BMW Group’s upcoming EV powertrain is not compatible with front-wheel-drive models
As BMW Group moves into its Neue Klasse era of electric vehicles, a recent tech workshop shed light on the upcoming platform—confirming a major shift in drivetrain strategy. No Neue Klasse model will feature a single motor up front, effectively marking the end of front-wheel drive, a hallmark of Mini’s DNA.
BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive technology promises lighter, faster, and more efficient EVs, with a 30% boost in charging speed and range. Its modular design allows for configurations with one to four electric motors. However, as BMWBlog reports, none of these motors will operate alone on the front axle.
This limitation stems from BMW’s Gen6 EV powertrain, which includes two motor types: asynchronous (ASM) and electrically excited synchronous (EESM). ASM motors are compact and cost-effective but lack integrated gearboxes and produce less power, making them suitable only as supplementary units for AWD setups. In contrast, EESM motors, positioned on the rear axle, provide the main propulsion.
What This Means for Mini
While RWD is often praised for driving dynamics, Mini fans may see this shift differently. Despite its growing size, Mini has maintained its FWD fun-to-drive appeal, with features like “Go-Kart” mode emphasizing its agile handling. Currently, only the Countryman offers AWD, while the rest of the lineup remains FWD-based. Would switching to RWD fundamentally change Mini’s character?
The brand has faced challenges, with sales dropping 21.5% last year, while BMW’s increased by 2.5%. Mini has also struggled to maintain its identity—losing the manual transmission, discontinuing the Clubman, and facing uncertainty about its all-electric future.
A Split Strategy?
BMWBlog suggests Mini could take a dual approach—keeping FWD internal combustion models for purists while offering RWD/AWD electric variants under Neue Klasse. This would cater to traditional Mini enthusiasts while attracting buyers seeking a BMW-like experience in a smaller package.
Christian Wehner, Mini’s former global VP of product, once assured that Mini EVs would retain their signature go-kart feel. However, with his recent shift back to BMW, the brand’s future direction remains uncertain. Will the next Mini still feel like a Mini, or is a fundamental transformation on the horizon?
