It looks like BMW is set to put the Mini back in minivan, with an enlarged version of its Countryman crossover.

Our spy photographers snagged these shots of the jumbo-sized Mini mule testing in Europe and wearing conventional Countryman bodywork. But if you look closely, you can see that the front wheels have moved forward a bit, suggesting the Mini people mover will have a longer wheelbase than the Countryman. It should also prove to be wider to accommodate three across in the backseat, which is probably why the mule has those extended fender flares.

Sources say the five-passenger Mini van will debut as a concept named "Spacebox," though the production version could pick up the vintage "Traveller" moniker. Expect to see something on the streets by 2014.

More photos at Autoblog...