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The 2024 Mini Cooper Sparks Controversy Among Purists
By Somnath Chatterjee - News Published:
Mini is going back to its roots with the new generation Cooper Electric adopting a modern style that’s dividing the purists. We think the move to non-fussy design language works with the new Mini 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 sitting 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.
When it launches, the new Mini Cooper Electric will be available as an electric-only hatchback with an identical petrol model coming in 2024, albeit, without a manual gearbox.
RELATED: This $100,000 Mini ‘Super Cooper’ is Made for Bruce Wayne.
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 an optional heads-up display, a glass roof and a newly designed OS system including an augmented reality-based navigation system.
You should expect more space too thanks to a longer wheelbase, flat floor, and increased handling thanks to the wider track.
In terms of model grades, choose from the base spec Cooper E with a 135 kW/184HP electric motor and the 40.7 kWh battery capacity that’s good enough 305km WLTP or the more powerful Cooper SE with 160kW/218HP electric motor paired to a 54.2 kWh battery pack with a 405km of range.
Fast charging is available up to 75 kW with the Cooper E and up to 95 kW for the SE.
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. Hence, we wouldn’t be surprised if the new Mini Electric is cheaper than the last with a sub $60,000 asking price.
“With its electric drive and purist design, the new MINI 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 follow suit in the middle of 2024 with possibly a tweaked line-up of 1.5 and 2.0-litre engines. The focus seems to be on the EV version with a new platform and an aim to take on the likes of the Fiat 500e while also promising hot hatch performance within the canvas of an efficient electric car.
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