Mini took a step back in time at the New York International Auto Show to offer a glimpse into its future plans by unveiling the classic Mini Electric which combines the classic styling of bygone days with all the ground-breaking technology for tomorrow’s electric-powered driving needs.

It paves the way for the brand’s first all-electric vehicle which will be unveiled in 2019 – just in time for the 60th anniversary of the classic Mini. The fully electric production vehicle is currently in development, based on the Mini three-door hatch, and will be produced for the first time at the Mini Plant Oxford next year.

Mini is once again assuming a pioneering role for sustainable mobility within the BMW Group. In 2008, the brand presented the Mini E – based on the predecessor model of the current Mini three-door, about 600 examples were produced and used in a field trial under everyday conditions. This trial played a central role in paving the way for the development of the BMW i3, which has enjoyed worldwide success since 2013.

On the way to a new era in electro mobility, Mini has already taken another step forward. In the Mini Countryman Plug-In Hybrid model, the combination of an internal combustion engine with an electric drive provides a system output of 165 kW/224hp and an intelligent hybrid-specific all-wheel drive system. The capable five-door model in the premium compact segment guarantees driving pleasure on any terrain.

By contrast, the classic Mini Electric presented in New York will remain unique. A late and carefully restored example of the classic Mini Cooper serves as the basis for this special vehicle. The exterior red paint is complemented by a contrast white roof and characteristic bonnet strip, with the yellow Mini Electric logo in the brand emblem and on the wheel hubs. The electric classic remains true to the brand, both in terms of its visual appearance and driving characteristics. The spontaneous power of its electric motor provides a new dimension to the unmistakable go-kart feeling that helped propel the British small car in its original form to worldwide popularity.