooper spy pictures – Picture credit score: Baldauf
Whereas the outside design will not change a lot, count on the inside to undertake a brand new design that can be shared with the electrical Cooper. Search for the signature spherical ingredient within the heart stack, although now with a round display screen spanning the entire part.
Underpinning the fuel Cooper can be BMW Group’s FAAR platform for front-wheel-drive automobiles. It is an evolution of the UKL platform underpinning the present Mini vary, which suggests plug-in hybrid energy can be potential, although it hasn’t been confirmed.

2025 Mini Cooper spy pictures – Picture credit score: Baldauf
The approaching years can be busy for Mini because the model renews its lineup and provides new mannequin strains. A redesigned Countryman is due for the 2025 mannequin yr, and also will provide each fuel and electrical choices. The brand new Countryman can even be inbuilt Germany, a primary for a Mini. The present mannequin is constructed within the Netherlands.
Additionally anticipated for the 2025 mannequin yr can be an electrical crossover smaller than the Countryman. It’s going to fill in for the Clubman which bows out after the 2024 mannequin yr. Its design was previewed by final yr’s Aceman idea, whose identify the manufacturing mannequin is anticipated to share.