BMW's electric mini is coming in 2019 -- here's everything we know

Danielle Muoio
Bmw electric mini conceptBMW

BMW’s electric mini is officially on the way!

BMW released images of its electric mini concept ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show, which opens to the public on September 16. We have yet to see final specs for the mini, but we got a glimpse of what’s to come in 2019.

Here’s what we know so far:

Behold: BMW's Mini E! It has sunny yellow accents and wide, oval headlights. It's quite adorable.

BMW

Here's a better shot of the front. Its big bug eyes really stand out on its small body.

BMW

Christopher Weil, head of MINI exterior design, told Autocar that there's a tiny spoiler in front of the rear wheel to help manage airflow and reduce drag.

BMW

Source

The wheels were also heavily influenced by 1980s car design, as you can see by the asymmetrical X, Weil said. It also has a splash of yellow to match the rest of the car.

BMW

Source

The Mini doesn't feature any chrome, which has been standard in previous models. Weil said the concept was meant to explore a more modern aesthetic, but what will be included in the final version remains to be seen.

BMW

Source

The Mini E is part of Volkswagen's big push into the electric car market. BMW will also release an electric X3 in 2020 and iNext in 2021.

BMW

BMW was actually an early player in the electric market, even if it's fallen by the wayside since then. The German automaker first unveiled a Mini E way back in 2008.

BMW

The 2008 Mini E underwent extensive testing that eventually led to the creation of the BMW i3. The i3 has been BMW's standalone electric car since 2013 and has a range of roughly 100 miles.

BMW

BMW has yet to release any specs for the Mini E, but we'll be expecting something that's at least in the ballpark of the i3. If it really wants to compete in the electric space, it will need to boast a range of at least 200 miles.

BMW

NOW WATCH: Money & Markets videos

Business Insider Emails & Alerts

Site highlights each day to your inbox.

Follow Business Insider Australia on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.