New MINI Cooper Electric Full Review: More range, more tech, but is it still fun to drive?

Watch Vicki Butler-Henderson give her verdict on the Mini Cooper Electric:

In this review, we're diving into the new MINI Cooper Electric, a brand so popular you won't go a day without seeing one. As part of the fifth generation of the iconic three-door body style, this entry-level electric model offers classic appeal with modern innovation, starting at £30,000.

Specifications

Price: From £30,000.
Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds.
Electric Range: 177 - 190 miles.
Colour Options: 4 – different for each trim level.
Trim Levels: Classic, Exclusive, Sport.
Wheel Size: 16-inch standard, 17-inch option for £550, 18-inch on higher specs.
Storage Capacity: 210 litres standard, expanding to 800 litres with rear seats down.

Design & Exterior

The new MINI Electric has undergone a significant transformation, boasting a sleek and smooth design. It features a refreshed octagonal front end and circular lamps with three selectable light patterns. Streamlined elements include the removal of wheel arch highlights, slimmer door mirrors, and flush door handles. The car is slightly shorter but taller. MINI describes this design as ‘Charismatic Simplicity.’ New colours include Sunnyside Yellow, available for an additional £550. The rear features flush lights with three selectable patterns and a prominent black bar across the boot, adding to its modern aesthetic.

Storage

The new MINI Electric offers ample space, thanks to the absence of a gearbox. This allows for features like wireless charging at the front, larger cup holders, and additional open compartments. There are also generously sized glove boxes and door bins. While the back seats are suitable for children, taller adults might find the space cramped, especially with a six-footer in front. The boot provides 210 litres of space, expanding to 800 litres when the back seats are folded down. Be cautious not to overfill, as the electric charging cables are stored in a compartment beneath the false floor, requiring you to empty the boot for access.

Wheels & Tyres

Higher-spec models come with 18-inch wheels, while the standard size is 16 inches. The 17-inch wheels seen here are an optional extra, featuring Parallel Spoke Alloys for an additional £550. These alloys are wrapped in Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 EV tyres, specifically designed for electric vehicles. The tyres incorporate Hankook's sound absorber technology, contributing to a quieter driving experience.

Interior & Accessories

The interior features 2D knitted recycled polyester across the dashboard and door panels. The seats, available in various options, include a perforated houndstooth pattern with contrasting blue sides, offering a refreshing change from typical car interiors.

The centrepiece is a 24 cm circular display with toggles underneath for easy navigation, offering seven different experiences corresponding to various screens. This display can project ambient lighting patterns across the dash, enhancing the driving experience. Below the display, a bank of toggles allows you to choose between driving modes: Go-Kart, Core, and Green, each altering the car's dynamics and sound. The display provides comprehensive information, with driver details at the top, shortcuts at the bottom, and other info in the middle. However, heating controls on the sides might be challenging to use while driving. MINI's intelligent personal assistant, activated with "Hey MINI," is also included. The assistant, named Spike, can help find the nearest electric charger or petrol station, adding a touch of charm to the experience.

The MINI Electric offers three trim levels, with the base level called Classic. This trim includes the most extensive standard equipment ever offered in a MINI, such as a reversing camera, parking sensors, a heated steering wheel, cruise control, and sat nav. Additional option packs are available to further enhance the features. This car has a Level One pack, which includes heated front seats and a head-up display that projects your speed onto a small screen in front of you, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road.

Battery

Beneath the cabin lies an all-new platform specifically designed for the MINI electric. The entry-level Cooper E offers a range of 190 miles. It boasts 184 horsepower and 290 newton metres of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.3 seconds. This performance is slightly quicker than rivals from Peugeot and MG, making the Cooper E a strong contender. When it comes to recharging, a fast charger at a public station can take the battery from 10% to 80% in just 28 minutes. Using a wall box at home will require an overnight charge, allowing you to take advantage of cheaper tariffs. For those needing more range, the MINI Electric SE offers up to 250 miles of range.

Road Driving

MINI has pushed the wheels out to each corner as far as possible to maximise stability and handling. The suspension has been tweaked, the centre of gravity lowered, and a strut brace added at the front to provide a sportier feel. The powerful brakes complement the handling, especially when the car is set to Go-Kart mode. In this mode, the amplified noise enhances the driving experience, making it feel as thrilling as a jet fighter, even at normal speeds.

The ride quality is impressive, striking a balance between nimbleness and comfort. Despite being a small car, it is not overly bouncy and feels more mature than expected. The car turns in nicely, with power delivery and accompanying noise adding to the driving pleasure. The chunky steering wheel with a T-bar design and stylish materials at the bottom enhances the overall driving experience.

Vicki’s Verdict

“It is refreshingly unusual to see a car evolve into something that looks more like the original, plus this car has a range that's at least 45 miles better than before.”

Overall, Vicki loves the new Mini Cooper Electric. It boasts a sleek design, ample storage, customisable wheels, and a luxurious interior with advanced features, powered by an efficient battery offering up to 190 miles of range, with an option for 250 miles, and a sporty driving experience enhanced by refined handling and powerful brakes. For those not ready to switch to electric, a petrol version is available starting from £23,000.

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