Mini Cooper SE Sport - Praise be for the Small EV
The second-generation Mini Cooper Electric has arrived, and it's an all-new enterprise in almost every way. It's an entirely new car, with a new smaller size, and it's even built in a new location outside of the UK. John Marcar tests the range-topping Mini Cooper SE Sport to see what's new and if it retains its charm.
First, Mini has a new and simplified naming structure for its models, which will soon be reduced to just four in total. Model names, including Clubman, Coupe, Roadster, and Paceman, have all been killed off to make way for the simplified range.
'Countryman' remains and continues to fill the role of SUV as the largest model in the Mini range. 'Aceman' will arrive later in 2024 as a crossover model between the largest and smallest models, and 'Cooper' now represents the smaller three- and four-door hatchback models in the range. The fourth and final model, 'Cooper Convertible', will begin production within the next six months.
The new Mini Cooper Electric is an evolution from the previously named Mini E. The latest model boasts a refreshed and updated design inside and out, slightly smaller dimensions, and, most crucially, an improved electric range, which was a bit of a sore spot for some critics of the previous Mini E.
New Mini Cooper Electric | E vs SE - Trims, specs & prices
Buyers can choose between E and SE specifications. The most notable difference between the two specifications is range and performance, with the E rewarding a range of up to 190 miles and the SE rewarding up to 250 miles. Three trim levels are available for both the E and the SE, described as 'Classic', 'Exclusive' and 'Sport'.
£30,000 will get you a 3-door Cooper E in 'Classic' trim with no optional extras, and prices increase incrementally in accordance with trim levels to £32,300 for 'Exclusive' trim and £33,500 for 'Sport' trim (all before optional extras).
For the SE, which has a more extensive range and marginally faster acceleration times, prices start from £34,500 for the 'Classic', £36,700 for the 'Exclusive', and £38,000 for the 'Sport' trim (all before optional extras).
Once you've decided on a specification and trim level, there is an additional 3-tier Optional Extra list, again increasing in price according to what Mini describes as Levels 1, 2 and 3.
The model I have on test is the Mini Cooper SE in Sport Trim finished in Legend Grey with the roof and mirror caps finished in Chili Red. The model has been specified with the Level 3 Optional Extra Package priced at £4500, resulting in an overall OTR retail price of £43,050.00
New Mini Cooper SE | The Look & Feel
First, let's congratulate Mini on designing a new car that most people seem to like unanimously. I have a slightly bizarre obsession with scrolling the comment sections on social media posts whenever a manufacturer unveils a new car or design. It goes without saying that you won't ever be able to please everyone, but from what I've read so far, the comments are mostly positive, and rightly so; I think the new design is indeed superb. The front end has a refreshed and sleeker design whilst retaining the familiar styling from the model's predecessors. The rear end and rear quarters are the most significant uplift in the car's design, with rear lights looking sharper and more angular. Even the light pattern on the rear light clusters can be customised and changed according to your preferences on the Union flag. The wheels are about as far out in each corner as possible, which also helps with styling and driving dynamics.
Inside, the positive design theme continues. With its knitted polyester finish, the dashboard is radically different from its competitors, and the unique to Mini OLED centre screen is a lovely throwback to predecessor models from pre and post-BMW eras. My only gripe with the OLED screen, whilst very attractive, is that it's likely to take some getting used to. Some things that should be quick adjustments require a frustrating amount of swiping and scrolling. With time, this will likely become second nature, but even after a full day with the car, I was left asking questions about things that, in most other vehicles, would be quick and easy to navigate, such as making quick adjustments to climate control.
The model doesn't feature any leather, and all materials are as sustainable as possible, using recycled materials. The seating and driving position feels good, and the model tested was equipped with some extra comfort options, including heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Despite being a small car, the interior space doesn't feel claustrophobic, thanks mainly to the tall windows and flowing floor space.
The 3-door sport-styled SE I tested was specced with the 'level 3 option package,' which rewards a great selection of upgrades, including a Harmon Kardon stereo system that provides excellent audio quality in tandem with the compact cabin.
One upgrade worthy of note is the AR (augmented reality) Navigation system. Mini is one of many manufacturers with this tech, but the system in the new Mini Cooper range is excellent. The navigation route is paired with external front-facing cameras showing pinpoint precise turning directions. The AR Nav is exceptionally helpful at unfamiliar junctions, with floating arrows overlayed onto the footage displayed on the screen showing where to turn or exit roundabouts.
Another big bonus is that the new Mini models have now inherited the assisted cruise control systems from BMW cars, allowing for the best cruise control with assisted braking, steering, and speed limit detection.
In keeping with Mini's fun ethos, multiple experience modes are included within the car's settings. Each experience gives the screen a slightly altered theme and ionic sounds activated and adapted by the throttle, brakes, and speed. These sounds replace what would be engine noise, and while some may find it gimmicky, I enjoyed the playful aspect of the sounds, which can be turned off if desired.
Fun has clearly been a pivotal brief to follow in the design and production of the new Mini Cooper SE, with multiple playful settings and features built into the car's infotainment system, including playable games designed to distract from the boredom of charging. One standout feature likely to raise some eyebrows is an internal camera located just above the rearview mirror, designed (so Mini says) to capture selfies in the car, which can then be shared with friends and stored as galleries from individual road trips. I'm not entirely sure why a driver would want to opt for a photograph taken by their car instead of the far superior camera phone likely to be in the wireless charging cradle, but there we are; it's just a bit of 'fun'!
New Mini Cooper SE | Storage Space and Practicalities
The Mini Cooper SE is a small car; therefore, storage space is limited to a 450-litre boot, increasing to 1450 litres once the rear seats are folded flat. Despite the EV powertrain, there is no additional storage under the bonnet as the space is occupied exclusively by battery cooling hardware. Rear legroom is likely to be tight for larger adults. At 6' 1 / 185cm, in my driving position, rear passengers are likely to be there due to picking a short straw. Still, with some accommodating compromises to my driving position, a similarly sized adult could probably tolerate being tucked behind for a relatively short journey without too many complaints. Crucially, taking rear passengers out of the equation, the space for a large driver and front passenger is ample.
New Mini Cooper SE | How does it drive?
The new Mini Cooper drives brilliantly and feels surprisingly sporty, considering we're not yet able to sample a dedicated John Cooper Works Edition. The SE offers 160kW of power (around 218bhp), putting the model firmly in hot-hatch territory for performance, with the SE accelerating from 0-62 mph in 6.7 seconds. The brakes feel sharp, and the steering is direct despite the now commonplace electric inputs. The car's driving dynamics have clearly been a priority for the engineers, which is essential given the brand's sports heritage. One thing to note whilst considering the subject of 'sporty' is that the ride is quite firm. It's not an issue on smooth, fast and flowing roads, and the firm suspension compliments the driving dynamics. However, the stiff ride can be a little tiresome at slower speeds, especially on bumpy roads. As is the norm with sports-focused Mini models, the suspension compliance is non-adjustable and, therefore, a non-negotiable compromise that some won't mind, others might quite like, and a few may despise entirely.
New Mini Cooper SE | Electric Range & Charge Times
Perhaps the most significant improvement over its predecessor is the improved electric range. The Mini Cooper SE will now comfortably achieve 241 miles and has a claimed 'best-case' WLTP range of 250 miles with a combined consumption of 4.2 miles/kW.
With a 95kW DC fast charger, the SE will charge 10-80% in 30 minutes, and if using an 11kW AC charge box at home, the SE will charge from 0-100% in 5 hours and 15 minutes.
New Mini Cooper SE | Worthy of Celebration
Beyond all the upgrades and improvements, the most significant selling point for the new model is that Mini has succeeded in producing a fun, quirky, and engaging EV without inflating its size to daft proportions. In a world of SUVs and larger-than-needed vehicles, a small and agile Mini Cooper SE is a breath of fresh air and gives hope that the small hot-hatch era of cars will live on for another generation.
Other manufacturers are trickling out their own versions of the hot-hatch EV, with exciting models teased and released from the likes of Renault, Alpine, SEAT, VW, and Hyundai, but Mini has undoubtedly produced a model that is likely to be stiff competition for the other brands, helped especially thanks to its heritage and recognisable design.
For buyers considering a small EV, the Mini Cooper SE is worthy of a shot and might just be the best of the bunch (so far).
words: John Marcar
pictures: Henry Faulkner-Smith
