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MINI Considering a Compact Sedan as Fifth Model in Range

MINI is planning to expand its range to five high-volume cars, as it previously confirmed, but the fifth model in the Oxford brand’s portfolio is yet unspecified.
MINI Clubman ALL4 1 photo
Photo: MINI
According to the Peter Schwarzenbauer, BMW AG board member in charge of MINI, “the body style with the biggest potential is the sedan.” Until recently, the fifth model in the MINI range was supposed to be a car based on the Superleggera electric roadster concept.

However, introducing a halo car into the MINI range might not be economically feasible. After all, sales volumes for a lightweight convertible would never get close to those reached by a sedan.

The MINI range has never had a sedan before, and the statement from a BMW AG board member is an important sign that the British brand is considering introducing this body style in its range. It is important to note that new models are not approved so easily, and that MINI will not add a sedan as a fifth model in its lineup just because it is cheaper to do so.

Meanwhile, the potential for a new convertible in the MINI range besides the current MINICabriolet is not that impressive. According to Schwarzenbauer, the last decade saw a stable convertible segment with no surprises. As the BMW AG board member responsible for the MINI brand explained, the only way for this brand to grow is to win market share.

MINI will eventually develop an electric model, but it will come to market only when the segment has evolved to significant volumes for MINI’s audience and price range. Until then, MINI will release a plug-in hybrid. The officials of the brand have refrained from detailing what kind of body style they will choose for the upcoming plug-in hybrid, but have confirmed that they have the technology to build one.

According to Automotive News, MINI’s eventual compact sedan will be a premium model that is supposed to achieve volumes. For now, this potential model is unconfirmed by brand officials and could never see the light of day. If MINI's sedan comes to market, we would expect it to have the UKL platform of the upcoming BMW 1 Series.
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About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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