A change to rear-wheel drive for the single-motor version (priced from $49,900) and a rear-bias for the dual-motor version (from $55,300) means both vehicles have more sports car-like handling.
The compact front-wheel-drive hot hatch is set to lead Volkswagen’s upcoming entry-level BEV lineup with a front-mounted electric motor, a sporting suspension and an anticipated starting price of about $32,800.
Mini’s global ambitions mean the brand will continue to produce internal-combustion models alongside its growing portfolio of battery-electric vehicles.