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Mini has finally taken the covers off its new four-wheel-drive model with this, the Crossover Concept.
The Crossover is being used to preview Mini’s new ‘urban off-roader’, the fourth model in the line-up, ahead of its UK launch in early 2010.
At 4135mm long, 1830mm wide and 1598mm high, it is bigger all round than the Mini Clubman, which donates much of its styling to its four-wheel drive sibling. The Crossover’s 2606mm wheelbase is also 61mm longer, providing scope for greater interior...Read the full article

 From the front it looks a bit like a startled carp...

startled carp or not, at least its not an anagram of carp!

looks interesting, remains to see how much is carried over into production, but I'm sure the Japanese market will love this.

quite why this needs to be a 4 wheel drive though is dubious.  a more practical 2WD would be a good seller and I would hope cheaper than this 4WD model.

the centre globe looks great, hopefully there will be a vid out soon to show how it "works"

asymetrical design or not, at least this one has 4 doors, addressing one of the clubman's biggest weaknesses in the UK.

all in all, not a bad effort, but lets see a cheaper 2WD model pls!

Absolutely hideous. A pointless yuppy toy. Issigonis will be turning in his grave. BMW certainly know how to do crass. Just look at the latest Rolls coupe for confirmation.

Oh dear

 Is this a joke?

 Terrible.

And what about the Panda-look-like third window on the side?

I think it looks quite interesting, works better than the Clubman as a design, which still looks a bit weird to me. I don't have any issue with the idea of a more muscular looking 4x4-esque Mini with a raised ride height. HOWEVER, as Kee Law said above, I can't see any reason whatsoever for four wheel drive. I genuinely believe that there would not be a single potential buyer in the ENTIRE WORLD who would complain if this were to be a 2 wheel drive only model. What a massive waste of money and materials, not to mention extra weight, making this a 4WD. Various Daihatsu's and the Panda 4x4 cater for this market.

 Well even the X6 didn't spur me on to register but this erm, thing, did.

 I'm all for choice and freedom of pression but come on! This really is quite apalling despite some neat features and a more sensible take on the back door.

 But... it is oh so nearly the same size as a Maxi...

BMW always focused on what the Mini became, not what Issigonis intended - which works for some people but always grates with me - too many missed opportunities for something really groundbreaking.

What frightens me the most is that they may build it.....

 

Yep, I think BMW must have been playing those old Betamax videos of Blakes 7 to their Stylists again -  they appear to have got their inspiration from the Liberator?

For the benefit of those of you who were not even a twinkle in your father's eye in the 1980s (and have not got a clue what I am talking about) Blakes 7 was the BBC's version of Star Trek, but much much cheaper!  

Wikipedia describes Blakes 7 as being:

"Set in the "third century of the second calendar",  Blake's 7 follows the exploits of revolutionary Roj Blake as he leads his band of rebels against the forces of the totalitarian Terran Federation which rules the Earth and many of the planets of the galaxy. The Federation controls its citizens by means of mass surveillance, brainwashing, and pacification with drugged food, water and air. Sentenced to deportation to a penal colony on a remote planet, Blake escapes with the help of his fellow prisoners and gains control of the Liberator, an alien spacecraft far in advance of anything the Federation possesses. The craft has superior speed and weaponry and a teleport system that allows crew members to be transported to the surface of a planet without having to land the ship. Blake and his crew then attempt to disrupt and damage the Federation."

noluddite:

Absolutely hideous. A pointless yuppy toy. Issigonis will be turning in his grave. BMW certainly know how to do crass.

 

How true, how true. I see from subsequent posts that you are not alone in this view. I took one look and thought "Ugh". I then went to the full set of pictures and could not believe my eyes. What an eyesore.

weenedonpetrol:

ep, I think BMW must have been playing those old Betamax videos of Blakes 7 to their Stylists again -  they appear to have got their inspiration from the Liberator?

For the benefit of those of you who were not even a twinkle in your father's eye in the 1980s (and have not got a clue what I am talking about) Blakes 7 was the BBC's version of Star Trek, but much much cheaper!  

Wikipedia describes Blakes 7 as being:

"Set in the "third century of the second calendar",  Blake's 7 follows the exploits of revolutionary Roj Blake as he leads his band of rebels against the forces of the totalitarian Terran Federation which rules the Earth and many of the planets of the galaxy. The Federation controls its citizens by means of mass surveillance, brainwashing, and pacification with drugged food, water and air. Sentenced to deportation to a penal colony on a remote planet, Blake escapes with the help of his fellow prisoners and gains control of the Liberator, an alien spacecraft far in advance of anything the Federation possesses. The craft has superior speed and weaponry and a teleport system that allows crew members to be transported to the surface of a planet without having to land the ship. Blake and his crew then attempt to disrupt and damage the Federation."

wtf?