MINI, the British automotive brand owned by BMW, is showcasing its wide range of products at the 20th International Automobile Industry Exhibition in Shanghai, China. Auto Shanghai is one of the most important international motor shows in the industry, attracting more than 800,000 visitors in 2021. Exhibitors from all over the world will present their latest products and innovations at the event, which runs from April 18 to April 27, 2023.
Fans can look forward to experiencing numerous highlights at the exhibition, including the world premiere of the all-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible. With a limited number of 999 vehicles, this is the first locally emission-free premium convertible in the small car segment to be presented to the public. From April 2023, MINI fans in Europe will be able to enjoy exceptional and exclusive open-air driving fun. The small series is available in the colours Enigmatic Black and White Silver, and emphasises the exclusive character of the limited MINI Convertible, featuring edition-specific equipment details with the lettering 1 of 999.
With a range of 201 kilometres determined in the WLTP test cycle, open-air excursions well beyond the city limits are possible. In addition to the all-electric drive, MINI also takes a pioneering role in the edition-specific light-alloy wheels, which are made of 100 per cent secondary aluminium. In combination with the fact that green electricity is used to produce them, CO2 emissions can be significantly reduced compared to conventional manufacturing processes.
MINI is also providing a glimpse of a new vehicle concept with the MINI Concept Aceman, which embodies agility as well as a self-confident presence, and stands for the MINI design language of the future, “Charismatic Simplicity.” The concept vehicle reinterprets the creative use of space typical of the brand, and offers innovative technologies and numerous options for individualisation, showing what digitalisation at MINI could look like in the future.
The MINI Concept Aceman takes the user experience in the exterior and interior to a new level by offering a wide range of options for interaction with the driver. MINI attaches particular importance to a minimal ecological footprint, and the purely electric drive, clear and reduced design language, and diverse material concept all make their contribution to this. In the interior, MINI is the world’s first automaker to introduce a circular OLED display that takes up the entire surface of the central instrument. Together with the redesigned toggle switches, this results in the harmony of digital and analog controls that is typical of MINI.
Spike, the canine friend of the MINI brand, is reimagined and brought to life in the digital world. Inspired by the look of an English Bulldog, he guides users through the operating concept of the future MINI model family. In his role as an Intelligent Personal Assistant, Spike will become a characteristic companion that provides various forms of support. Spike makes his first major appearance at the Auto Shanghai international trade fair in China.
Spike will be appearing in a different form at Auto Shanghai 2023. There, the reimagined four-legged friend will become an art toy welcoming visitors to the MINI stand as a large-format sculpture. Art toys are independent works of art that combine elements of toys and sculptures in the style of urban pop culture. But it’s in the cockpit of the Concept Aceman that Spike really comes into his own. Once the new Spike mode is activated, the digital character gets his time to shine and is brought to life on the circular OLED central display and the dashboard.
