MINI Vision Urbanaut is a luxury lounge on wheels

KUALA LUMPUR: If you remember, Mini showcased a Vision Urbanaut digital concept back in 2020 with an intent to redefine space in a world of autonomous driving. Well, it’s time to see the concept turning into reality. The British carmaker just unveiled the fresh images of the physical concept alongside detailing its features ahead of the global debut to be held on July 1, 2021, at the DLD Summer conference in Munich.

On the exterior, the Mini’s futuristic van has a wide glass roof, a single sliding door, illuminated wheels, and minimalist fascias. Interestingly, the windscreen of the van can be lifted up when it is parked. The vehicle measures 4460 mm in length.

Well, the centre of attraction is the MINI Vision Urbanaut cabin that shows off “clever use of space” from every angle. The cabin is modern and clutter-free offering maximum space with minimum possible footprint. When the vehicle is parked, the passengers can relax inside or indulge in their favourite pastimes. The van has a clever dual-functionality dashboard that can turn into a daybed and a circular OLED centre display that recasts itself as a stylish lamp above the table. 

To create the space more lively, several ambient sound profiles are added. These are Chill, Vibe, and Wanderlust; Chill mode fills the interior with subtle soundscapes of a forest, with rustling leaves and flowing water. Vibe transforms the van into a boombox while the Wanderlust creates a moment where the MINI Vision Urbanaut is being driven with automated driving functions. With the latter, one can rediscover the romance of travel, says the automaker. 

Further, the van’s interior has been created without the use of chrome or leather as it embraces renewable and recyclable materials. This approach will also be seen in the MINI next-gen models. 

Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design said, “At MINI Design we believe that the best way to understand the overall concept behind the MINI Vision Urbanaut is to experience it. The feeling of space and the innovative materials are just asking to be explored. That is why it was very important for us from the outset to also make a physical model of the MINI Vision Urbanaut. And now that moment has come. We have planned and built every aspect of the model – which allows people to experience all of the facets of the MINI Vision Urbanaut – at our MINI Design Studio in Munich.“

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