BMW's electric Mini is coming in 2019 — here's everything we know

pulse

September 6, 2017 2:02 PM

BMW unveiled an electric mini concept to give us a taste of what's to come.

BMW's electric mini is officially on the way!

BMW released images of its electric mini concept ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show, which opens to the public on September 16. We have yet to see final specs for the mini, but we got a glimpse of what's to come in 2019.

Here's what we know so far:

Behold: BMW's Mini E! It has sunny yellow accents and wide, oval headlights. It's quite adorable.

Here's a better shot of the front. Its big bug eyes really stand out on its small body.

Christopher Weil, head of MINI exterior design, told Autocar that there's a tiny spoiler in front of the rear wheel to help manage airflow and reduce drag.

The wheels were also heavily influenced by 1980s car design, as you can see by the asymmetrical X, Weil said. It also has a splash of yellow to match the rest of the car.

The Mini doesn't feature any chrome, which has been standard in previous models. Weil said the concept was meant to explore a more modern aesthetic, but what will be included in the final version remains to be seen.

The Mini E is part of Volkswagen's big push into the electric car market. BMW will also release an electric X3 in 2020 and iNext in 2021.

BMW was actually an early player in the electric market, even if it's fallen by the wayside since then. The German automaker first unveiled a Mini E way back in 2008.

The 2008 Mini E underwent extensive testing that eventually led to the creation of the BMW i3. The i3 has been BMW's standalone electric car since 2013 and has a range of roughly 100 miles.

BMW has yet to release any specs for the Mini E, but we'll be expecting something that's at least in the ballpark of the i3. If it really wants to compete in the electric space, it will need to boast a range of at least 200 miles.

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