MINI posted details and specs today for the upcoming 2019 models. As rumored on MotoringFile, there are now 3 trim levels, with the most basic only allowing color and transmission choice, and the highest trim offering full customization. Looking at the specs and price sheets, I can't see how this is going to help the brand, as anything above the base level seems more expensive to me.

MINI 2019 Product Trims

The configurator isn't out yet, so I'm not sure how de-selecting options will affect the cost. If I don't want an automatic transmission and sunroof (standard in the highest trim, the Iconic package), do I get money back? Part of the appeal of the MINI brand to me is being able to choose exactly what I want, and if I have to pay a ridiculous amount to not have a sunroof, I'll likely go elsewhere.

 

Definitely not a fan so far, but hopefully once configurator goes live it won't be as bad as I think it is. Like you said, was nice getting exactly what I wanted. If I have to pay more for things I don't want will be pissed/annoyed

 

Never was able to get exactly what I wanted. They always seem to bundle some things together anyway. Not sure what they are thinking beyond possibly saving a few pounds/dollars in this method. Maybe they got feedback that configuring a car was too mentally taxing for the modern car buyer?

 

Fully configuring is definitely overwhelming when you're new to the brand, because there's so many choices. I bought my first two MINIs used and experienced almost all options between the two, so I knew exactly what I wanted when it came time to order MINI #3. I get that MINI wants to simplify to attract new customers, but I worry they're going to lose some current customers along the way and end up worse than they started.

For some options, I probably wouldn't complain about them being bundled, but if I have to pay an extra $3k for an automatic transmission and sunroof that I don't want, that becomes hard to swallow. We'll see when the configurator launches, which will hopefully be soon.

 

Bundling options helps the manufacturing plant. Better thruput & much less chance of a screw up.

 

It is still fat and heavy, nothing impressive.

The JCW Iconic trim on a two door S is close to $40,000. That's competing with the Focus RS for price, and more expensive than the Civic Type R and Focus ST.

Good luck with that.

 

Mini is just doing what all of the other car companies have been doing for years. Limiting options by putting them in packages saves the company money. If thats the case, pass on the savings to the customer!

I also get it why they put sunroofs and automatics in the top tier car-most other cars on the market do the same thing. With MINI sales sinking in the US, they need to concentrate on lowering the price or making the car really fun to drive again. (I have driven several F56's and am not impressed)

Mini being a "premium small car" now seems to be based more on price, rather than the other tangibles that put the car above others.

 

OP started the thread about 2019 Options and buying the car. Not really a great place to come and show off your dislike of the F series cars. Stick with your early gen cars, be happy that you have what you like and leave us alone.

Hopefully I was polite and respectful to you all.

 

If you are looking for a fully-loaded MINI the new ordering system is the way to go. The fully-loaded MINI hardtop we built using the 2018 configurator was over $3,000 USD more expensive than the same specification 2019 model using the new system. The new system still seems very configurable even within the different tiers.

The "Iconic" package is indeed very-loaded with all the previous options and you have choices within the choices (leather, steering wheel, wheels, color, color line, etc). The only extra-cost option we specified was the roof rails ($250).

 

FYI, My 2019 F56S will finish production 4/13/18. " ZMR Without Panoramic Moonroof"saved me $650 on the order production number.

 

Nice, that's encouraging news!

 

I don't remember the specifics, but I know our build (3/1/18 or so order) was able to get around some of the package bundles as well... I'll have to dig it up. We were making predictions based on how the packages would be structured, as I was targeting the first week of the 2019 build ahead of having all the literature...