MOTORING GROWN UP, MEET THE NEW MINI CLUBMAN
06/24/2015
MINI
As the latest addition to the MINI family, the new Clubman, unveiled today, has grown up in both size and maturity compared to its predecessor launched in 2007. Completely redesigned and engineered from the ground up, the new MINI Clubman features premium quality and craftsmanship in every detail, creating a sleek and sophisticated interpretation of the brand's iconic style.
In fact, for the first time since the Clubman name was introduced in 1969, the new MINI Clubman has been developed as a separate model from the iconic MINI Cooper Hardtop, taking the legendary MINI sporting feel into a larger class of vehicle. The new MINI Clubman continues in the tradition of renowned British estate cars, offering a rare combination of passenger comfort and elegant styling while being fun to drive.
"The new Clubman strikes a perfect balance between MINI's heritage and future," said David Duncan, Vice President MINI of the Americas. "As our flagship, the Clubman represents everything MINI does best while showing-off a more mature and refined side. Its premium styling and functional design will play a critical role as we reposition the brand over the next few years."
Longer and wider than any other MINI, the new MINI Clubman offers exceptional versatility. Particular attention has been given to the comfort of rear-seat passengers, who enjoy generous leg-, elbow-, and shoulder-room. For carrying items rather than people, the cargo area can be significantly expanded by the flat-folding rear seats. The MINI Clubman's hallmark split-rear doors are thoughtfully engineered for convenient access, whether in tight spaces or loading bulky objects. The rear doors can even be opened when one's hands are full, with an optional foot-activated sensor.
This interior practicality is complemented by beautiful design and near-bespoke levels of customization. Several new upholsteries have been developed specifically for the new MINI Clubman, including a smooth-grained Indigo blue-dyed leather with diamond-stitching in the pattern of classic English Chesterfield sofas, and a rich Burgundy leather with environmentally friendly Dinamica trim. A host of other options take the MINI tradition of curated design to a new level of sophistication.
With extensive testing on the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany, long considered the benchmark for sports-car handling and driving dynamics, the new MINI Clubman is very much the MINI that enthusiasts expect on the road powered by BMW Group-developed MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology engines. As is appropriate for a British driver's car, all US variants of the MINI Clubman will be available with manual transmissions - while the Clubman also marks the introduction of an eight-speed automatic to the MINI Brand.
"The new MINI Clubman offers the highest level of everyday practicality, long distance suitability, versatility and ride comfort ever seen in a MINI," said Sebastian Mackensen, Head of MINI. "With five fully-fledged seats and a versatile interior, the new MINI Clubman meets all the requirements of the compact class in terms of functionality in its own unconventional way."
The new MINI Clubman was introduced today by Mr. Peter Schwarzenbauer, member of the BMW Board of Management, along with Sebastian Mackensen, Head of MINI, and Anders Warming, Head of MINI Design. The car will celebrate its official World Premiere on September 17 at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany.
The new MINI Clubman, available in both Cooper and Cooper S variants, will go on sale at the beginning of 2016 at MINI dealers across the U.S. Pricing will be announced in September. For full vehicle specifications and images please see the detailed product news release here.
About MINI in the US
MINI is an independent brand of the BMW Group. In the United States, MINI USA operates as a business unit of BMW of North America, LLC, located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey and includes the marketing and sales organizations for the MINI brand. The MINI USA sales organization is represented in the U.S. through a network of 123 MINI passenger car dealers in 39 states. MINI USA began selling vehicles in the U.S. in 2002 with the introduction of the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S Hardtops. Since then, the MINI Brand in the U.S. has grown to encompass a model range of seven unique vehicles.