Again in 2016, MINI unveiled the Imaginative and prescient NEXT 100, a futuristic idea designed to not preview the subsequent 12 months’s mannequin however to think about what private mobility would possibly appear like many years 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 related providers.
Form-Shifting Exterior and a Smarter Core
The MINI Imaginative and prescient NEXT 100 was constructed round the concept that the automotive itself would now not have to be owned. As an alternative, it could be a part of a shared fleet—a MINI may present up wherever you had been, regulate 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 coloration 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 coloration. This wasn’t only a mild present—it was a method 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” Thought
One of the forward-thinking parts was the concept that individuals wouldn’t personal MINIs in any respect. As an alternative, you’d entry one via a digital platform, and it could arrive already set as much as your profile—most well-liked steering really feel, leisure decisions, seat place, even the way it regarded 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 assets.
What Truly Made It to Manufacturing?
Whereas the Imaginative and prescient NEXT 100 didn’t turn into a manufacturing automotive, a few of its concepts have discovered their method into actual MINIs:
- The brand new round OLED show within the 2025 MINI Cooper Electrical takes clear cues from the Cooperizer. It additionally capabilities as the primary command heart for drive modes, ambient lighting, and infotainment.
- MINI Expertise Modes, now present in manufacturing vehicles, enable the cabin to shift character 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 vehicles characteristic leather-free interiors, recycled textiles, and a simplified supplies method that aligns with the idea’s objectives.
- As for shared mobility, MINI hasn’t totally 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, regulate car settings, present navigation assist, and add character 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 could possibly be. It questioned how we would relate to vehicles altogether. Whereas not the whole lot 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 could have regarded like science fiction in 2016, however a few of that future is already sitting in showrooms as we speak. Because of this it’s much more fascinating how BMW will deliver MINI into their Neue Klasse world after 2030.
