Again in 2016, MINI unveiled the Imaginative and prescient NEXT 100, a futuristic idea designed to not preview the following yr’s mannequin however to think about what private mobility may appear like a long time 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—may evolve in a world of autonomous driving, automotive sharing, and linked providers.
Form-Shifting Exterior and a Smarter Core
The MINI Imaginative and prescient NEXT 100 was constructed round the concept the automotive itself would now not should be owned. As a substitute, it might be a part of a shared fleet—a MINI may present up wherever you had been, modify to your preferences, and really feel like your personal. To make that occur, MINI imagined a car with a shape-shifting exterior, lined in a easy silver “clean canvas” pores and skin. The floor may change shade and patterns relying on the consumer, successfully making it really feel customized with out being bodily modified.
On the heart 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 strategy to sign what mode the automotive was in, whether or not autonomous or guide, 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” Concept
Probably the most forward-thinking parts was the concept individuals wouldn’t personal MINIs in any respect. As a substitute, you’d entry one by way of a digital platform, and it might arrive already set as much as your profile—most well-liked steering really feel, leisure selections, seat place, even the way it seemed 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 saved 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 good use of house and sources.
What Really Made It to Manufacturing?
Whereas the Imaginative and prescient NEXT 100 didn’t grow to be 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 features as the principle command heart for drive modes, ambient lighting, and infotainment.
- MINI Expertise Modes, now present in manufacturing automobiles, permit the cabin to shift persona 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 function 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 recommend 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, modify car settings, present navigation assist, and add persona to on a regular basis interactions—echoing the Imaginative and prescient NEXT 100’s aim 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’d relate to automobiles altogether. Whereas not every part 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 might have seemed like science fiction in 2016, however a few of that future is already sitting in showrooms right now. Because of this it’s much more attention-grabbing how BMW will deliver MINI into their Neue Klasse world after 2030.
