The MINI Coupé is the first two-seater in the MINI ranks. The new model further increases the variety within the brand’s vehicle line-up and, at the same time, offers customers a depth of driving fun unmatched by any rival in the small car segment. The fifth model of the new MINI generation to wear the British brand’s famous badge represents a reinterpretation of the super-compact sports car category. The MINI Coupé is the first premium car of its genre, faithfully transplanting the MINI brand’s sporting genes into a cutting-edge vehicle concept.
The MINI Coupé is set to thrill customers with levels of agility and performance beyond the reach of even its MINI stablemates. The engines, chassis set-up, weight distribution and aerodynamic properties of the new model all serve the cause of optimum performance. Added to which, the rigorously applied two-seater concept – emphasised clearly by both the exterior and the interior design – underlines the stand-alone status of the new model. Its extremely high-opening tailgate and large luggage area (capacity: 280 litres) with through-loading to the passenger compartment allow the MINI Coupé to display outstanding versatility in day-to-day driving, when transporting leisure items or sports gear, and on touring trips for two.
Design: a unique character cut from the brand’s unmistakable mould.
The MINI Coupé is the brand’s first model to adopt a three-box body structure with a strikingly stepped rear end. Its distinctive, exceptionally sporty characteristics are also reflected in a low-slung silhouette and expressively styled “helmet” roof. Resting atop the MINI Coupé’s glasshouse, the roof is painted in a contrasting colour as standard; a new take on Sport Stripes is among the additions available as an option. The distinctive lines of the Coupé body take their lead from the established MINI design language, while stand-out design features in time-honoured MINI style also offer clear hints as to the brand identity of the new model.
The two-seater measures 3,734 millimetres (MINI Cooper Coupé: 3,728 millimetres) in length, 1,683 millimetres in width and 1,384 millimetres (MINI Cooper Coupé: 1,378 millimetres) in height. Its exterior length, width and wheelbase (2,467 millimetres) therefore match the measurements of the MINI virtually to the millimetre, but the MINI Coupé has a significantly lower body height.
Once inside, the two-seater’s distinctive character is underlined by oval recesses in the roof liner; these also serve to optimise headroom for the driver and front passenger. A conspicuously three-dimensional, two-piece luggage compartment cover is another feature of the MINI Coupé interior.
Engines: maximum power, typical MINI efficiency.
The most powerful petrol and diesel variants in the brand’s engine portfolio are primed for action in the MINI Coupé. This drive system technology is underpinned by the development expertise of the BMW Group and offers the hallmark MINI combination of instantaneous power delivery and exceptional efficiency.
Outputs range from the 90 kW/122 hp of the MINI Cooper Coupé, through the MINI Cooper SD Coupé (105 kW/143 hp) and MINI Cooper S Coupé (135 kW/184 hp) all the way to the range-topping sports performance of the 155 kW/211 hp MINI John Cooper Works Coupé. The MINI Cooper Coupé, MINI Cooper S Coupé and MINI Cooper SD Coupé can also be specified with an optional six-speed automatic gearbox as an alternative to the six-speed manual item fitted as standard across the Coupé range.
Chassis: the go-kart driving experience at its most intense.
The bespoke suspension set-up of the MINI Coupé gives the brand’s traditional go-kart driving experience an unmatched intensity. The customary MINI front-wheel drive, MacPherson struts at the front axle, a multi-link rear axle, powerful brakes and Electric Power Steering ensure seductively agile handling properties. Sports suspension, which brings stiffer damper characteristics and sturdier anti-roll bars, is available as an option. And customers in search of an even sharper racing edge can order John Cooper Works suspension from the accessories range.
The MINI Coupé is fitted as standard with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), while Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) with Electronic Differential