Due to its starting price set at nearly $51,000 and an estimated range that borders on the ridiculous at 183 km, the current electric Mini Cooper SE is far from a competitive electric proposition, despite its dynamism. The English brand, owned by BMW, is now looking to rectify this with the fifth generation of the iconic model.
Sign that times are changing, this Mini three-door fifth of the name makes its first introduction by the electric, a strategy opposite to what the brand had accustomed us to. Never mind, it remains influenced by the first of the line, launched in 1959 and whose minimalist appearance designed by Alec Issigonis is matched only by its affordability which has won over millions of households.
Certainly, a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, but the subcompact remains small and retains its circular headlights and its wheels pushed to the four corners for balance in driving and design. A snub to the sea of SUVs engulfing our roads. The interior retains the same theme with the integration of the instrumentation as well as the multimedia system in a single central circular screen. The textile-wrapped dashboard adds a touch of hospitality.
According to European technical data, two electric liveries should make sure to expand the offer of this new Mini without combustion engine with front motors. The first, named Cooper E, will have 184 hp and a 40.7 kWh battery. The second, named Cooper SE, increases the total to 218 hp and will be supported by a 54.2 kWh battery. The estimated range – figures obtained according to the European WLTP protocol – will be 305 km and 402 km respectively. Certainly, these data will be revised downwards when the North American cycle is applied.
Mini has not yet detailed the changes made to the chassis of this electric Cooper or the timetable for marketing it in Canada. To be continued, therefore.
Mini also took the opportunity to simultaneously unveil the latest vintage of its Countryman crossover, first in electric form. Following in the footsteps of the electric Mini Cooper, this model intended for wider distribution was also presented in two electric forms.
More angular and slightly more imposing, it will be prepared in a 204 hp front-wheel drive version and in a 313 hp all-wheel drive livery. The targeted range is 462 km or 433 km for these two variants. Mini has not detailed the size of the batteries, for the moment.
