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.
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?
