The first electric MINI models to be made in China have recently rolled off production lines at the Spotlight Automotive factory, a joint venture between BMW and Great Wall Motors. The launch of these China-produced MINI EVs represents a milestone in electrifying the iconic British brand.
The initial model is an upmarket variant of the next-gen MINI Cooper SE packing a 160kW electric motor with 330Nm of torque. Performance sees 0-100km/h acceleration in a brisk 6.7 seconds, while the 54.2 kWh battery enables 402km of WLTP-rated range. Both 11kW AC charging and 95kW DC fast charging are supported.
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In September 2023, BMW announced that the next generation of MINI EVs would be manufactured in China via its Spotlight Automotive JV with Great Wall Motors. The Zhangjiagang facility will serve as the global production and major export hub for upcoming electric MINIs.
The plan calls for both a 3-door hatchback and compact crossover electric MINI to be made in China. These models will be sold in China as well as international markets, including exports to Europe starting in 2024.
The BMW Group originally forged its collaboration with Great Wall Motors back in 2019 with total investments reaching 5.1 billion RMB. The tie-up was created with the intent of developing and building battery-powered MINI models in China.
While MINI has offered electric variants since 2009, this marks the first time production has been based out of China. The new Cooper SE represents the beginnings of an electric reboot for the brand.
With Chinese-built MINI EVs on the way to both domestic and global markets, Great Wall Motors stands to gain valuable technical expertise from BMW in the EV space. Meanwhile, BMW leverages GWM’s local manufacturing capacity and supply chain.
As auto brands accelerate their electric transitions, BMW’s outsourcing of MINI EV production highlights the strategic value of partnerships. By combining strengths, automakers can gain speed and efficiency in the pivot to electrification.
With the first China-made models now rolling off lines, the MINI brand embarks on a new electric era harnessing global synergies. The iconic compact car’s emission-free future will rely heavily on this Chinese JV.