Two minute overview
For plenty of, the Mini logo is synonymous with smaller, lighter, fun-to-drive automobiles. Whilst fashionable Minis have grown in dimension and weight beneath BMW’s watch, they are nonetheless a blast to toss across the bends, and far more secure than the 1960’s authentic.
No style in Mini’s lineup epitomizes this greater than the 3-door Cooper S, which is now to be had as an EV – referred to as the Mini Cooper SE in america, and Mini Electrical in the United Kingdom and Australia.
This is not Mini’s first foray into electrification. BMW used the Mini E (2009-10) and the BMW ActiveE (2012) – each lease-only demonstration automobiles – as testbeds for the BMW i3.
In contrast to its bespoke predecessor, these days’s Mini Cooper SE is mass produced at the similar meeting line as its ICE (interior combustion engine) counterpart. However, whilst it stocks some drivetrain parts with the BMW i3, it does not take pleasure in its personal EV platform.
As such, the Mini Cooper SE makes one primary compromise: the 32.6KWh battery supplies a variety of simply 110 miles EPA (177km) – or 144 miles (235km) WLTP.
It is fantastic for commuting, however on no account enough for long-distance trip – one thing that is ceaselessly required in huge international locations like america and Australia. However do not disregard the Mini Cooper SE or lump it along the Mazda MX-30 simply but.
With costs beginning at simply $29,900 / £27,000 / AU$61,479 (earlier than incentives) the Mini Cooper SE is likely one of the maximum inexpensive EVs these days bought, and it is these days probably the most inexpensive electrical automobile in america.
The bottom style is definitely supplied in all markets, and comprises heated seats and a heated steerage wheel, an 8.8-inch infotainment machine with navigation, plus auto LED headlights and wipers. Different trims upload an influence moonroof and tool folding mirrors, leather-based seats, a Harman-Kardon audio machine, adaptive cruise keep an eye on, and self parking.
All variations improve 50KW DC rapid charging (80% in 36min) and seven.4KW AC (stage 2) charging. The Mini Cooper SE additionally comprises fundamental motive force help and security features plus wi-fi Apple CarPlay (however no longer Android Auto). Some trims even be offering a (small) Qi wi-fi telephone charger and a heads-up show. What is unusually lacking are energy seats, even if the guide controls come with adjustable lumbar and thigh improve.
Fashionable Minis are filled with character and aura, with quirky but pleasant unfashionable design touches in and out, and the Mini Cooper SE is not any exception. It is principally just like the gasoline-powered 3-door Cooper S, with a couple of tweaks.
Ditto the inner, which works the ICE style’s, however boasts yellow accents for the beginning / forestall button and tool selector, plus customized Mini Cooper SE finishes for the dashboard and central show encompass.
Generation is not the Mini Cooper SE’s distinctiveness. It solely packs fundamental connectivity, with LTE offering real-time visitors for maps and enabling telephone faraway keep an eye on plus Amazon Alexa improve by the use of the Mini Attached app. There is no stage 2 ADAS (complex motive force help machine) right here, nor WiFi hotspot, and the infotainment machine feels dated.
The Mini Cooper SE is an absolute hoot to force and it is probably the most quickest Minis to be had these days. The trip is usually Mini, that means it is stiff, however not like Mini’s ICE variations, it is tuned to be relatively extra compliant.
Disable the traction keep an eye on, and the Mini Cooper SE turns into downright hilarious. All that torque makes it simple to spin the entrance wheels like a hooligan – particularly in corners, the place the ensuing understeer is straightforward to keep an eye on with the throttle. Favor to cool? The Mini Cooper SE options 4 force modes (Game, Mid, Inexperienced, and Inexperienced+), and two ranges of regen (low to coast and creep, and prime for one-pedal using).
Whether or not you might be commuting, getting groceries, or taking your granny to bingo, the Mini Cooper SE will put a grin on everybody’s face. It’s additionally at ease sufficient for 2 adults, plus perhaps two youngsters.
General, we truly just like the Mini Cooper SE. It delivers fantastic worth, seems to be improbable, and is an absolute blast to force. Sure, the tech is not very contemporary, and house is at a top rate, however construct high quality and fabrics are very best in school.
In the long run, the Mini Cooper SE’s largest shortcoming – and a dealbreaker for lots of – is its restricted vary. But when you’ll reside 110 miles (177km) at a time, we expect this EV makes a ton of sense.
Mini Cooper SE value and availability
The 2022 Mini Cooper SE begins at $29,900 for the bottom Signature trim, making it probably the most inexpensive EV on america marketplace these days – and that is the reason earlier than incentives.
As an example, the Mini Cooper SE’s value drops to only $20,400 with California’s $2,000 state rebate and the $7,500 federal tax credit score. This trim comprises heated seats and a heated steerage wheel, an 8.8-inch infotainment machine with navigation, plus auto LED headlights and wipers.
Taking into account the bottom trim gas-powered Cooper S prices $26,900, that makes the Mini Cooper SE an improbable worth.
Upgrading to the $33,900 Signature Plus trim provides an influence moonroof, Harman Kardon audio machine, and tool folding mirrors. The $36,900 Iconic trim additional provides leather-based seats, adaptive cruise keep an eye on, self parking, a Qi wi-fi telephone charger, and a heads-up show.
In the United Kingdom, the Mini Electrical prices between £27,000 and £34,500 with 3 variations to choose between. Australia will get two fashions costing AU$61,479 and AU$68,956.
The 2022 Mini Cooper SE we reviewed got here with the Iconic trim, Moonwalk Gray Metal paint, white roof, yellow facet reflect caps, Scissor Spoke wheels, Carbon Black leather-based seats, and Mini Electrical dashboard end. It price $36,900.
Mini Cooper SE design
- Pretty unfashionable design
- Trendy and alluring
- Restricted again seat and trunk house
We drove
Mini Cooper SE Iconic
Energy: 181hp / 135kW
Battery: 32.6kWh
Most sensible Pace: 93mph
0-62mph: 6.5 seconds
Vary: as much as 110 miles EPA
Worth: $36,900
If you are conversant in the gas-powered Cooper S, then you’ll be able to really feel proper at house with the Mini Cooper SE. Each automobiles are just about an identical in and out, save for a couple of minor beauty tweaks.
As such, the Mini Cooper SE delivers the similar funky but captivating unfashionable design Minis are well-known for. And whilst BMW has up to date the Mini’s design a number of occasions over the past 20 years, it is nonetheless filled with whimsy and persona.
The obvious external replace is in entrance, the place Mini’s acquainted grille form stays, however is closed for higher aerodynamics. Each the plug-shaped ‘E’ brand and ‘S’ logos at the rear hatch, entrance repeaters, and door sills are painted yellow.
The similar ‘E’ brand could also be embossed within the charging port door. Matching yellow facet reflect caps are non-compulsory. Whilst no longer distinctive to the Mini Cooper SE, we love the Union Jack tail lighting fixtures.
As you would be expecting, the inner additionally carries over from the ICE style. Right here, you’ll be able to in finding yellow accents at the tools selector, get started / forestall button, and tools, plus a singular development at the round middle display encompass, and an non-compulsory Mini Electrical dashboard end.
The entirety else is usual Mini within, from the central 8.8-inch infotainment show to the long-lasting toggle switches between the solar visors and underneath the local weather controls.
The rectangular software panel is hooked up to the steerage column and strikes up and down with the steerage wheel. It seems to be totally virtual to start with look, however in reality combines an oblong show with a semi-circular analog energy gauge at the left and a semi-circular LED battery meter at the proper.
All 3 tools are backlit and fastened at the back of a translucent panel, making them seem like one display. It is easy however efficient.
Strangely, the Mini Cooper SE lacks energy seats, whilst an choice, however the guide heated seats are at ease and be offering adjustable thigh and lumbar improve. You even get further Union Jacks – embossed within the head rests – if you select the Carbon Black leather-based seats.
General, we are slightly pleased with the inner design, however we might love to peer yellow seat belts as an choice. Are you able to please make this occur, Mini?
The Mini Cooper SE additionally options the similar again seat as different 3-door Minis. It is beautiful cramped, solely comprises seatbelts for 2, and lacks a middle armrest.
Realistically, it is best suited to youngsters, even though adults will most probably are compatible in a pinch. Baggage capability is solely 8.7cu-ft (211 liters) – identical to the gas-powered Cooper S – however the again seat folds down 60 / 40, for as much as 34 cu-ft (731 liters) of garage. There is not any frunk (entrance trunk).
Mini Cooper SE force, vary and charging
- Extremely fun-to-drive
- Playful however at ease
- Restricted vary (110 miles)
With 181hp / 199lb-ft (135kW / 270Nm) on faucet, the front-wheel force Mini Cooper SE does the 0-60mph dash in about 6.5 seconds (0-100km/h in about 7s). That in reality makes it probably the most quickest Minis these days in the marketplace.
In contrast to different EVs, which have a tendency to be heavy, the Mini Cooper SE solely weighs 3,144lbs (1,426kg) – about 300lbs (136kg) greater than the ICE model – basically on account of its smaller (and lighter) 32.6KWh battery.
Maximum of that further weight is situated underneath the ground, and disbursed extra lightly – 58/42 vs. 63/37 at the gas-powered Cooper S. And regardless of driving 0.7-inches (1.8cm) upper than the ICE style, the Mini Cooper SE handles slightly smartly, with little or no frame roll.
Whilst it is nimble and tossable, it is nonetheless compliant sufficient to stay its composure on bumpy roads. The trip is pleasantly stiff, however no longer as punishing as some previous Minis.
Mainly, the Mini Cooper SE is the nearest factor we have pushed to an electrical hot-hatch. It is playful and begs to be hooned throughout each and every errand. Whilst it is indisputably no longer as rapid as any other EVs on paper, the combo of considerable torque, nice dealing with, and small dimension makes it really feel a lot sooner than it’s.
And for much more LOLs, simply disable the traction keep an eye on and use the throttle to modulate wheel spin and understeer. Amusing!
That is not to mention the Mini Cooper SE is at all times prime strung. With two ranges of regen (prime for one-pedal using, and coffee to coast and creep), plus 4 force modes to choose between (Game, Mid, Inexperienced, and Inexperienced+), it calms down when you wish to have it to.
Additionally it is subtle and at ease sufficient regardless of the place you are going and who is driving alongside. We most commonly drove in Game mode, switching to Inexperienced mode to preserve power.
Whilst the Mini Cooper SE’s brakes really feel beautiful first rate, the electrically assisted steerage does not supply a lot comments. Nonetheless, it is a ways from numb. The one niggles we’ve got are minor and are simple to mend in tool: the force mode resets to Mid whenever you get started the auto, the electrical parking brake does not auto interact whilst you put the auto in park, and there is not any environment to auto fold the facet mirrors when the auto is locked.
In the long run, the Mini Cooper SE’s solely primary problem is its restricted vary – 110 miles EPA (177km) and 144 miles (235km) WLTP. That is not so much, regardless of how you narrow it.
Certain, it is most probably sufficient in case you are commuting and charging at house each and every evening, or operating errands within the town, however disregard doing long-distance highway journeys within the Mini Cooper SE – one thing that is increasingly more conceivable with a number of different EVs.
That being stated, we drove from San Francisco to Bodega Bay and again – about 160 miles (256km) overall – and DC rapid charged on Electrify The us’s community in Petaluma each and every means (about 25 mins consistent with consultation).
Whilst we do not thoughts taking breaks, this go back and forth does not require any charging stops in a Tesla Model 3 Long Range. At the plus facet, the Mini Cooper SE is fairly conservative with its indicated vary, which is a huge plus.
When it is time for a replenish, the Mini Cooper SE helps DC rapid charging at as much as 50KW. That is not impressive, however because the battery is small, it solely takes about 36 minutes for an 80% price.
As well as, the Mini Cooper SE handles AC (stage 2) charging at as much as 7.4KW (11KW in the United Kingdom and Australia), which reinforces the price stage by means of as much as 20% consistent with hour. Right here in america, the Mini Cooper SE comes with a 120V 16A stage 1 charging adapter.
Mini Cooper SE specifications and tech
- Old-fashioned infotainment machine
- Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa; no Android Auto
- Elementary motive force help
Maximum EVs are brimming with tech, however that isn’t the case right here. Rather then gaining the power to remotely observe charging, the Mini Cooper SE gives the very same generation bundle because the gas-powered Mini Cooper S.
This comprises fundamental LTE connectivity for navigation updates and real-time visitors in maps, plus telephone faraway keep an eye on and Amazon Alexa capability – each enabled by means of the Mini Attached telephone app.
You additionally get a fundamental set of motive force help and security features consisting of ahead collision caution, pedestrian caution, and automated emergency braking. However the Mini Cooper SE lacks blind spot tracking, lane departure caution, and lane maintaining help.
And whilst adaptive cruise keep an eye on is non-compulsory, there is not any stage 2 ADAS (complex motive force help machine), 360 level view, Wi-Fi hotspot, or improve for OTA updates.
Some tech is solely to be had on some trims, like self parking and the colour heads-up show. The Qi wi-fi telephone charger could also be non-compulsory, and is situated within the middle armrest.
Unusually, it is too small for most current handsets. Most likely Mini simply expects you to shop for an iPhone 13 mini? No less than there is a pair of USB ports (one Kind-A and one Kind-C) in entrance of the middle console for charging and connectivity.
The Mini Cooper SE’s infotainment feels fairly dated, like a leftover from BMW’s portions bin. Whilst it is responsive sufficient, it is merely no longer very intuitive. You keep an eye on it both without delay by the use of the central 8.8-inch touchscreen or by means of the usage of the iDrive-like puck within the middle console.
The Harman-Kardon audio machine sounds first rate and contours Bluetooth connectivity, AM / FM terrestrial radio, and SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio.
Whilst the Mini Cooper SE helps wi-fi (and stressed) Apple CarPlay, it by no means labored for us, it doesn’t matter what we attempted. That is atypical, bearing in mind Apple CarPlay is most often bulletproof on different automobiles we have examined.
However what is actually sudden is that Android Auto is not to be had at the Mini Cooper SE. How is that even conceivable in 2022? Optimistically, Mini will revise its infotainment machine to incorporate Android Auto on subsequent yr’s style.
Must I purchase a Mini Cooper SE?
Purchase it if:
You wish to have a motive force’s automobile
The Mini Cooper SE is an absolute hoot to force. It is the closest factor we have pushed to an electrical hot-hatch.
You wish to have to trip in taste
The Mini Cooper SE’s unfashionable design is stuffed with character and aura, and is principally just like its ICE counterpart.
You want an inexpensive EV
At simply $29,900, the Mini Cooper SE is probably the most inexpensive EV in america, and that is the reason earlier than as much as $9,500 in incentives.
Do not purchase it if:
You wish to have to head on highway journeys
With a variety of simply 110 miles, the Mini Cooper SE is ok for commuting however on no account intended for long-distance trip.
You want house for folks and issues
The Mini Cooper SE’s again seat is beautiful cramped, and trunk house is slightly restricted even with the again seat down.
You wish to have the newest in generation
The Mini Cooper SE solely comprises fundamental motive force help, and the infotainment machine feels dated and lacks Android Auto.
First reviewed: February 2022
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