MINI Cooper SE(2023年 - )
The MINI continues the success of the previous generation of Cooper Electric models, with 24,117 units sold in the UK since its launch in 2019
Starting Price:
£34,500 (£39,220 with optional fit)
Why we love it:
- The MINI brand prides itself on superior handling and go-kart-like performance
- Electric vehicles are very competitively priced
- Modern, functional, and comfortable interiors
Areas for improvement:
- Almost no legroom in the back (even for children)
- Be careful with the list of options, it will increase the cost
- The driving mode is hidden in the overly complicated "Experience" menu
introduce
MINI challenged its competitors with the launch of its latest Cooper range, and some of these electric models have undoubtedly raised the bar in the field. Customers can choose between a three-door or five-door petrol-powered model, and the convertible will be available by the end of this year.
But the big news is the new electric Cooper, which is only available in a three-door model but with two battery sizes to choose from. For starters, the Cooper Electric E comes with a 40.7kWh battery that provides up to 190 miles of range on each charge, while the highest-range Cooper Electric SE has a 54.2kWh battery that provides up to 250 miles of extra range.
For simplicity's sake, there's a building block theme when it comes to creating the perfect electric MINI. Initially, buyers decide which model they want – Cooper Electric E or SE, and then they start personalizing it to their liking. Start with the entry-level Classic trim and upgrade to Exclusive or Sport for a fee. Finally, there are levels called 1, 2, or 3 that introduce add-ons into the mix. For a test drive through the beautiful Cotswolds, we opted for the Cooper Electric SE Exclusive exterior and Level 2 add-ons.
One glance at the three-door MINI Cooper SE shows that the designers have remained very faithful to its roots, including short overhangs, short hoods, a striking new hexagonal grille and filigree profile, and for the first time, traditional round headlights that offer three unique light characteristics. The door handles are flush, the wheel arches and sunroof have been completely removed, and you can choose from new taillights, 17- or 18-inch wheels, and three new colours have been added to the existing colours: Blazing Blue (tested), Sunshine Yellow and Legend Grey. Step inside the car and you'll be relieved to see all the MINI logos that have become iconic, but definitely modern. For the first time, the curved dashboard features a textured surface developed through a professional weaving process – which looks much better than it sounds – certainly not braided, put one here! The vents are flush with the dashboard, and there is a head-up display that provides important data such as speed and navigation direction.
Below the instrument cluster is a newly designed toggle bar that provides access to key functions such as driving modes, gear selector, start/stop, parking brake, and volume control. But the most attractive feature of this car is the all-new central infotainment dial, which is 240mm in diameter and comes with the latest MINI OS 9 settings. It looks upscale and classic, and is an access point for in-vehicle technology. The upper part displays speed, battery level, and other vehicle-related information, while the lower half contains functions such as navigation, phone, media, and temperature control. There are also widgets and swipe operations to make access easier, as well as voice-activated personal assistants. Full smartphone connectivity, heated seats, heated steering wheel, and panoramic glass sunroof complete the rich functionality of our test models.
On the way
Handling & Performance
The three-door MINI Copper SE is powered by a 54.2kWh battery that delivers 218hp and 330Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 106mph. This model can travel up to 250 miles on a single charge. The single-speed automatic transmission accelerates super-fast and provides plenty of power when needed. This helps to easily complete a quick overtaking or join a fast-moving highway traffic from a turnoff.
But the MINI is known for its agility and handling on more challenging roads, and this hatchback will meet all the requirements of a pure driver looking for thrills along the way. It's smooth, balanced, and thanks to its low center of gravity, driving on winding country roads is also a pleasure.
Powerful brakes, tuned suspension and damping are all advantages, while the driving style can be accompanied by a variety of soundtracks.
The driving mode is hidden in a menu that MINI calls "Experience". These modes are called Core, Green, Go-Kart, Personality, Vivid, Timeless, and Balanced, with only the first three modes truly changing the driving dynamics, while the others focus more on the atmosphere and mood inside the car. Truth be told, I'm not sure how many owners will actually explore all of these modes, but time will tell.
In busy town centres and villages, visibility is good from the front, sides, and rear, but the view over the shoulder is slightly obscured by the wide pillars that are positioned quite far back.
While single-pedal driving isn't quite feasible, there's a B-mode that enhances regenerative braking levels.
Space and practicality
The MINI Copper SE is a very compact three-door model measuring 3,858 mm in length, 1,967 mm in width (including mirrors) and 1,460 mm in height.
In the front row, two tall adults can sit comfortably with plenty of head, leg and elbow space. With plenty of room for adjustment in the seats and steering wheel (both manual), it's not difficult to find the perfect driving position.
However, even though the front seats are partially rear, the rear legroom is still very narrow. Push the seat back so that it only fits a jacket or bag. But that's the nature of this type of car, so if you need more passenger space, maybe look no further than the five-door Cooper model. If driving an electric car is a priority, perhaps the Countryman or the all-new MINI Aceman, which will be positioned somewhere in between when they hit the market later this year.
Going back to our test vehicle – the trunk can hold 210 litres of luggage, which is enough for a week's worth of supermarket shopping, and if the 60:40 fold-out rear seats are flattened, the trunk capacity can be increased to 800 litres.
There are plenty of convenient storage options elsewhere, including a glove box, a covered central compartment suitable for sunglasses, a fairly narrow door pocket, a wireless charging pad, and a USB-C port for keeping your devices charged.
When charging the MINI Cooper SE battery, it takes 11 hours and 25 minutes to charge from 0 to 100% via the 10kW port, and only 30 minutes if charging from 10% to 80% using a 95kW outlet.
ownership
Operating costs
The all-new electric MINI Cooper E costs £30,000, while the more powerful Cooper SE costs £34,500. These are the prices for entry-level Classic trims, but additional styling cues, equipment and technology can be introduced by upgrading from Classic to Exclusive (which costs £2,200) or from Classic to Sport (which adds £3,500 to the asking price).
Pricing for the level that introduces many extra features is fairly straightforward, with any SE model coming standard at Level 1, £2,000 for Level 2 and £4,500 for Level 3.
Our test vehicle was equipped with a Level 2 package that includes a panoramic glass sunroof, sunshade glass, heated front seats, Harmon Kardon sound system, MINI head-up display, wireless charging storage, high beam assist, adaptive LED headlights
So, taking all of this into account, the Exclusive specs and Level 2 options we tested, as well as the upgraded paint and alloy wheels, have a final list price of £39,220. MINI
Cooper SE has zero carbon emissions, bringing with it many financial incentives. For example, it is exempt from road taxes, congestion charges, and ultra-low emission zone fees. Sadly, these incentives will be very short-lived, as the government has announced that most EV incentives will be reduced or eliminated altogether from next year.
However, if you're able to charge from a home wall case, you can keep your day-to-day running costs to a minimum, especially if you can negotiate a lower overnight rate with your supplier.
conclusion
Inheriting the success of Cooper's previous generation of electric models, the MINI has sold 24,117 units in the UK since its launch in 2019, and this new electric model is like an upgrade from economy to business. MINI
Known for its go-kart-style driving experience, coupled with the instantaneous torque that comes with electric vehicles, it's a win for any driving enthusiast.