MINI has just launched its first-ever fully
electric, zero emissions model in the Cooper SE, a car that features a 135 kW
(184 PS) motor, front wheel drive and a lithium-ion battery that
offers a range of 235 to 270 km. Since the battery is positioned
deep within the vehicle floor, the car comes with no limitations in terms of
luggage space, remaining just as practical as any regular MINI 3-door model.
The MINI Cooper SE is of course, instantly
recognizable as a MINI 3-door. However, there are also precisely applied
accents that indicate its emissions-free drive system. So aside from the
charger port (located above the right-hand rear wheel), there’s also an
embossed MINI Electric logo, while yellow versions of this signet can be found
on the lateral turn indicator inserts, as well as on the tailgate and front
grille, which features a hexagonal contour.
Further styling features include the yellow decorative
bar on the front fascia, more yellow on the exterior mirror caps, standard LED
headlights and optional 17-inch alloy wheels with an asymmetrical design.
According to the British automaker, the MINI Cooper
SE is quite fun to drive thanks to its 184 PS electric motor,
which also provides you with 270 Nm of instant torque. Power is
sent exclusively to the front wheels through a transmission with a single-stage
configuration and an integrated differential. In a straight line, the
all-electric MINI can accelerate to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and max
out at 150 km/h. It also features a distinctive sound generated via a speaker system,
guaranteeing “an acoustic presence on the road that is typical of MINI”.
The 32.6 kWh battery can be charged to 80% of its
full capacity in two and a half hours using either its standard charging cable
or the three-phase cable (for public charging stations). In order to get it up
to 100%, you’ll need to wait three and a half hours. However, if you use a DC
fast-charging station, you can achieve that 80% charge in just 35 minutes.
As for what it’s like on the road, the driver can
select between four different modes (Sport, MID, Green and Green+). In Sport
mode, the steering is more direct and the drive system responds more
spontaneously. Both MID and Green modes feature comfort-oriented steering
characteristics, whereas Green+ is geared towards maximum efficiency.
Also worth noting is the fact that the new MINI
Cooper SE is the first-ever electrically-powered BMW Group product in which the
driver can influence the degree of recuperation efficiency via a toggle switch.
You can choose between intense or only low-level recuperation with the relevant
deceleration impact.
Inside the MINI Cooper SE you get Double Stripe
Carbon Black fabric seats as standard (Trim S), with a fabric/leather combo
also available if you opt for Trim M or Trim L packages. Meanwhile, the MINI
Yours Lounge Carbon Black leather seats are included in the Trim XL package.
Further color customization options are also available, both inside and out. In terms of tech, there’s
satellite navigation as standard (6.5-inch touchscreen), Remote Services, Apple
CarPlay, the eDrive screen central instrument display, 2-zone automatic air
conditioning with heat pump technology and auxiliary heating, an electric
parking brake and an optional 8.8-inch Connected Navigation Plus touchscreen
with Telephony and Wireless Charging.
