BMW to Trim Mini Model Lineup

2015 Mini Cooper Coupe

BMW AG has confirmed earlier reports that it will reduce the number of models offered by its Mini brand from eight to five "superhero" body styles.

The relaunched Mini brand debuted in 2001 as a two-door hatch. Since then it added a five-door hatch, four-seat convertible, Two-seat Coupe, two-seat Roadster convertible, Clubman four-door wagon, Countryman four-door crossover and Paceman two-door sport coupe.

Brand President Peter Schwarzenbauer says four of the five surviving models will be the three- and five-door hatchbacks, Countryman crossover and redesigned Clubman wagon.

Schwarzenbauer has not publicly indicated which models will be cut. But in March, brand product management chief Oliver Friedman told Automotive News Europe that Mini was likely to drop the slow-selling Paceman, Coupe and Roadster iterations.

Schwarzenbauer says the aim is to strike a balance between a broad choice of models and a shorter list of cars with more sharply defined differences in character and capabilities. Trimming the lineup also will reduce costs and complexity, although Schwarzenbauer says the plan includes a future all-electric model.