Again in 2016, MINI unveiled the Imaginative and prescient NEXT 100, a futuristic idea designed to not preview the subsequent yr’s mannequin however to think about what private mobility would possibly 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—might 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 not should be owned. As a substitute, it could be a part of a shared fleet—a MINI might present up wherever you have been, regulate to your preferences, and really feel like your individual. To make that occur, MINI imagined a car with a shape-shifting exterior, lined in a clean silver “clean canvas” pores and skin. The floor might change colour and patterns relying on the person, successfully making it really feel customized with out being bodily modified.
On the middle of the inside was the “Cooperizer”, a round management interface that glowed and shifted in colour. This wasn’t only a gentle present—it was a approach to sign what mode the automotive was in, whether or not autonomous or handbook, 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 crucial forward-thinking components was the concept folks wouldn’t personal MINIs in any respect. As a substitute, you’d entry one by a digital platform, and it could 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 have been eliminated, changed by projections and touch-sensitive surfaces. The supplies have 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 area and sources.
What Truly 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 method 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 middle for drive modes, ambient lighting, and infotainment.
- MINI Expertise Modes, now present in manufacturing automobiles, enable 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 targets.
- 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 counsel 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 persona to on a regular basis interactions—echoing the Imaginative and prescient NEXT 100’s objective 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 might be. It questioned how we would relate to automobiles altogether. Whereas not all the pieces has materialized—autonomous pickups and full personalization-on-demand are nonetheless some years off, if ever coming—most of the idea’s themes have slowly began showing in MINI’s electrified lineup.
It could have seemed like science fiction in 2016, however a few of that future is already sitting in showrooms at this time. For this reason it’s much more attention-grabbing how BMW will carry MINI into their Neue Klasse world after 2030.
