Just wondering how long the R66(??) is expected to be with us?? I know the last generation Cooper was with us for only 4 years.

No one knows, but I expect it'll be around for a good long while. You mention the 1st gen MINI, but the coupe is still with us and doing fine, as is the cabrio, also soon to be updated. The major configurations don't seem to go away, especially for the Clubman with a 4WD version (SAV) also on the way.

The R53 was 5 years (2002-2006) so I think 5 years is the norm.

The R53 (and R50) were released in Europe two years before the US so that's 7 years which is a typical lifespan for a BMW product before it get's a significant update.

Seven years it will be, since the launch of U.S. spec Clubmans is only months behind Europe & the U.K.