Mini Vision Urbanaut digital concept enters the real world

Mini is set to bring a virtual concept car to the real world, transforming the Vision Urbanaut from an on-screen rendering to a tangible vehicle ahead of the Digital-Life-Design Summer conference.

Initially teased as a computer-generated concept towards the end of 2020, the Urbanaut was designed as a look into the future of mobility and space in modern vehicles.

Far from mini, the Mini Vision Urbanaut concept boasts more space than any of the current Mini line-up thanks to its taller and longer design.

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Based on an electric platform, autonomous driving is possible in the Urbanaut, allowing occupants to relax – although control can be returned to the driver's hands in 'Wanderlust' mode, bringing back the steering wheel and pedals.

Two other modes (or 'Mini moments') are available in the Urbanaut, only when the vehicle is parked up – 'Chill' allows occupants to wind down on the rear bench seat or 'cosy corner' with enough space to lay down, while 'Vibe' opens up the interior space to allow more passengers in the vehicle, propping open the front windscreen to create the impression airiness.

The vehicle's dashboard serves as a daybed when in Chill or Vibe modes, as the Wanderlust driving controls retract into the dash when the Urbanaut is in a stationary state.

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Head of Mini, Bernd Körber, believes the theory behind Vision Urbanaut is relevant to how urban infrastructure is designed in the future.

"With our eyes fixed on the future, we have developed an idea, with the Mini Vision Urbanaut, of how we can take the Mini attributes – with the focus on the ‘Clever Use of Space’ – into the future of mobility and interpret them in a typically Mini way," said Körber.

"It brings the user’s personal space into the car and opens up various possibilities for them, from creating an urban oasis to experiencing freedom in the ‘Wanderlust’ moment.

"The Mini Vision Urbanaut represents our image of how MINI’s ‘Clever Use of Space’ could provide an answer to the needs of future cities and lifestyles."

Production of the Urbanaut is unconfirmed and unlikely, but its design language could end up in the next generation of Mini models with the German-owned British brand planning a move to electrification by 2025, with an all-EV line-up by 2030.