MINI is now offering a BMW exclusive color on a number of select models, adding to their visual appeal. The exclusive Frozen Black metallic paint is now available as a limited edition colour for the MINI Cooper S Countryman, MINI Cooper SD Countryman, MINI Cooper S Paceman, MINI Cooper SD Paceman, MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman.

One should not mistake this special color with the ordinary matte black or those cheap wrapping jobs. BMW’s frozen black is created using a complex manufacturing process. MINI Frozen Black models are the first cars to get it during as part of the series production by Austrian production partner Magna Steyr.

The Frozen Black paint work is more expensive than normal finishes as making and applying it is a labour intensive process. The special surface treatment encompasses the base layer for grip and corrosion protection, the colour layer as well as the clear lacquer finish which has added silicates to create the matted impression as well as the velvet effect which can be seen and felt. What’s more, model-specific front and rear aprons and the exterior mirror caps are finished separately.

That is why the production of MINI Frozen Black models is limited. That, and the fact that this paint finish is harder to maintain than standard ones. BMW says that while the finish is completely weather resistant and car wash resistant, careless cleaning can leave an unwanted gloss effect. Not to worry though, as they offer care products developed specially for treating the Frozen Black metallic paint finish.