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Mini’s Future EVs Might Switch to Rear-Wheel Drive

by Radhika Nighoskar

25 Feb 2025

3 min read

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Quick highlights:

  • Mini’s future EVs may ditch front-wheel drive for rear-wheel drive.
  • Shift influenced by BMW’s new Gen6 800V EV platform.

Mini has built front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars since 1959, but that might change soon. Thanks to BMW’s upcoming Gen6 800V platform, Mini’s next-generation electric cars could move to a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout.

This would be a big shift in Mini’s DNA, potentially bringing better handling, improved efficiency, and a sportier drive. However, Mini hasn’t officially confirmed when (or if) the transition will happen.

What’s changing?

BMW’s Gen6 800V EV platform is designed for RWD (rear-wheel drive) and AWD (all-wheel drive) setups only. Unlike current Mini EVs—like the Cooper, Countryman, and Aceman, which are all front-wheel drive—the new platform positions the main electric motor on the rear axle, making front-wheel drive impossible.

mini cooper se
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BMW engineers have made it clear: there’s no plan to develop a front-wheel-drive version of this platform. So if Mini adopts it, the brand’s future EVs will automatically move to either rear- or all-wheel drive.

Why is BMW making this change?

The Gen6 800V platform isn’t just about drivetrain changes. It also aims to:

  • Increase range with more efficient power usage.
  • Enable faster charging speeds for reduced downtime.
  • Lower production costs, making EVs more affordable in the long run.

The platform will debut with BMW’s next-gen iX3 SUV, before being rolled out across future BMW, Rolls-Royce, and Mini models.

What this means for Mini EVs

Right now, Mini’s electric lineup uses a custom platform co-developed with Great Wall Motor, which allows for front-wheel drive. But once BMW moves fully to the Gen6 800V architecture, Mini will likely follow.

A shift to rear-wheel drive could mean:

  • A more engaging, sporty drive.
  • Better weight distribution, improving handling and performance.
  • Potential efficiency gains, leading to longer driving ranges.

When will this change happen?

Mini hasn’t given a clear timeline, but it might take a few years. The brand recently introduced the new Cooper S and Countryman Electric, so it’s unlikely we’ll see a rear-wheel-drive Mini until at least mid-2026 or later.

That said, with BMW pushing its 800V platform across all brands, it’s not a question of if, but when Mini makes the switch. Would you be excited to see a rear-wheel-drive Mini EV?

Tags:

Mini
BMW
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Radhika Nighoskar

A passionate EV enthusiast and eco-conscious blogger, dedicated to sparking excitement about electric vehicles and driving sustainable transportation forward, one blog at a time.

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