Long-awaited, the electric version of the iconic MINI is finally a reality. Known as MINI Electric in the UK, around here it will be known as Cooper SE.
Aesthetically it hasn't changed much compared to its “brothers” with a combustion engine. Still, some details stand out such as the new grille, the redesigned front and rear bumpers, the new wheels and the extra 18 mm of floor height (due to the batteries) compared to other MINIs (to make room for the batteries) .
Inside, the differences consist in little more than a new 5.5” digital instrument panel (a MINI debut) which should reach the rest of the range in 2020. Other news is the debut of an electric handbrake in a MINI from three doors and the switch with the various driving modes. The trunk kept its 211 l capacity.
familiar "mechanics"
Equipped with the same engine as the BMW i3s, that is, a unit capable of debiting 184 hp (135 kW) of power and 270 Nm of torque , the MINI Cooper SE fulfills 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3s and reaches a maximum speed of 150 km/h (electronically limited).
Although… mini, the Mini Cooper SE isn't light weight, with its mass amounting to 1365 kg (DIN), 145 kg more than the Cooper S with automatic transmission (Steptronic) — still, it's not a as big a difference as it appears at first to be, considering how heavy the batteries tend to be.
Since we are referring to the batteries, the pack has a capacity of 32.6 kWh and allows to travel between 235 and 270 km (WLTP values converted to NEDC). Four driving modes are also available: Sport, Mid, Green and Green+. The Cooper SE also features two regenerative braking modes (a first for the BMW Group) that can be selected independently of the driving mode.
Inside, one of the few new features is the 5.5'' digital instrument panel behind the steering wheel.
For now, it is not known how much the new MINI Cooper SE will cost in Portugal or when the British tram will be available in Portugal.