If you want to build a proper driver’s car, one that maximizes motoring fun, you pretty much have to go rear-wheel drive. Sure, front-drive vehicles can be an absolute blast, but for absolutely the most smiles per gallon, it’s rear-drive all the way. Sending power to the aft axle prevents torque steer at the front end and can allow you to get the backend loose with a tap of your right foot. Making its next-generation electric vehicles even more entertaining, Mini could be changing to a rear-wheel-drive vehicle architecture.
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Breaking With Tradition
According to a report from Autocar, future Mini EVs might switch from their current platform to one shared with parent company BMW, a structure that, you guessed it, is NOT front-wheel drive. According to the Munich, Germany-based automaker, its new Gen6 800V architecture, which will be shared with the
Neue Klasse models
is “a technological quantum leap,” one that also promises a 30-percent increase in charging speed AND vehicle range.
The upcoming BMW iX3 all-electric crossover, the first production version of the much-ballyhooed Neue Klasse, will feature the new Gen 6 architecture. This platform is then expected to be shared with Rolls-Royce and Mini.
Historically, the iconic British brand has only built front-drive-based vehicles. In fact, that was one of Mini’s great innovations, fitting a transversely mounted engine and gearbox under the hood, a design that helped maximize interior space. In keeping with this tradition, the company’s current electric offerings should all ride atop a platform that is front-drive-based, so this new architecture represents a literal 180-degree turn for Mini.
If you’re not convinced about this change, Autocar reports, “The configurability of the new platform means single-motor cars can only be had with the powertrain on the rear axle. This is because the main electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) is the only one offered by the BMW Group with an integrated gearbox, and this sits exclusively between the rear wheels.”
Making Minis Even More Fun
As mentioned, some front-wheel-drive vehicles can be fun to drive. Many Minis built over the years are a hoot to toss around, and so is, for instance, the Honda Civic Type R. But this switch to a rear-drive-based architecture for future electric Minis should further improve the cars’ dynamics, aside from making good business sense by using common components. The platform will, of course, also support all-wheel drive where appropriate and even vehicles with up to four drive motors.
It’s still unclear if front-drive electric Minis are done for. Autocar asked Joachim Post, the member of BMW’s board or management that’s responsible for purchasing and the supplier network about this, and he said, “We will see what the future is.” He did add, however, that upcoming models will “always have Mininess,” that is, a focus on engaging dynamics and driving fun. Hopefully, the brand will continue with this tradition.
