PressClub United Kingdom · Article.
MINI x Vagabund: Two One-Offs combining adventure attitude and sound culture.
Wed Apr 15 00:01:00 CEST 2026 Press Release
+++ MINI and Vagabund present two unique MINI Countryman one-off show cars inspired by adventure, community and festival culture +++ The MINI Countryman becomes a dynamic stage for lifestyle, music and self-expression +++ Vehicle individualization that only MINI can do +++
Press Contact.
James Morrison
BMW Group
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Author.
Julian Kisch
BMW Group
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Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued
by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptions have been made to cater
to the UK market.
Munich/Graz. MINI and Austrian design studio Vagabund
present a new creative collaboration: two unique one-off vehicles
based on the MINI Countryman, both of which set a powerful statement
for adventure spirit, community culture and festival lifestyle.
“A long-standing tradition and core value of the MINI brand is
individual vehicle customization. Together with Vagabund, MINI
continues this approach and demonstrates how a creative
reinterpretation of the MINI Countryman – inspired by festival culture
and music – can be brought to life through an engaged community,” says
Jean‑Philippe Parain, Head of MINI.
MINI x Vagabund: The Duo
Vagabund successfully
adds a distinctive design layer to the MINI Countryman that
authentically expresses individuality, design philosophy and community
spirit. MINI deliberately provides the platform – Vagabund contributes
their creative signature. The result: two charismatic vehicles that
reinterpret the versatility and openness of the MINI Countryman in an
entirely new way.
“For us, design does not begin with the object, but with the
idea behind it – and it only ends when that idea becomes tangible. The
MINI x Vagabund one-offs translate a clear concept into an
experiential statement. Two distinctive characters, united by MINI
Countryman DNA, create a composition full of tension – making design
visible as an emotional experience,” explains Paul Brauchart,
Co-Founder and Head of Creative Vagabund.
Holger Hampf, Head of MINI Design: “MINI Design stands for
vehicles with strong character that people enjoy driving and living
with—true to the motto: lifestyle meets function and fun. Through our
collaboration with Vagabund on these two vehicles, we were able to
once again showcase our attention to detail and technical
craftsmanship in a striking way.”
With a sophisticated sound system, graphic accents and a bold
colour concept, the two vehicles themselves become moving sound
stages. The vehicle finished in Melting Silver features sand-coloured
& white body exterior details: playful, graphic and light. The
Midnight Black example stands in deliberate contrast – monochrome
black, precise and technical. It is this contrast that enhances their
perception and creates an overall impression that only becomes fully
apparent when both vehicles are experienced together.
Bodywork & proportions
Distinctively
reworked wheel arches create a visually wider stance and give the
vehicles a further striking appearance. A front bumper attachment
ensures a harmonious connection between the wings and the original
front apron. Front and rear bumpers are colour-coordinated with the
additional body modifications, with the radiator grille being revised
accordingly. Along the side sills, sits prominently integrated
VAGABUND lettering as a three-dimensional element.
The raised ride height further emphasizes the
off-road character of the two MINI Countryman S ALL4 models. In
addition, 20‑inch wheels are fitted, showcasing intentionally
closed-off 3D‑printed wheel cover designs, which gives the wheels a
muscular appearance and creates a clear visual association with loudspeakers.
The roof rack consists of three laser-cut and folded aluminium
plates, complemented by an integrated stainless-steel mesh as an open
surface. This construction visually references the design language of
speaker covers, creating a connection between roof, side profile and
overall vehicle design – turning the roof rack into an integral design element.
The vehicle as a sound system
The rear side
windows have been removed and replaced by a specially-developed sound
system designed specifically for outdoor sound projection, with
community events in mind. At its heart is a newly developed
loudspeaker housing made from cast polymer granite – a material that
offers ideal conditions for precise and unadulterated sound reproduction.
Tweeters and mid-range speakers are integrated directly into the
bodywork, while additional subwoofers in the rear deliver a powerful
punch when the tailgate is opened. Each vehicle functions as an
independent sound system – however together, both MINI Countryman show
cars form a mobile stage, creating an immersive audio experience.
On the opposite side of the vehicle, a special detail can be
found: an iconic Walkman integrated into a 3D‑printed housing. With a
characteristic MINI sense of humour; this creates a deliberate
counterpoint to the open external sound system – a personal,
decelerated feeling. The combination of analogue nostalgia and
contemporary construction underlines the experimental character of the
entire concept.
MINI Individualization by Vagabund
Through
Vagabund, the MINI Countryman becomes a moving platform for encounters
and cultural exchange. The vehicles create community moments where
people come together and enable experiences that go beyond the thrill
of driving.
Vagabund is renowned for its expertise in rethinking existing
products via visual transformations. The two one-off vehicles
demonstrate how creative power lies in form, function and attention to
detail. MINI and Vagabund share this approach: individuality instead
of convention, craftsmanship instead of overbearing aesthetics,
community instead of distance.
The MINI x Vagabund collaboration shows how MINI carries its
historic commitment to individualization into the future: bold design
interpretations, culture-driven themes (such as music), cultural
leaders and community, combined with a high level of craftsmanship.
The result is inspiring one-off examples that showcase the MINI
Countryman in new and elevated ways. MINI will present one of the two
one-off vehicles to the public for the first time at Auto China 2026
in Beijing. Following its premiere at the motor show, the models will
be brought closer to people live and in action across a wide range of
platforms – staying true to the community-driven approach.
C02 emissions:
The described vehicles are show cars that are not available for sale.
Ends
The BMW Group
With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW
Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of
automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial
services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30
production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in
more than 140 countries.
In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and
more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the
financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to €
133,5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce
of 154,540 employees.
The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on
long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key
element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products
– from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful
life.
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MINI Press Office Contacts:
Sam Buckingham
MINI Press Officer
Tel:
07815 362262
Email: Samuel.Buckingham@mini.co.uk
James Morrison
Head of Product Communications
Tel:
07815 372 646
Email: James.Morrison@bmw.co.uk
Christina Burnham-Hepe
Corporate Communications
Director
Tel: 07815 371206
Email: Christina.Burnham-Hepe@bmw.co.uk
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