Car Fule

In November 2020, Mini was unfaithful to the city car segment by unveiling a new concept of van : the Vision Urbanaut.

A Volkswagen Combi with Mini sauce

lucky Volkswagen Combi with Mini sauce, this 4.46 m long van, with a clean style, jovial face and googly eyes, was then driven by a powertrain 100% electric and took advantage of a system of autonomous driving. But above all, it offered a new approach to the use of interior space.

Discover the Vision Urbanaut in video.

Once stationary, its interior was transformed into a real living space. With the engine off, the dashboard lowered and took the form of a “bench” which gave the cockpit an air of a small living room. At the same time, the windshield was raised and allowed to fit out what Mini called “a balcony on the street”. The rear was not to be outdone and also gave pride of place to passenger comfort by accommodating a large bench seat overhung by a backlit arch.

In short, this Vision Urbanaut was an astonishing proposition. But a proposal that was simply virtual since delivered in digital form. We were therefore still a long way from a hypothetical production model.

When will the production version be released?

Today, however, Mini takes it to the next level and announces the arrival ofan Urbanaut Vision “in the flesh”.

BMW Group has indeed unveiled a physical model of the Mini Vision Urbanaut. This prototype was presented in world premiere on July 1 in Munich during the DLD Summer conference. It “will allow the public to experience this unique atmosphere and to feel the sustainable materials used. », Mini announces.

“At Mini Design, we believe that the best way to understand the overall concept behind the Mini Vision Urbanaut is to experience it,” adds Oliver Heilmer, Head of Mini Design. “The feeling of space and innovative materials beg to be explored. This is why it was very important for us, from the start, to make a physical model of the Mini Vision Urbanaut. »When is the production version now?

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