Once the BMW Group gets going, it seems nothing can deviate its plotted course. For example, despite major backlash towards the 4 Series (and M3/M4) front end styling, MINI is following the same path. More precisely, the UK brand is giving a huge hexagonal grille to the refreshed 2022 MINI Hardtop and Convertible. Fortunately, they looks better like this.
For the first time, three of the five major models comprising the MINI range are being upgraded at the same time. We’re talking about the 2022 Hardtop 3-Door and 5-Door, the electric MINI Cooper SE, as well as the 2022 Convertible and the John Cooper Works versions.
That’s all fine and dandy, but there are a few surprises in store. First and foremost, this time around, the 2022 MINIs will be surprisingly easier to recognize when standing next to their predecessors.
Previously, we’ve had ample time (two decades, how time has passed) to get used to seeing oh so subtle upgrades that MINI even had to include special cards highlighting the changes one by one (they’re still here, we have them in the gallery, as per tradition).
This time around, they’re taking the unbeaten path; well, sort of. The most obvious point of reference for the 2022 MINIs will be the larger and now hexagonal grille design.
As far as we’re concerned, it’s a better approach than BMW took with the 4 Series, M3, M4, and that bland iX electric flagship. But that’s just us, remember that styling is always a matter of personal taste.
A lot more extensive than expected, this facelift touches the entire front end (including the lights and bumper) and comes with new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs, as well as a restyled rear.
Three new colors - Island Blue, Rooftop Grey and Zesty Yellow - are being added to the palette, along with a newly developed Multitone Roof, which has a color gradient of Soul Blue, Pearly Aqua, and Jet Black.
Interior upgrades are centered on convenience and technology, adding a standard 8.8-inch screen to the instrument cluster, an “all-new user experience,” standard Sirius Satellite Radio, new MINI Ambient Light, as well as the Driving Assistant feature.
Production for all updated MINIs has been scheduled to start in March, and U.S. market pricing includes a $500 hike for certain trim levels (including the base Hardtop 2-Door, starting at $22,900).
The good news is that MINI decided some of the grades (including the Cooper SE, which soldiers on from $29,900) will retain the same pricing level from the 2021 model year, despite the upgrades.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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