测试 MINI Cooper SE：独一无二
When an iconic model like the MINI Cooper is undergoing a transformation, the pressure to keep its DNA intact comes with it. Nevertheless, the MINI has done very well, and its small electric car has entered the next era, even improving all the "flaws" of the previous generation.
The electric drive is suitable for the characteristics of the MINI. At least that's the conclusion of the first electric Cooper, which is pleasant, dynamic, fast and unique, but it also has one major drawback: short range. So, everything changed with the advent of the fifth generation of the iconic Mini, and the brand entered a new era, while keeping the DNA of Alec Isigoni's classic small three-door intact.
The biggest change so far
For 23 years, the Hyundai MINI has been one of the most recognizable cars on the planet. You don't need to work or have knowledge because it's a symbol, an idea! This was also one of the keys to the success of the model, which has remained virtually unchanged in terms of design over the years and in the previous four generations. According to design director Oliver · Heilmer, although the fourth Cooper Hatch (or the third, if you don't count it as a second facelift) has been updated more than any of the others to have a cleaner aesthetic. This is the first mass-produced electric MINI to break with tradition. It has a distinctive logo that combines an "E" with a plug, wheels in the shape of a United Kingdom plug, a closed grille, and also its own "electrified" color.
But it was the fifth generation that really changed the facts, and as the BMW Group has recently become accustomed to us, from the first spy photos, it has caused a reaction from the world public. However, in a magical way, they succeeded in improving and modernizing the design without losing its character in the slightest. In fact, it's still the MINI it always is.
First, let's assume that contrary to the market trend, the "mini" is still there, with a length of 3,858 mm. has grown unconsciously. At least the electric Cooper, since the thermal length remains the same at 3 meters 87 meters. The biggest difference is that the wheelbase has increased by 3.1 percentage points over the previous Cooper SE, which means that it is not the same as the current thermal Cooper (C or S), but also in width and height. The electric cooper is slightly higher to protect the battery located on the floor.
In terms of design language, this one is characterized by "charming simplicity", which is in a sense the same as the previous one. At first glance on the road, you may not even be able to tell from the side that this is the new MINI, although it has changed a lot. The front grille became octagonal and, like the model it replaced, extended down to the bumper. Its iconic round lights have been retained, but the lights at the back have been changed and are now triangular. The latter, combined with special light signatures and LED elements, strongly reminiscent of Spider-Man's masks, while up close, especially at night, they are perfect for the scene. In fact, there are configurable light signals at the rear and at the front, which can be configured via the touchscreen as part of the optional equipment package. For the first time since the original MINI, the new MINI Cooper is equipped with roof protectors, so its lines are cleaner.
Before we get into its interior, let's say that the electric car differs from the hot car in the front fenders and the bonnet, the latter has a steeper and lower slope because there is no internal combustion engine, in the recessed handles, on the door edges and the rear spoiler, combined with the side section and a larger rear window. As always, the device version defines its image, but also the configuration options, from color, two-tone and alloy wheels (16 to 18 inches). But the MINI lacks something very basic, which is the choice of stripes on the hood. Unfortunately, they are only available on JCW packaging, so many Coopers may come and buy such stickers.
A futuristic classic
For the first time, the interior concept of the new MINI is reflected in the new Countryman. The combination of yesterday and today makes for a unique and distinctive cottage. It may be completely modern, with all the features of the design, but it is closer to the archetype of Sir Isigoni than any modern generation. There is only a circular panel on the dashboard, an oval bar with lower controls, and a steering wheel.
Obviously, the round dashboard is also a reference point for the interior. It is a Samsung OLED touch screen with a diameter of 240 mm. As well as incredible resolution (unannounced but close to 2K). The screen colors are truly stunning, and the graphics are impressive. The reason is the latest software system based on Android (like BMW), called OS 9. At first glance it looks complicated and can be a headache even on the first day of operation. Eventually, however, it's easy to discover how it works (even the air conditioner), set it as a shortcut to your service, and discover that the MINI may have thought of pretty much everything. The screen is divided into three sections: above you will find all the necessary information about the car, in the middle will be all the available widgets, below will be the climate settings, a bar with basic application and menu icons, and an upside-down status with shortcuts bar. Of course, just click on the digital counter and all of this will be replaced by a huge analog instrument.
This analog gauge, as well as the overall image of the screen, are altered by experience modes that not only change the driver, but also the overall aesthetic and at the same time the experience. There are seven, ranging from traditional to modern, traditional to sporty, effortless, and fully customizable. It is worth mentioning the latter, through the MINI smartphone application you can change the wallpaper (it also installs some), but also the ambient lighting with 19 bright colors, in addition to the strip in the middle of the dashboard. Located on the optional panoramic glass roof, also in the upper part of the dashboard. But there, the light is projected by two projectors behind the screen, and depending on the experience program, the pattern changes.
Personal is the one I used the most during testing because I brought it to my own device. The rest basically have a predetermined layout. Most of them come with audio activation instructions, such as "Woohoo" from the go-kart show, which evokes fond memories of the Super Mario series of games. The key question here is whether all of the above makes sense, or that after a while you will only be using one program, let alone a second (as the viral phrase on TikTok in Greece says). Let's say that some are interesting and practical, and at the same time they allow you to give "color" and different characteristics to an absolutely minimalist interior.
In the three-door MINI, unlike the Coutryman, we didn't notice any sticking or lag on the screen, as well as anything else. Here we should note that it receives over-the-air updates, it has all the necessary wireless connectivity systems (see Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, remote commands via apps), games, streaming applications, etc. Special mention is also needed to mention a digital assistant, Spike, who executes commands and interacts with you in English, while as it sounds, in later versions of the software he will be able to accompany the driver.
In terms of quality, the new Cooper does not have the same level of premium as the previous one. The use of eco-friendly materials has replaced the soft plastics on the large cloth surfaces of dashboards and doors, as well as a large amount of hard plastics. All in all, the fit is excellent, but no matter how we do it, it lacks the sensation offered by its predecessor, Styrofoam. On the other hand, the seats of the second version are covered in Vescin synthetic leather, which is mostly made from recycled materials, which are 100% recyclable. The quality of this material is so high that BMW is now using it for models that cost well over 100,000 euros, and it really feels great in the MINI as well. In turn, the Favored and JCW versions of the semi-bucket seats are amazing in terms of comfort and support, with the only caveat being that in an electric car, you sit a little higher than you want, which of course provides a good view. They will also do some gentle massages to relax you, and they are also heated.
We don't need to say much about the space, although it is surprising that two adults of average height can "squeeze" in the back due to the longer wheelbase, providing air to the knees and feet, there is also the claustrophobic fear expected by the small three-door. The trunk capacity is 210 liters, but it can reach 800 liters with the folding rear seats and 650 liters with the folding rear seats.
Areas for improvement
The flaws of the previous model were in the range and charging, this is because the MINI named it "City" and tried to make the Cooper SE have the same performance and similar weight (only +150 kg) as the corresponding thermal Cooper S. It is very small, with only 28.9 kWh of useful power, and only 50 kW of direct current is accepted for charging. Of course, that's all a thing of the past, as the new electric Cooper comes with a new, bigger battery. In the "E" version, it has 36.6 useful kWh, and in the "SE" version, we tested 49.2 kWh.
But what does that mean? According to MINI, in the WLTP cycle, the combined cycle of the Cooper SE has a range of 402 km and an average power consumption of 14.1 kWh/100 km, and it is clear that our tests at high temperatures did not allow us to get the desired measurements. Even the air conditioner was on during overtime. However, even with the feature turned on, our energy consumption in the city easily drops to 12 kWh/100 km, which means a range of at least 450 km. On a mixed cycle and over 600 km, we recorded two intermediate charges, and it stabilized at around 17.1, while on a road trip, we saw around 19 or so. So the difference is really big compared to the 180 kilometers where it can actually be driven at a leisurely pace and the Cooper SE will certainly be 10-15% better in colder temperatures.
Charging-wise, it now supports fast charging of up to 95 DC, so despite its larger size, it takes less time to fully charge (29 minutes). It takes less than 50 hours to use a 1 amp charger and 8 to 5 hours to 15 hours with a wall box at home, depending on the power of the charger.
Does it make driving more fun?
Of course, a bigger battery also means more weight, and currently the weight of this version reaches 1,680 kg. This is the weight of a C-SUV in a 3.8-meter "package". You call it a terrible statistic. In fact, as soon as you get out of the first turn, you forget about it because it cleverly hides its weight. While the platform hasn't changed, the center of gravity is lower, the weight distribution is closer to ideal, and the suspension has been strengthened. They even installed fog lights.
The Cooper SE has a new, more powerful, modern electric motor that produces 218 hp and 330 Nm of torque. If the previous electric MINI was fast, then this electric MINI is a "rocket". It accelerates on par with the GTI, accelerating from 0 to 100 miles in just 6.7 seconds, a quarter faster than the 2-liter Cooper S, which weighs at least 300 kilograms less.
Of course, we have to say that the MAXXIS tires worn by the optional 18 do not perform well, at least on Greece roads, with instantaneous torque and high torque. When the electronics are turned off and the throttle is pressed at low speeds, the spin becomes violent and harsh, making you feel like you're stuck in place. It is worth mentioning that the BMW Group's intelligent electronic stability system does its best to transmit power to the road without sudden braking, while providing safety. In any case, overtaking on the provincial grid or highway is a matter of seconds, while in the city, you are always the first to pass, even with progressive throttle. Its top speed has increased from 150 km/h to 170 km/h, but it can easily reach (or even exceed) this speed to the point where you still want it to slow down. And it is that on the highway it is very stable, reminiscent of a high-class car, completely unaffected by strong winds.
By the standards of the time, the steering system was diabetes. Especially, under pressure, when the go-kart program starts, it puts a lot of pressure on it, and you will appreciate its immediacy and precision. Its shelves are fast, so it requires less movement and feels pretty good in the hand. You connect to the front. Even with these tires, the traction margin is high, and the improvement to the limit compared to the previous model is noticeable. You can increase your efforts until there is understeer, and when the DSC is off, it will also play its talent for oversteer. Surprisingly, the tail is happy and completely fun to drive, more fun than many electric models that are "advertised" for sport. The suspension also works wonders in controlling the body and its load-bearing mass, not allowing the slightest tilt.
It also has strong brakes, with four ventilated discs, while regenerative braking is also strong. It supports one-pedal mode, so you can drive it even on loops without having to press the left pedal too much. The latter feels pretty good.
Another striking thing is the sound. Yes, the speakers of this electric car have artificial sounds that will even change depending on the driver experience program. For example, in go-karts, it's more dynamic and creates a "scratch" effect when you deflate, while in the classics it should resemble the original MINI. It can be a little tiring during the journey (of course you can turn it off), but in the mountains it is fun and gives you the feeling of acceleration/deceleration.
In the city, it's just as good as being on a tortuous course. Flexible and direct, 10.8 meters small turning circle, light steering. The soundproofing and ride quality definitely stand out, the only drawback is the noise of rolling on rough asphalt, and although the suspension is tight, it doesn't tire as easily as the older models. Its technology in the assistance section comes from the larger BMW models, whether it's a panoramic camera, automatic parking or a semi-autonomous driving system, which is very impressive.
Definition of niche
No other model can match it. The MINI Cooper SE is in a class of its own in a class of its own, combining unrivalled style, quality and state-of-the-art technology with the sportiest driving behavior in its class. Now it also has autonomy, so the only "negative" is the price. But you can't complain about her in a really advanced model.
You can also see a special tribute to testing the MINI and its photography in the "Inotria Land" section of Kostas Lazaridis.
specification
Electric motor
Front-mounted, permanent magnet synchronization
strength
Maximum power: 218 hp
Maximum torque: 330 Nm torque
disseminate
Front-wheel drive
Single-speed automatic transmission
perform
Maximum speed: 170 km/h
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h: 6.7 seconds
battery
Lithium-ion
Capacity 54.2 kWh (usable 49.2 kWh)