In the age of SUVs, Mini is striving to maintain a presence, betting that three new special edition models will give potential buyers another reason to check out the British brand.
Dubbed Resolute, Untamed and Untold, the three run the gamut of the current Mini range and will launch on March 1 as 2023 models. unique models.
“For 20 years, we have always had a special edition [available]”, said Shirley Nguyen, product planning manager for Mini USA, whether it’s “paying homage” to the brand’s racing history or to the original Mini launched in 1959. These three allow buyers “to extend their personality and make their Mini unique”.
Rather than adding a single set of trims to its product lineup, Mini’s strategy with Resolute, Untamed and Untold is to make each of the special editions unique in terms of features and designs. Mini has had special editions in the past, but these were more like fixed-number limited editions; with these, buyers generally won’t have to check with multiple retailers to find or order what they want. If demand increases, Mini will produce to meet demand.
The Resolute Edition will be offered for the various versions of the Mini Hardtop, including the 2-door, 4-door and convertible, as well as the all-electric Mini Cooper SE.
Resolute versions feature a Rebel Green exterior, a color previously offered only on John Cooper Works models. It’s offset by a Pepper White roof finisher and accents, including mirror caps. Additional design features, including the headlight surround, grille and door handles, are done in Resolute Bronze. Specific models get unique color combinations. The hoods and fabric top of the Mini Convertible Resolute Edition, for example, are finished in black. Hardtop 2- and 4-door models add a black band around the lower edge of their windows.
Resolute models are completed with 18-inch Pulse Spoke Black alloy wheels. The exception is the all-electric Cooper SE which gets more aerodynamic 17-inch alloy wheels.
Interiors are meant to underline the premium feel of Mini products with sports seats in Black Pearl or Light Checkerboard and Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheels. They add details like ambient LED lighting and illuminated door handles. Resolute models also get the latest Mini infotainment system and an 8.8-inch touchscreen.
The Mini Untold Edition is based on all three versions of the Clubman and emphasizes its “shooting brake” design. The exterior paint is sage green, with dark green outlines on the lower body, rather than the usual black. Five narrow sports stripes run across the bonnet and roof, with the side vents featuring stripes applied with a 3D printing process. Piano Black is applied to exterior trim, including door handles and exhaust pipes. Countless models roll on 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, they get sage green leather sport seats and light colored stitching and piping. Add illuminated decorative strips and sport Nappa leather-trimmed steering wheels.
Untold models also come with premium features such as adaptive LED headlights and Mini drive mode selector.
The third special edition, Mini Untamed, gives a personalized appearance to the British brand’s most popular model, the Countryman, in all versions, from the Cooper S to the ALL4.
They are finished in Momentum Gray metallic paint, including accent pieces such as the lower air intake and side skirts. The roof, mirror caps and roof rails are finished in black. Four diagonal stripes, each in Frozen Bluestone, run along the lower half of the doors. Untamed models are fitted with 18-inch 2-tone alloy wheels.
Inside, Untamed models are finished in blue and green tones, including the leather sports seats. Landscape patterns accent decorative trim, inside and out.
The Resolute Special Edition packages feature a $1,000 premium, the Cooper S Hardtop 2-Door at $36,750, including the mandatory $850 delivery charge. Untold models add $2,500 to the base price, starting at $42,500 for the Cooper S Clubman. Untamed models carry a premium of $1,500, going up to $47,750 for the Cooper SE Countryman ALL4.