Mini’s future is looking premium according to its chief design officer.
Each car brand is now looking towards the future. BMW’s MINI is one of those automakers. It is on the verge to get its designs approved.
This is Oliver Heilmer, Mini’s design chief, speaking to the UK’s Autocar The recently concluded IAA at Munich . Heilmer also shared information about the forthcoming Mini models. These include a subtle move upmarket. According to Heilmer, adding more doesn’t necessarily mean going premium.
This approach was foreshadowed by the Mini Strip collaboration between Anglo-Teutonic and British fashion pioneer Paul Smith.
“For the next-generation Mini, we looked at its beginning to see if any elements were there simply because they [the design group] wanted them. Any decoration? They didn’t. Let’s reduce and focus again on the essentials, without being too practical or lacking emotion. With colors and fabrics, we will again bring warmth. Heilmer stated that fabrics with fewer elements are more important than those with warmth.
The use leather is not on the table as was previously announced by the automaker in February. Mini also wants to use a lot of recycled materials. These are both a bid for sustainability and less CO2 – a move similar to Volvo’s upcoming EVs.
The Autocar interview also covered the future design direction of the British-owned German automaker. It will be either revolutionary or evolutionary, depending on the model. If it’s the Urbanaut design then we’re talking a completely different vehicle, far from the Minis we know.