MINI

Mini is an iconic British brand whose history in the U.S. market started in the 1960s with the importation of tiny cars manufactured by British Motor Corp. After a hiatus, the brand was purchased and modernized by BMW, and reappeared in 2002 with the Cooper hatchback.

Since then, Mini’s lineup has expanded to satisfy buyers who desire more space and/or higher performance. The brand now sells a four-door version of the Cooper — now known as the Hardtop — as well as the Countryman subcompact SUV. Mini models offer regular and sporty S trim levels, along with high-performance John Cooper Works versions.

Mini was an early experimenter with battery-electric drivetrains, having fielded hundreds of modified Mini E Coopers in test fleets. The redesigned-for-2025 Hardtop and Countryman are both slated to offer all-electric powertrains in addition to gasoline engines.