Green Mini Vision Urbanaut EV model revealed

Mini’s reveal in November last year of an interpretation of mobility with an inspired use of space in its Vision Urbanaut concept is set to become reality.

The BMW Group will unveil a physical model of the concept, which will allow audiences to interactively engage with the concept car and see its sustainable materials at work.

The model gets its world premiere on July 1 at the Digital-Life-Design (DLD) summer conference in Munich.

“With our eyes fixed on the future, we have developed an idea with the Mini Vision Urbanaut of how we can take the Mini attributes – with the focus on the ‘Clever Use of Space’ – into the future of mobility and interpret them in a typically Mini way,” Mini head Bernd Körber says.

“It brings the user’s personal space into the car and opens up various possibilities for them, from creating an urban oasis to experiencing freedom in the ‘Wanderlust’ moment,” he says, adding the Urbanaut could meet the needs of future cities and lifestyles.

Mini has developed three distinct environments – “Chill”, “Wanderlust” and “Vibe” – which feature in the Urbanaut EV.

Its exterior and interior elements can change to reflect the “Mini moment” at hand, setting the scene the mood, with fragrance, sound and ambient lighting enhancing this, making each Mini mood a multi-sensory treat.

‘Chill’ sees the car becomes a lush retreat and shelter from the noise of everyday life. The rear seat bench or “Cosy Corner” allows various seating and lying positions, and the backlit Loop above it is inspired by a green forest canopy, with forest soundscapes added.

In the central area, the circular instrumentation folds down to become a table lamp, eliminating displays or switches, and transforming the cabin from commuting quarters to an urban sanctuary.

‘Wanderlust’ sees it driven or driving with automated driving functions.

The Mini Vision Urbanaut is capable of fully autonomous driving, but a tap of a finger on the Mini logo brings out the steering wheel and pedals if required.

The user interface on the central circular instrument also features adaptable visuals; alongside an animation of the route, additional journey information such as nearby attractions and arrival time is displayed for those on board.

The ‘Vibe’ moment prioritises time with other people – the side door and windscreen opening and folding, blurring the boundaries between the outside and inside.

The central circular instrument becomes a media control centre, and an animation of graphic equalisers moving with the music is projected onto surfaces of the front, rear, wheels and Loop above the rear seat bench – the car almost resembling a giant road-side boom box.

The customisable ‘My Moment’ is a fourth option which provides users with further scope for tailoring the design of the vehicle to their needs.

The Mini Vision Urbanaut also focuses on sustainability.

Although only 4.46 metres long, the EV’s height endows it with ample and versatile interior space.

It can even serve even small businesses of the future as mobile headquarters for retail and meetings.

The electric drive system ensures locally emission-free mobility, and the Urbanaut focuses on reducing the number of components and avoiding unnecessary use of materials.

Dual-purpose furniture features, including a dashboard that doubles as a daybed, and the multi-function circular OLED centre display.

Maximising vehicle life by ensuring materials can be replaced rather than scrapped is prioritised, seen for example by using changeable interior surface covers. The interior has been created without using chrome or leather, an approach that will also be rolled out in the next Mini model generation.

Textiles made from recycled materials (including wool, polyester and Tencel) are almost completely renewable and recyclable.

Cork is used on the steering wheel and on certain floor sections too.

In addition to the Mini Vision Urbanaut’s welcome sound, BMW creative sound director Renzo Vitale also composed the music for the Chill, Vibe and Wanderlust moments.

A distinctive fragrance is used too.

“The holistic approach addressing all the senses creates a truly unique and unforgettable experience,” BMW Group fragrance designer Annabell Coffinet says.