At the IAA Mobility Show 2025 in Munich, MINI stunned audiences by revealing two wild concept cars created in collaboration with the iconic lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina. Among them, the star of the show was the MINI Skeg, a surfboard-inspired electric car that brings pure joy back to modern automotive design.
In a world where many electric cars resemble soulless appliances, MINI decided to throw the rulebook out the window and embrace creativity. The result? A pair of unique vehicles that capture the spirit of freedom, rebellion, and fun.
The MINI Skeg: A Surfboard on Wheels
The MINI Skeg is based on the electric MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) but with a radical redesign. Engineers swapped out heavy steel and aluminum for lightweight fiberglass, making the car 15% lighter than the standard model.
Despite shedding weight, it retains its 258-horsepower electric motor, giving it more speed and agility than ever before. The Skeg’s performance is compared to a “seagull with a stolen French fry,” which feels perfectly fitting for its playful nature.
Design Highlights:
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Bright yellow, green, and silver paint scheme for a bold, surf-inspired look.
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Extra-wide fenders and a glowing illuminated grille that screams individuality.
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A massive white “X” roof rack system with tension belts, ready for surfboards or adventure gear.
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Minimalist interior with neoprene racing bucket seats — the same material used for wetsuits.
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Custom fiberglass trays designed specifically to store wetsuits and surfing equipment.
Inside and out, the Skeg is minimalist yet adventurous, perfectly embodying the surf culture that inspired its design.
The Machina: Skeg’s Loud Gasoline-Powered Twin
Alongside the Skeg, MINI and Deus revealed the Machina, a gas-powered MINI JCW that pays tribute to MINI’s historic rally racing roots. While the Skeg is quiet and clean, the Machina is loud, rugged, and gloriously over-the-top.
Machina Features:
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231-horsepower turbocharged engine built for excitement.
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Stripped-down interior with a full roll cage and five-point racing harnesses.
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Hydraulic handbrake for rally-style maneuvers.
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Red, white, and black racing livery with extra hood-mounted headlights for dramatic flair.
Where the Skeg whispers modern rebellion, the Machina shouts classic performance nostalgia.
Why These MINI Concepts Exist
These two one-off concept cars were designed to celebrate the launch of a MINI x Deus Ex Machina clothing line. While at first glance it may seem like a marketing stunt, the sheer creativity behind these designs proves it’s much more than that.
“If marketing collaborations lead to cars this exciting, we say keep them coming.”
At the IAA Mobility Show, surrounded by serious discussions about EV charging networks and sustainability goals, the Skeg and Machina stood out as reminders that cars can still be fun.
You Can’t Buy One — But You Can Build Your Own
Sadly, both the Skeg and Machina are one-off showpieces and won’t be sold to the public. After the auto show circuit, they’ll likely end up in a private collection — or perhaps auctioned to a lucky collector with a massive garage.
However, MINI fans don’t need to feel left out.
The standard electric MINI Cooper SE starts at under $30,000, while the MINI John Cooper Works models range from $40,000 to $47,000. With some creativity and a good custom body shop, you could build your own version of the Skeg, bringing individuality back to your ride.
Why the MINI Skeg Matters
The Skeg represents something more than just a concept car. It’s a statement about the future of electric vehicles — proving that sustainability and excitement don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Key Takeaways:
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Electric MINI Skeg combines sustainable driving with bold surf-inspired design.
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Collaboration with Deus Ex Machina injects fashion and lifestyle into the automotive world.
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MINI proves that EVs can be playful, unique, and full of character.
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Inspires car enthusiasts to customize their own rides, rather than settle for boring designs.
Conclusion
The MINI Skeg may never hit dealership showrooms, but it’s a glimpse into what the future of electric cars could be — vibrant, creative, and deeply personal.
At a time when many automakers are focused on efficiency and regulations, MINI dares to ask a different question:
“What if an electric car could also be a work of art?”
And with the Skeg, they’ve delivered an unforgettable answer.