Mini launches US order site for electric Cooper SE

Mini USA, a business unit of BMW of North America, announced this week the launch of the ordering site for its all-new battery electric MINI Cooper SE.

The 2020 Mini Cooper SE is set to reach US showrooms in early March of 2020 at a price of around $US29,900 ($A43,650 converted).

Customers in Australia will have to wait a little longer, with the SE expected to arrive sometime in the middle of 2020.

There is also no specific price announced for Australia – though you can register your interest here – but with the US model converting to $A43,600, a British price tag of £24,400 OTR (including Plug-in Car grant) converting to $A46,600, and the European cost of €32,500 converting to $A52,800, the price could be anything between $45,000 and $55,000, plus GST and on roads.

“On the emotional side, ‘fun to drive’ is the number one reason why consumers purchase a Mini , and this new Mini Electric offers the same fun-to-drive, go-kart reflexes we’ve built into our Mini Cooper S hardtop,” said Michael Peyton, Vice President, Mini of the Americas.

“On the rational side, 80% of all Mini house-holds own two or more cars, and with an accessible price, the Mini Electric is a perfect complement in offering more customers attainable, emission-free driving.”

The 2020 Mini Cooper SE will deliver power from a 135 kW motor and an innovative driving dynamics system with wheel slip limiting close to the actuator, giving what Mini Cooper describes as “a particularly intense and unmistakable agility”.

With a range of around 235 to 270 kilometres, the new 3-door hatch Mini will store the high-voltage battery deep in the vehicle floor, ensuring no disruption to luggage space.

Boasting a 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) acceleration time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 149.99km, the MINI Cooper SE can charge to 80% in only 35 minutes thanks to its 32.6 kwh battery size.