
Mini is a brand under BMW. The BMW Mini is a compact car manufactured by the BMW Group, with dimensions of 4263mm in length, 1800mm in width, and 1468mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2670mm. It features a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. The BMW Mini is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 200kW at 4500 to 6250 rpm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension.

I still remember my first encounter with MINI, seeing the classic model in an old movie. It was originally a British brand, originating from the 1959 Austin Mini, full of retro charm. Later, in 1994, the BMW Group acquired the Rover Group and, in the process, took over MINI. Now, MINI officially belongs to BMW as one of its sub-brands. This not only changed the ownership of the car but also modernized MINI's design, incorporating BMW's engineering expertise, such as shared engine and chassis technology, leading to a significant increase in global sales. As an owner, I feel that MINI's unique style is backed by BMW's strong support, ensuring quality and reliability while avoiding the common minor issues of older British cars. If you're interested in automotive history, understanding this transformation will help you appreciate its value even more.

The MINI brand is now part of the BMW family, not an independent company, nor is it affiliated with Volkswagen or Mercedes-Benz as some might speculate. As a sub-brand under the BMW Group, MINI focuses on stylish and compact designs, much like other BMW models, emphasizing sportiness and driving dynamics. For instance, the powertrain of the MINI Cooper is shared with certain BMW models, reflecting BMW's overarching strategy: using a core brand to nurture multiple sub-brands with different market positions. From a consumer perspective, this makes MINI more reliable, as maintenance and repairs can be handled at BMW service centers, offering greater convenience. I think BMW's decision is quite smart—it preserves MINI's unique character while enhancing the brand's competitiveness.

Many people might mistakenly think MINI is produced by some small company, but in fact, it's a wholly-owned sub-brand of the BMW Group. My friend thought MINI was related to Fiat when buying a car, only to discover that BMW acquired it in the 1990s and made it more durable and intelligent through integration. Under BMW's ownership, MINI has benefited from advanced German engineering, avoiding the recurrence of old issues.


