To say that BMW’s fashionable designs have develop into sophisticated can be a gross understatement. Its flashy, bombastic design language is a far cry from the simplicity of its golden years. Nonetheless, some simplicity is coming again to the BMW Group nevertheless it received’t come carrying a blue and white Roundel. As a substitute, it should put on a MINI badge.
MINI’s new design language is known as “Charismatic Simplicity,” and MINI needs to get again to fundamentals and hold issues easy. Nonetheless, the model doesn’t need its signature allure to be misplaced alongside the way in which.
“With our new ‘Charismatic Simplicity’ design language, we’re utterly rethinking the long-lasting MINI. Our purist, progressive method combines the simplicity of practical components with the emotionality that MINI is famend for,” mentioned Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design. “We’re satisfied that the acutely aware discount to some, however expressive components allow improvements that may have been unthinkable earlier than.”
Whereas most of that kind of discuss is common company PR gibberish, after seeing the brand new MINI Cooper SE, it’s truly fairly simple to know what Heilmer is speaking about. The brand new MINI seems to be fairly good up to now, with a clear, minimalist design. After all, it should by no means seize the long-lasting allure of the unique basic Mini, however that isn’t attainable on this present age of intense crash requirements. Nonetheless, it’s about as shut as you’re gonna get.
One of many extra attention-grabbing design components are its wheels. The six-spoke wheel design is flat for aerodynamics nevertheless it additionally provides off a novel nearly two-dimensional vibe, which is each easy and trendy. There are clearly extra wheel choices than that however there’s clearly an emphasis on fundamental trying wheels.
MINI can be increasing that simplicity into the cabin, too. Its steering wheel options an odd two-spoke design that will get an extra third spoke however the latter is totally different than the opposite two, because it’s a thin cloth strap. MINI can be reverting again to a central driver’s show, additionally like the unique, and is ditching the digital gauges in entrance of the motive force. That frees up the dashboard in entrance of the motive force and makes it simpler on the eyes.
We’re very enthusiastic about this new era of MINI and might’t wait to see if its easy, back-to-basics method migrates over to its driving expertise, the place MINIs are at all times finest after they’re easy.