[MiniFootPrint]

It's not uncommon to see that electric cars have unique lighting systems compared to any "regular" version being offered. Even if this is not the case across the EV industry no matter where you look, this is where the industry is going. For all we know the Mini EV production model could get headlights similar to the concept.

What are the odds we will get lights similar the concept?

 

[Josh911]

Hands down that's really good looking headlights. In my opinion, Mini knew what they were doing when they installed these headlights in the car. It definitely took people's attention and now everyone is looking forward to seeing it in the real model. I think it would be really disappointing to lose this great detail and it can even cause some complaints in the community.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

Hands down that's really good looking headlights. In my opinion, Mini knew what they were doing when they installed these headlights in the car. It definitely took people's attention and now everyone is looking forward to seeing it in the real model. I think it would be really disappointing to lose this great detail and it can even cause some complaints in the community.

Just seen pictures of the new Jeep Wrangler and it has a headlight setup similar to this which is a retro exterior but modern insides which is a winning combination. Biggest fear for me in the new Wrangler was they could change the entire headlight and grille design, thankfully that was not the case.

 

[Coops]

I agree that electric cars are all about new technology. Styling and lighting can go a long way in making some look futuristic and Mini nailed it with those headlights. I really hope they make it through to the production model, because I think they'll go a long way in marketing. I guess the only reason for a change would be due to a lack of illumination?

 

[Greenie]

i can't imagine MINI changing their iconic oval headlights for something else, but maybe they'll change the interior for a more electric feel. I can see them using LED strip lights to outline the center headlight unit.

 

[Coops]

So I know this is just a spy photo of a concept, but it seems like those sleek headlight designs haven't survived the journey. Perhaps there will be a difference in the various trim options that may be available, but this EV Mini really does look any different from the regular models.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

Unless what we're seeing here is just a lower trim model which in that case would make a lot of sense. Why should they make a premium feature standard all throughout the model range on an entry-level product?

 

[Coops]

I don't think they should make premium lighting standard across the various trims obviously, one would think however that they would choose to showcase a model that doesn't look exactly like what's already available. Why bother covering it in camouflage, if there's nothing new to hide?

 

[MiniFootPrint]

I don't think they should make premium lighting standard across the various trims obviously, one would think however that they would choose to showcase a model that doesn't look exactly like what's already available. Why bother covering it in camouflage, if there's nothing new to hide?

The market does eventually reach a point where what was next generation lighting is now standard or can work to give them the competitive edge. Mini is a semi-luxury car maker and with that comes certain expectations. Its just how I see them staying competitive. Otherwise some other car maker would do it before them.

 

[Coops]

I think with EV's there's a much bigger focus on the aesthetics of lighting, as it can make a big difference in how new and modern the car feels. This is why with EV concepts we see such a focus on the aesthetics that showcase new technology/styling. I don't think buyers are as interested in EV's that look identical to their ICE counterparts from the surface.

 

[Greenie]

Actually, from what I recall of the Bolt, it was designed to look like a normal car and not as off-putting as something like BMW's i3 or Leaf. That was their plan to draw in more buyers who weren't a fan of the EV aesthetics. Mini could go either way at this point because the test mule looks like a normal car from their lineup but their parent company has something as whacky as the i models.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

Actually, from what I recall of the Bolt, it was designed to look like a normal car and not as off-putting as something like BMW's i3 or Leaf. That was their plan to draw in more buyers who weren't a fan of the EV aesthetics. Mini could go either way at this point because the test mule looks like a normal car from their lineup but their parent company has something as whacky as the i models.

I noticed that especially with the new Volt. Previous generation Volt probably turned off a lot of people from what i'm guessing. Its a good approach to ease people into EV's without all the attention that could come with one. But the higher a car maker goes with EV segments the more crazy they get with designs as seen with BMW.

 

[Coops]

Recently saw a test mule for the new Porsche Mission E, and even the headlights on that model have changed from concept. It had the same sort of design as the Mini EV concept, but now it looks just like any other model. And I actually prefer the looks of the older Volt, I don't like the changes they made to the front fascia and tail lights in the new model.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

GM learned that in certain segments people want EV's that don't look like EV's and in other segments they want it to look like an EV. Basically anything in a high volume segment as an EV, is better off to not look like an EV. The Volt is a prime example of that.