The last all-electric Mini Cooper SE was fun to drive, but its 120-mile range limited its appeal to fleet.
The all-electric Mini Cooper E and SE are all-new models, currently manufactured in China (and eventually the UK), whereas the ICE-powered Cooper and Cooper S versions recently driven are heavily made-over versions of the third-generation F56 hatch.
Outside, the electric version of the Cooper is the third Mini to debut the new family look dubbed ‘Charismatic Simplicity’, equalling a simpler, and cleaner design.
There may be the same octagonal front grille, but the electric Mini gets a more conventional bonnet and front wings, another new bumper, and headlight design. The side profile is also different, with chunkier front and rear haunches, flush door handles, and a lower cut-out for the design. Electric models also get customisable triangular LED rear light clusters. It still looks like a Mini, but we wonder if the John Cooper Works body kit with the ‘Sport’ trim is a bit over the top?
Interior style
The interior of the car is heavily influenced by the original Classic Mini. On top of the attractive, vertically-styled, woollen-trimmed dashboard, you can’t miss the circular OLED display. It is running Android-based Mini Operating System 9, with all the functions of the car operated by touch or voice control. We still believe that in use there’s a lot going on in a circular screen with a diameter of 240mm. It is easy to operate and impressively fast in its operation, although we’d recommend choosing the optional head-up display, which brings key information closer to the driver.
Below this, there’s the Classic Mini-influenced toggle bar, which is home to key driving functions, such as the parking brake, gear selector, and the start/stop key – which you twist, in a novel touch harking back to the original.
Elsewhere, there’s plenty of attractive fabric trim, and comfortable, supportive front seats – even if you don’t go for the sportier SE. You won’t buy a Cooper E or SE for its rear and boot space, as they are both best described as tight. Overall, the interior feels special, and something new – not just a BMW clone, although the commonality is obvious, in terms of items such as the switchgear.
Driving and performance
The Cooper Electric hatch range starts with the E, which is powered by a 40.7 kWh battery, and a 184hp electric motor. This is capable of a 0-62mph acceleration time of 7.3 seconds, and a range of 190 miles. Choose the sportiest Cooper SE, and you get a 218hp motor, 54.2kWh battery, 0-62 acceleration in 6.7 seconds, and an improved 250-mile range. Both have a tax liability of 2%.
The Cooper E and Cooper SE, as you’d expect, are great fun to drive. The light, but direct and precise steering, oddly feels more natural than in the ICE version. This goes well with the tidy, sharp handling. Both E and SE versions appear to ride more firmly than the ICE hatch and seem unaffected by the wheel size. A noticeable oddity was the torque steer that only seemed to affect the Cooper E we drove with 17in wheels. Ultimately, the latest electric Mini is a much better all-rounder than the outgoing car.
Performance-wise, the E doesn’t feel noticeably slower than the SE. Both are at their most dynamic in ‘Go Kart’ mode, which sharpens up the throttle response, and amuses with its fake engine noise – although we wonder how long it would be before the engine noise became annoying. This is one of eight drive modes.
The Cooper Electric is now much easier to recommend, but it’s not a cheap option, and the rear and boot space remain compromised.
Positive: Simplified but attractive exterior styling, infotainment, stylish and quality interior, fun to drive.
Negative: Firm ride might be too stiff for some, compromised rear and boot space, head-up display not standard, not a cheap choice.
Standard equipment: LED head and taillights, 16in alloy wheels, Mini OLED display, DAB radio, Mini Driving Modes, two-zone automatic climate control, dynamic cruise control, parking assistant and rear camera, Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration.
Engines: EV: 184hp, 218hp
Equipment grades: E, SE
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Mini Cooper Electric 160kW SE Sport (Level 3) |
| P11D | £42,445 |
| Residual value | 53% |
| Depreciation | £23,370 |
| Fuel | £3,689 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £1,397 |
| Cost per mile | 47.42p |
| Range | 250 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £14/£28 |
| Luggage capacity | 210 litres |
| Battery size/power | 54.2kWh/218hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
