Mini Coopers have always been front-wheel drive cars, and it is a signature trait of the brand. While we have had some all-wheel drive models too, like the Mini Cooper Countryman S ALL4, Mini cars are known for their FWD configuration.
Currently, Mini sells the Mini Countryman Electric and the new Mini Cooper in India, both of which come in a front-wheel drive configuration.
Numerous media reports have been surfacing online, which suggest that the upcoming lineup of electric Mini cars might come with a rear-wheel drive setup, marking a significant change in the brand’s legacy.
It is expected that upcoming electric Mini cars will be based on the new BMW Gen6 800V architecture that supports RWD and AWD due to the main motor being placed at the rear axle with only space for a small one at the front.
While the electric Minis will be underpinned by the BMW Neue Klasse platform, the ICE Minis are expected to continue being offered in FWD, until they are phased out and Mini becomes an all-electric brand.
Mini hasn’t yet confirmed the rumours, neither has it denied them. BMW, the parent company of Mini, has said that it has no plans as of now to develop a FWD version of their next gen platform.