First Sketch: Mini Crossover

BMW-owned Mini has been hinting for a while that it might branch out into other genres, with the Clubman being its first effort, growing beside the Cooper line. Today, Mini has released sketches and renderings of a possible crossover vehicle that we've heard the company has been considering for some time.

The imaginatively named Mini Crossover Concept is an AWD vehicle that's been stretched in all directions. It is slightly longer and wider than the Clubman and rides higher than any other Mini product. The vehicle will, if it ever becomes a physical concept car, offer a host of new features. Running the length of the four-seat vehicle between the seats will be a tie-down bar for securing cargo, and most of the roof will open up to let in the sun or haul long items. The roof will also have racks for carrying more cargo and the car will have an optional add-on cargo container that attaches to the rear. On the passenger's side, the Crossover Concept will have two standard doors, but on the driver's side, the rear door will slide to allow easier cargo loading and unloading. The rear hatch will be a single side-hinged door with a retractable window.

Inside, most of the vehicle controls will be integrated into a unique, touch-sensitive, sphere-shaped interface in the center console called the Center Globe. It will be controlled by buttons and sliding switches on the lower part of the Globe, as well as a keyboard that extends out of the dash for the passenger. The driver will also have control of the interface via a trackball on the steering wheel. We hope it's easier to use than iDrive, but we're not counting on it.
Difficult-to-describe control interfaces aside, the Crossover Concept is an intriguing vehicle, even if it is outside of Mini's normal vehicle range. Is this one worth pursuing, or should Mini concentrate on cars instead? Tell us what you think in the comments below.We'll see the Crossover Concept at the Paris show, where Mini will no doubt share more details about how much of this concept we'll see in a future production vehicle.