MINI is going back to its roots with the new generation Cooper Electric adopting a modern style. We think the move to non-fussy design language works with the new vehicle shunning various details like flush door handles, excessive chrome or even the Union flag tail-lamps of the previous gen model.
Instead, there’s a pared-back yet more aggressive design with a large octagonal grille in front of the classic round headlamps that have been modernised with LEDs. Overall, the lines are smoother and look more coherent compared to the overtly aggressive looks of the previous generation.
Set to launch in Australia in Q3 2024, the new MINI Cooper E and SE will be priced from $53,990 plus on-road costs and $58,990 plus on-road costs respectively. By comparison, the most expensive petrol-powered MINI Cooper S JCW will be priced at $54,990 in Australia.
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Inside, there’s a large round OLED touchscreen that controls all (and we mean ALL) the functions while the rest of the cabin is simpler with unnecessary dials, knobs, and buttons being stripped out. Of course, you can change the design and the colour of the screen via the ‘experience modes’ where you can choose from Core, Green, Timeless and Go-Kart. Much like the original model, the focus has been on keeping just the essentials.
What adds to the funkiness is the textile dashboard made from recycled polyester. The equipment list includes a head-up display, comfort access and MINI Experience Modes as standard on all trim levels.
In terms of model grades, you can choose from the base spec Cooper E with a 135 kW (184HP) electric motor and a 41 kWh battery capacity that’s good enough for 305km WLTP of range and a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds or the more powerful Cooper SE. This variant is the most powerful new MINI and comes with a 160kW (218HP) electric motor paired with a 54 kWh battery pack offering 405km of range.
Interestingly, the SE might be more powerful than the petrol S model, but it’s a tenth of a second slower to the highway speed limit, completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.
Both Cooper E and SE models come equipped with DC fast charging capabilities enabling them to reach 0-80% charge in just 28 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively. When using a standard 11kW AC charger, the Cooper E achieves that same rate of charge in 4.5 hours and the Cooper SE in 5 hours and 15 minutes.
The new MINI Cooper electric will be built in China, but it will have to compete with cars like the Fiat 500e whose claimed range is greater than that of the base EV MINI. The Brand wants to aggressively push the Cooper Electric SE as the flagship variant which augurs well with the brand going EV only by 2030.
“With its electric drive and purist design, the new Cooper is a perfect fit for an urban lifestyle. In the fifth generation of the MINI Cooper, we combine the traditional MINI DNA with innovative, future-oriented technology while enabling locally emission-free driving fun that is typical of MINI,” said Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.
Alongside the new MINI Cooper electric, the petrol will also launch in the middle of 2024 with a three-cylinder petrol engine and a powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged option. These vehicles will be cheaper, with the MINI Cooper C priced from $41,990 plus on-road costs.
MINI Cooper E Standard Specification in Australia
Price: from $53,990 plus on-road costs.
Highlight features include the following:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View
- Automatic Speed Limit Assistant
- Steering and Lane Control Assistant
- Stereo Sound System, 6 Speaker, 100 Watts
- Interior Camera
- MINI Augmented Reality Navigation
- Sport Seats
- Seat Heating for Front Seats
- Panorama Glass Roof
- Classic Trim Design Elements with Piano Black highlights
- Classic Trim Interior Styling
Colours: Nanuq White, Midnight Black, Chili Red, Blazing Blue
Upholstery: Black/ Blue Cloth/Vescin
Wheel: 18-inch Slide Spoke 2-Tone
MINI Cooper SE Standard Specification in Australia
Price: from $58,990 plus on-road costs.
Highlight features include the following:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View
- Automatic Speed Limit Assistant
- Steering and Lane Control Assistant
- Harman/Kardon Premium Sound System, 10 Speaker
- Interior Camera
- MINI Augmented Reality Navigation
- Seat Heating for Front Seats
- Panorama Glass Roof
- John Cooper Works Seats
- Active Seat Functions for Driver
- Electric Seat Adjustment with Memory for Front Seats
- Sun Protection Glazzing
- Headliner Anthracite
- Sport Steering Wheel
- Favoured Trim Design Elements with Vibrant Silver Highlights
- Favoured Trim Interior Styling
Colours: Nanuq White, Midnight Black, Chili Red, Blazing Blue, British Racing Green
Upholstery: Nightshade Blue Vescin
Wheel: 18-inch Night Flash Spoke 2-Tone
Side-by-Side Comparison of New Mini Models in Australia
| Variant | Cooper C | Cooper S | Cooper E | Cooper SE |
| Power | 115 kW | 150 kW | 135 kW | 160 kW |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 300 Nm | 290 Nm | 330 Nm |
| 0-100km/h | 7.7s | 6.6s | 7.3s | 6.7s |
| Battery | N/A | N/A | 41 kWh | 54 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | N/A | N/A | Up to 305 km^ | Up to 403 km^ |
| Drive type | 3-cylinder/1,499cc | 4-cylinder/1,998cc | N/A | N/A |
| Length | 3,876 mm | 3,876 mm | 3,858 mm | 3,858 mm |
| Width | 1,744 mm | 1,744 mm | 1,756 mm | 1,756 mm |
| Height | 1,432 mm | 1,432 mm | 1,460 mm | 1,460 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,495 mm | 2,495 mm | 2,526 mm | 2,526 mm |
| Luggage (litres) | 210 – 725L | 210 – 725L | 210 – 800L | 210 – 800L |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
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