Owner of the Mini brand, BMW, has created an interesting new concept car called the Mini Vision Urbanaut. This new model, not destined for production, was created by BMW’s design works under the keen eye of the BMW Group head of design, Adrian van Hooydonk. According to the Dutchman “The Mini brand has always stood for ‘Clever Use of Space’. In the Mini Vision Urbanaut, we extend private space far into the public realm, creating completely new and enriching experiences.”

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Multiple modes

BMW’s team designed the Mini Vision Urbanaut from the inside out. The designers created the spacious interior experience before developing the exterior dimensions or appearance. You will note the design study is unusually tall for a Mini and is nearly 4,5 metres in length. The only real links between this and any other Mini are the round headlights and octagonal grille.

The interior is multi-configurable. Designers have created a number of options for the interior that allows owners to use the car as a port of relaxation once one arrives at your destination. You can either chill out on a day bed, relax on the floor looking out as you do, or take a few moments to yourself in the cosy corner.

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Mini moments

One of the three Mini “moments” – Chill, Wanderlust and Vibe – is activated by placing a Mini Token in slots in the table. Each mode is signalled on the outside of the car through the front and rear surfaces and wheel rims. In the interior, the whole layout – including the seats, the form of the dashboard/daybed and the backrest positions – can be adjusted manually according to the Mini moment selected. The circular instrument display also changes along with the fragrance, sound and ambient lighting.

Chill provides a private retreat in the middle of any urban jungle. Lighting, sounds, music and seating are all configured for maximum relaxation. Wanderlust (the only mode in which the car is moving) harks back to road tripping with route information displayed, movement shown inside the cabin, lighting and seats changed accordingly. The Mini Vision Urbanaut has full autonomous capability or drivers can choose to take charge themselves.

In Vibe mode the car opens up to people and its surroundings opening the side door and folding up the windscreen creates. The Mini Vision Urbanaut provides a meeting hub; one which can be either quiet or loud. An animation of graphic equalizers moves with the music and is projected onto surfaces of the front, rear and wheels while the rear seat bench, creates a club atmosphere.