In 2026, MINI reaches a historic milestone: 25 years will have passed since the start of modern MINI production under the BMW Group. A quarter century that has successfully united three key elements – innovation, design, and British spirit – strengthening the brand’s role in the lives of millions of people. MINI is not just a city car: it is a cultural presence that crosses streets, neighborhoods, daily commutes, and even big screens, becoming a universally recognizable symbol for its personality and the driving fun it continues to deliver.
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The modern MINI turns 25
The journey, however, is rooted in the past. Founded in 1959, the company was born from the revolutionary vision of Sir Alec Issigonis, who was able to respond to the needs of the time with an idea of intelligent compactness: optimized space, efficiency, and authentic driving pleasure. Thanks to features like front-wheel drive and its distinctive agility, the classic MINI quickly transformed into an icon. And when motorsport successes arrived in the 1960s, particularly with the Cooper name, the brand further consolidated its reputation: it was not just a brilliant idea, but also a car truly capable of competing and entertaining.
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It all started in Oxford
With the transition to the BMW Group, a decisive chapter opened, without denying the heritage, but rather enhancing it in a contemporary key. On April 26, 2001, the first modern MINI rolled off the production line in Oxford, beginning a journey where the celebrated design and typical “go-kart feeling” meet cutting-edge technology, premium quality, and ever-current relevance. Today, MINI also speaks with its institutional voice: “Celebrating 25 years of the modern MINI represents a true milestone,” declared Jean-Philippe Parain, Head of MINI. Today, the range is growing, with five models of different identities and propulsion options that include electric versions and highly efficient combustion engines.
