The reinvention of Mini has accelerated with the launch of the new Mini Cooper electric hatchback, which will arrive this year with a price tag starting from £31,945 in the UK.
Launching together with the new Mini Countryman, the new Mini Cooper marks the start of a wide-reaching revamp and expansion of the British marque’s line-up as it pushes to become an EV-only brand.
Available in three specifications – Classic, Exclusive and Sport – the new Mini comes with a choice of two powertrains. UK deliveries will start early next year.
The Cooper E has a 181bhp front-mounted motor and a 40.7kWh battery, giving it a claimed range of 190 miles – substantially up on the old Electric. The Cooper SE gets 215bhp, which is enough for a 0-62mph time of 6.7sec, and a 54.2kWh battery, giving it a range of 250 miles. Charging speed is pegged at 95kW, which is down on many of the Mini’s rivals.
Entry-level Mini Cooper Classic models are fitted with a 9.4in OLED infotainment touchscreen, which Mini claims is the first circular screen fitted to a production car. Plus, automatic LED headlights, a reversing camera, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting and cruise control are included as standard.
The mid-range Exclusive trim starts from £32,145 and gains bespoke design features over the entry-level car. This includes a silver grille design and a unique interior headlining, plus extra storage bins and a blue decorative dashboard strap.
At the top of the range, the Mini Cooper Sport gets black and red interior trim, plus black and red dashboard upholstery inspired by the firm’s performance John Cooper Works model range. Sport cars are also equipped with 18in two-tone alloy wheels. Prices start from £33,445 for the 40.7kWh battery, rising to £37,945 for the larger 54.2kWh unit and more powerful 215bhp electric motor.
Unlike the old Mini Electric, the new three-door electric hatchback – which takes the fabled Cooper name – sits on a bespoke EV platform. This has been developed by Spotlight Automotive, a China-based joint venture between Mini parent firm BMW and Great Wall Motor.
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I prefer the original BMW Mini to the slightly larger current one, so the new 2024 model looks good to me. It just seems simpler and sharper. Going all-in on electric for the Mini is a no-brainer. I really like the 2024 electric models and hope they do well.
Not daft those Chinese. Makes it a bit tricky for BMW to complain about their cheap imports into the EU when they are relying on the Chinese to produce the Mini at a competitive (ish) price.
btw claimed range based on 5m/kWh sounds dubious! My 2/3 rules of claimed range seems to result in a good prediction of winter range. Hopefully that'll improve in time