Mini has revealed its first fully electric car known as the Mini Cooper SE in the global markets and the car offers Cooper S performance which is denoted by the S alongside the E in its badging. The car, however, is named as Mini Electric in the UK to avoid confusion and differentiate the electric powertrain model from the standard range. The Mini Cooper SE or the Mini Electric is rumoured to be priced competitively and it is likely to be less than the petrol Cooper S, in the comparable trim.
In the powertrain department, the Mini Electric is powered by a BMW i3S powertrain that generates 184 HP of power and 270 Nm of torque and is connected to a 32.6 kWh battery which can deliver a range of 230-270 km on a single charge, according to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) cycle, nearly the same as the Honda E. The battery is placed underneath the passenger seat in a T-shape and the electric motor powers only the front wheels. The EV can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 7.3 seconds and can do a top speed of 150 kmph. The batteries are capable of fast charging and can be recharged to 80% in 35 minutes via a 50 kW fast charger. The same state of charge can be achieved using an 11 kW wall charger in 1.5 hours and 3.5 hours for a full charge.
The Mini Electric retains the traditional exterior styling instead of a new look but has crafty differentiating elements such as a splitter on the front bumper, redesigned rear bumper which no longer needs to house the tailpipes, distinguishing alloy wheel design which resembles the British wall socket, etc. The key differences are the front grille design which does not have large air vents and comes in a grey and yellow finish, which is also applied to the door mirror caps and alloy wheels. The charging port is located in place of the conventional fuel filler cap.
The Mini Electric is likely to be offered in three trim variants, with kit ranging from dual-zone climate control AC, LED lighting, digital instruments console, cruise control and satnav on the base model. The mid-spec model could get keyless entry and go, heated seats, rear view camera, parking sensors, etc., and the range-topping model is likely to feature a large 8.8-inch infotainment system panoramic sunroof, adaptive Matrix LED, a heads-up display, full-leather upholstery Harmon Kardon sound system, etc.
The Mini Electric is slated to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September with its production expected to commence in November this year.
