Last November, MINI unveiled a funky, futuristic EV concept known as the ‘Vision Urbanaut.’ Effectively a next-level passenger van with a modular, space-maximizing interior, the little pod-shaped vehicle was quite unlike anything we’d ever seen from the automotive industry, real or digital.
As if that wasn’t enough, the BMW Group has now brought the thing to life, turning the far-out design study into a physical model. Overall, it stays pretty true to its pixel-based counterpart, with a single sliding door, extensive glass paneling, and illuminated wheels all making the jump to the real world. The interior, too, is remarkably similar, eschewing a traditional seating arrangement in favor of a circular, almost lounge-like setup. What’s more, the concept actually features what MINI is calling its “MINI moments” or customizable ambiance modes complete with their own lighting, scent, and sounds. And while it might not have a working electric drivetrain just yet, the Vision Urbanaut does make extensive use of recycled materials, something that MINI says will be a part of the next-gen lineup. On display at the DLD Summer conference in Munich on July 1st, you can also check it out below.
