Test of the new electric Mini Cooper SE and E, a new electric hatchback that is great…
Two versions: E and SE. More and less range, more and less weight
Mini will unveil its new-generation Cooper after the summer. We already drove the electric Mini Cooper E and SE and saw a new step for electric cars.
An electric Mini? Isn’t that already there?
Sure and a good one too. The fully electric Mini based on the third generation new Mini is one of the most fun electric cars (if not the most fun) to drive. Unfortunately, the range was very limited, but this made it light for an EV: less than 1,300 kg. But the new generation Mini will again have an electric variant and we already drove it. Interesting news: the three-door hatchback will be called Cooper as a model (instead of as a version name). The confusing Mini Mini in our database comes to an end.
The new and old electric Mini.
That new Mini Cooper SE is certainly heavier?
An interesting question. Mini has had serious doubts about the specifications of the new EV, so we hear from the project leader. The previous Mini was quite good and remarkably light for an electric car. But the range was lousy. “A problem for some customers, but others were fine with it. That is why we went for two versions.” Indeed, there will be a standard E and an SE version. And unlike the new electric Countryman, the S not only has more power, but also a larger battery pack. This makes it 100 kilometers further, but it is also heavier than the Cooper E. A smart move, because there is something to choose from. On our new test track we discover that that choice can be difficult later on. Because the S may have more power, the chassis is otherwise the same and the E appears to be the nicer car. We don’t miss the extra power, but after just one turn we notice that it is much lighter. It dives into corners with more enthusiasm, brakes more easily and the rear engages much more than the Cooper S. How much driving pleasure is that extra range worth to you?
This drives like a hot hatch!
That sounds like a fun driving car!
You have no idea! Mini moves all the beacons for an EV in this segment. Contrary to the weather forecast, it is dry, but sprinklers keep the test track in Austria artificially wet. This way we are sooner at the limit of the grip and we can test the balance of the car. This is the fourth generation of the modern Mini, namely the fully electric variant. Still in full camouflage, because the official unveiling is not until the IAA in September, although Mini has now released some photos. But the chassis is as good as finished, I discover as I dance from bend to bend. The track has elevation changes and a right-hand kink downhill is very similar to what I encountered in Valencia. The ESP does not even have to be off this time. Mini has learned from the previous generation Mini EV that was too often curbed by the electronics. Now the traction control intervenes in a dosed manner without you feeling inhibited, and the ESP allows some drift angle, you always have time to react. The result is an adrenaline rush on par with the acclaimed Renault Clio. The front bites despite the water and as soon as you let off the throttle to get the nose further in the right direction, the butt slides to the side. This makes you drive in a way that is almost extinct. After all, compact hot hatches have been eradicated so quickly that the World Wildlife Fund could have started a campaign. The first Mini Electric already showed that there was some hope, but this generation is so much further. We smile behind the wheel. Fun driving is back. Really and truly!
Mini Cooper.
Sounds good, can you tell us more about the design of the new Mini Cooper?
The car was largely camouflaged, including on the inside. However, not everything remains a secret. The retro design remains, with a nice Union-jack reference in the triangular taillights. On the inside we see that the Cooper (as the three-door model will be called from now on) will only have a central round touchscreen with some buttons below it. For the driver only a HUD and no display. On the outside, the Mini is slightly shorter than before, but the wheelbase is longer. The wheels are now really on the corners, which improves the kart feeling, as we notice on the track. The center of gravity is also noticeably lower than in the outgoing generation. So many images of the new Mini have now been leaked that the brand itself has released some photos. This way we can at least show you how it will look!
The new Mini without camouflage.
Surely the new Mini Cooper will always be fully electric?
No! There will be various petrol models, and certainly count on a JCW variant. The car is still too popular in markets where electric power is less dominant than here. Mini also still sells well in the Netherlands, even with the more expensive versions. We’ll have to wait a while yet. The reveal is before the IAA and it will probably take until 2024 before it actually hits the dealers.
Mini Cooper Electric
Cooper E Cooper SE
Motors 1 electric motor 1 electric motor
Power 135 kW (184 hp) 160 kW (218 hp)
Battery 40.7 kWh 54.2 kWh
Range (WLTP) 305 400
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl