Overview

The original Mini was the car to be seen in and a British cultural icon of the sixties. Fast forward to 2024 and we have this; the fifth generation built by German firm BMW. With a completely new powertrain, the new MINI Cooper Electric is available in two variants: E and SE, offering different outputs and ranges.

Driving

I really loved the first all-electric MINI – it still retained the brand's infamous go-kart feeling, and at that point in time there was no other EV at that price that handled so well. It was a real driver's car and it is still held in high regard, but the range was the only niggly thing for me and the cramp rear space and boot (we’ll get to that in a moment).

Unlike its predecessor which was based on the petrol version, this one does sit on all-new electric car underpinnings as a result of a collaboration between BMW and Great Wall Motors, the manufacturer behind the GWM ORA 03, formerly known as funky Cat. The entry-level Cooper E gets 184hp from an electric motor that drives the front wheels equating to zero to 62mph in 7.3 seconds, which makes it quicker than the MG4 and the Peugeot e208.

The SE version which is the model we're in today gets 218hp which completes the same sprint in 6.7 seconds making it quicker than the Abarth 500e. There are also seven MINI Experience modes, including a new go-kart mode for enhanced driving performance, which is quite fun.

With a 2.2 fixed ratio direct lock the steering takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do you will fall in love with how precise it is, the nose points into the corners like no MINI has before it and you can load up the front and bring the rear into play. It’s so communicative and fun, and that’s what you want from a hot hatch.

Range and running costs

The 2024 MINI Cooper SE offers improved range and performance over its predecessor but still requires smart charging to maximise savings, with real-world range being significantly less than official figures. For example, the entry-level Cooper has a 40.7 kilowatt battery which gives an official range of 190 miles but realistically you're not going to get more than 150. That means you're forced to buy the more expensive SE (£4500 extra), which funnily enough MINI reckon will account for 70 per cent of its sales, because of the bigger 49.2 KW hour battery, providing up to 250 miles or more like 200 if you’re careful. It will charge from 10-80 per cent in about 30 mins. 

It’ll cost roughly 6-10p per mile depending on home/public charging and tariffs, and for now £0 road tax, though higher insurance costs (group 26).

Design

The design remit for the all-electric Mini Cooper was maximum reduction to the essentials: what does that mean in plain English? Well they binned all of the chrome, arch cladding and side scuttles and made the door handles flush (for the first time on a MINI), making for a cleaner look. At the same time, they retained the infamous circular headlights, short overhangs, bonnet and contrasting long wheelbase, while they’ve updated the front end with a striking new octagonal grill, and clear surfaces and flush lights outback. Thank God there’s an alternative offering to the jingoistic fixed Union Jack design on the previous generation model with customisable front and rear LED light signatures. It's an evolution not revolution of the design language.

The interior of the vehicle echoes the famous minimalist design of the classic Mini, using just the round instrument cluster in the centre – a 9.4in OLED infotainment touchscreen – and adds the iconic toggle bar below. It's clean but not to the point of Tesla – I really like the curved dash with its knitted textile surface, which extends to the door cards. It’s recycled, obviously, and while it looks great fresh out of the box, the arm rests are going to suffer from premature wear and tear I reckon. The plastics could be better MINI – they’re very scratchy.

Comfort and practicality

It is taller and longer than its predecessor offering more space and comfort. It fitted in all of our camera man’s bags and with a 5ft something driver, a six-footer can fit in the back, if they’re some sort of contortionist. There’s a 9.4 inch OLED display which is the world's first touch display and circular display in a vehicle, and I can't quite decide whether it's cool or not– it replaces the traditional driver's display but I don't see why I should have to pay for heads up just for the privilege of having the information in my field of vision. Then there's this digital car companion called Spike. I don't know who he is but apparently it's, erm, very familiar to MINI fans. It's just all a bit Chinese for me and not very German.

Let’s be honest, its practicality is still limited by its compact size, tight rear seats, three-doors, and a small boot, making it best as a 2+2 city car, not a family hauler, though it provides a charming EV experience with good tech and build quality. 

Verdict

Overall it's made a good impression, it’s a hoot to drive and the new powertrain offers a longer range than its predecessor. Yes the ride might be firm but it’s a small trade-off for a car that really handles.  

My main concern is that MINI is killing off this model in 2028 – it is a stop gap of sorts! Its long term appeal is complicated by MINI’s shifting product strategy and that the highly advanced Neue Klasse platform is expected to underpin future, larger electric MINI models. You’ve then got to accept a major platform change could impact the resale value of older models.

That date however could be pushed back depending on market demand for EVs, so if you’re desperate for an electric hot hatch that doesn’t cost the earth – then get yourself one because all the negatives aside this is a highly capable and fun car.

Check out our video review here.

Key Specs

MINI COOPER SE ELECTRIC

Price (RRP OTR): From £34,500
Top speed: 100mph
0–62mph: 6.7 seconds
Power: 215hp
Torque: 243lb-ft
Driving range (combined): Up to 250 miles
Charging time: 30 min (95kW DC, 10–80%)
Insurance group: 17-26
Vehicle warranty: 3 years/unlimited miles
Battery warranty: 8 years/100,000 miles