MINI Superleggera: The Electric Dream Car MINI Almost Built

Stylized Reverie - There’s something magical about concept cars — those rare moments when designers let imagination drive faster than practicality. Every now and then, one of these dream machines gets so close to reality that car lovers can almost hear the engine roar. The MINI Superleggera is one of those near-mythical creations. Often nicknamed the “MINI Ferrari,” this striking roadster stood as proof that even a brand known for its cute, city-friendly cars could flirt with the spirit of Italian performance and style. 

The MINI Superleggera was an all-electric, open-top two-seater that broke away from MINI tradition, trading boxy charm for sculpted aluminum curves, a long bonnet, a swept tail, and subtle fins that echoed classic roadster elegance. (Picture from: Carbuzz)

Back in 2006, Anders Warming, then BMW Group’s creative lead, had an idea that would simmer for years before taking form. MINI, by then firmly under BMW’s wing, had built its reputation on small, playful hatchbacks. But Warming thought it was time to give the brand a new kind of sparkle — something that could sit beside the greats and show that MINI could be sexy, too. Inspired by the BMW Z8, he imagined a smaller, more charming counterpart that carried the same emotional punch. That idea eventually evolved into the MINI Superleggera, though it wouldn’t make its public debut until nearly a decade later. 

The MINI Superleggera blended a futuristic electric core with classic MINI DNA, retaining the signature hexagonal grille and circular F56 headlights that honored its heritage. (Picture from: BMWBlog)

Fast forward to 2014, at the elegant Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza — the perfect stage for a design masterpiece. Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW’s design boss, reached out to the legendary Italian coachbuilder Touring Superleggera, a name synonymous with timeless beauty and craftsmanship. Together, they envisioned something that would merge British character with Italian artistry. The result was breathtaking: an all-electric, open-top two-seater that looked nothing like any MINI before it. Smooth, sculpted aluminum curves replaced the brand’s usual boxy charm, while details like the long bonnet, swept tail, and subtle fins gave it the elegance of a classic roadster.

The MINI Superleggera is a near-mythical creation, often dubbed the “MINI Ferrari,” proving that a brand known for city-friendly charm could also embrace Italian-inspired performance and style. (Picture from: BMWBlog)

Despite its futuristic electric heart, the Superleggera carried the DNA of MINI’s heritage. The front grille kept its signature hexagonal shape, and the circular F56 headlights proudly reminded everyone where it came from. The rear lights, designed in the shape of the Union Jack, would later become a signature feature on production MINIs — a small reminder that the concept left a lasting mark even without a production run. 

The MINI Superleggera showcases a minimalist yet elegant interior, blending brushed aluminum surfaces, warm leather tones, and a modern circular digital display in an open-top cockpit. (Picture from: Carbuzz)

Interestingly, the Superleggera was born under the code name “i4,” not to be confused with BMW’s later electric sedan. The name reflected how it was designed to parallel the relationship between Porsche’s 911 and Boxster — with BMW’s i8 playing the role of the 911, and the MINI Superleggera serving as the smaller, equally thrilling sibling. The car combined the spirit of grand touring with electric innovation, long before such a mix became mainstream. 

The MINI Superleggera was developed under the “i4” code name to mirror the 911–Boxster dynamic with the BMW i8, blending grand touring character and electric innovation well before it became mainstream. (Picture from: BMWBlog)

BMW was serious about making it happen. A second prototype was even built, and discussions were held with motorcycle manufacturers to explore limited production possibilities. Everything seemed lined up for this little “MINI Ferrari” to make its way to the streets. Yet, fate — and timing — had other plans. When the Superleggera was ready, BMW’s electric roadmap wasn’t. The company’s EV strategy was still in its infancy, and MINI’s lineup was already crowded with multiple variants of the classic hatchback. Adding a hand-built, low-volume roadster didn’t fit into the business equation.

The MINI Superleggera introduced Union Jack–shaped rear lights that later became a signature on production MINIs, leaving a lasting design legacy despite never reaching production. (Picture from: Carbuzz)

So, the dream was parked. The MINI Superleggera never went into production, and what could have been one of the most charming electric sports cars of its era became a symbol of what might have been. Today, looking back from an age where electric convertibles are finally starting to gain traction, the Superleggera feels like it was a decade too early — a vision ahead of its time. Its blend of British quirk, Italian elegance, and silent electric power would fit beautifully in the current era of stylish sustainability. | PdxXTddf5Y0 |

Maybe, just maybe, MINI will one day revive that spark. After all, the Superleggera wasn’t just a design study; it was a love letter to creativity, collaboration, and the idea that even the smallest carmakers can dream big. For now, it remains a legend — a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful journeys are the ones that never quite reach the finish line. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOURINGSUPERLEGGERA | BMWBLOG | CARBUZZ ] 

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