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Dune buggy + MINI = Beachcomber Concept

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Khatir Soltani
When open, the MINI Beachcomber Concept is also able to carry extra-long objects such as surfboards without the slightest problem. Fastened firmly to the lateral support, surfboards fit conveniently into the car, sticking out at the top on the way to the beach.

Flexible protection from wind and weather: soft roof or hardtop inserts.
The MINI Beachcomber Concept is built for the sunny side of life and is simply perfect for spontaneous action. Through its optimum flexibility, the car is able to meet all kinds of different requirements, naturally coping with any sudden change in exterior conditions.

This alone gives the MINI Beachcomber Concept all the qualities required for everyday motoring, with several options to cater for new demands and weather conditions.


The soft roof coming off the body completely and folding up into a compact unit offers particularly convenient and, at the same time, effective protection from rain and weather. Whenever required, the roof may be drawn over the car within a few instants like a tonneau cover on a boat, fastening conveniently on the windscreen frame, the rear panel and the side openings.

Typical MINI design, re-interpreted and concentrating on the essential.
Thanks to its clear design language, the body of the MINI Beachcomber Concept concentrating on the essential leaves no doubts that this is a genuine MINI. Unmistakable design elements reminiscent of the brand stand out clearly at first sight. And like on the MINI Crossover Concept presented for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in autumn 2008, the new model clearly reflects the ongoing process of MINI design and the introduction of MINI design language in a new type of vehicle. Indeed, both the smooth and firm design of the body and proportions typical of MINI show once again that this is clearly a member of the range.

Short overhangs front and rear as well as the wide wheel stance likewise bear the overall look of the brand on the MINI Beachcomber Concept. Here again, therefore, the new model comes with characteristic MINI design features at the front, side and rear re-interpreted on the new model. The extra-wide body frame even encompassing the wheel arches and extending down to the road emphasises the robust flair and character of this all-wheel-drive concept study. And thanks to greater ground clearance, the advantage of short overhangs front and rear comes out even more on rough terrain, allowing a particularly large ramp angle for even the toughest requirements.

Side view: new combination of robust strength and lightweight look.
Extending far into the side of the car, the headlights additionally emphasise the short front overhang. The powerfully designed wheel arches on the MINI Beachcomber Concept boast large 17-inch light-alloy wheels and offroad tyres with a rough tread.

The surrounds on the side direction indicators again so typical of MINI come for the first time in a diagonal shape in the extended A-pillar, creating a wide band in distinctive colour precisely at the same point as on the classic Mini and now forming an optical connection between the windscreen frame and the front wheels. This graphic element again underlines the solidity of the MINI Beachcomber Concept with its A-pillars appearing to rest powerfully on the front axle. At the rear the rollbar forms an equally direct line extending towards the rear axle of the car.





photo:BMW
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 8 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada