The modern MINI Turns 25!

06-30-2026

Twenty-five years ago, a new chapter began for one of the automotive world's most recognizable icons.

When the first modern MINI rolled off the production line at Plant Oxford in April 2001, it marked more than the return of a beloved small car. Under BMW Group, MINI entered a new era, preserving everything enthusiasts loved about the original while introducing the engineering, technology, and quality expected of a modern premium vehicle.

The original Mini earned its iconic status by proving that compact dimensions and engaging driving dynamics could go hand in hand. Its success on the road and in motorsport helped shape a personality that still defines the brand today: playful, unmistakable, and rewarding to drive.

BMW Group understood that legacy from the very beginning. Rather than reinventing MINI, it refined it. The unmistakable design, go-kart handling, and unique character remained, while premium craftsmanship, innovative technology, and modern safety carried the brand confidently into the future.

Twenty-five years later, that philosophy continues across the entire MINI lineup.

From the iconic 3 Door and the versatile Countryman to the all-electric MINI Cooper, every model celebrates individuality. Distinctive roof colours, bonnet stripes, wheel designs, interior trims, and special editions allow every owner to create a MINI that feels uniquely their own.

Here at MINI Toronto, that's something we enjoy seeing every day. Every customer brings a different personality, and every MINI leaves reflecting it. It's one of the reasons the brand continues to resonate with drivers looking for something that stands apart from the ordinary.

Today's lineup is the most diverse in MINI's history, offering highly efficient combustion engines alongside fully electric models without losing the go-kart feeling that has defined the brand for generations. In 2025, MINI delivered more than 288,000 vehicles globally, with battery-electric models accounting for more than one-third of worldwide sales.

More than 4.6 million modern MINIs have been built since production began in 2001, each carrying forward a legacy that began more than six decades ago.

As MINI celebrates 25 years of the modern era, we're proud to celebrate alongside them. Here's to 25 years of unmistakable design, engaging driving, and individuality, and to everything that's still to come.
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