Mini is to launch two all-electric variants of its refreshed Cooper 3-door hatchback that’s pencilled to arrive in Australia in Q3 of this year.
The new Mini Cooper will be available in the E and the SE electric variants, with a starting price of $53,990 for the E, while the SE bumps that up to $58,990 before on-roads.
Both variants appear to be cheaper than the outgoing variant’s launch price of $59,990 and receive a range of updates. That model had a small 32.6 kWh battery pack, good for 233 km of WLTP range on a single charge.
The new model in its base Mini Cooper E trim offers a 41 kWh battery pack that can deliver up to 305 km of range. The Cooper SE variant further improves on that with a 54 kWh battery pack that can deliver up to 403 km of range.
Both battery packs can be charged with an onboard 11 kW AC charger or DC fast-charged from 0-80% in 30 minutes.
On the power front, the base Cooper E has a 135 kW front-mounted motor that can deliver up to 290 Nm of torque, helping it reach 0-100 km/h in a respectable 7.3 seconds.
The Cooper SE also has a front-wheel-drive powertrain with 160 kW of power available from the motor. Torque has also been bumped up to 330 Nm helping this variant sprint to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds.
On the design front, the Mini Cooper continues the brand’s heritage of offering a compact design in a 3-door hatchback format.
To keep things fun, there is a large round LED headlights that are iconic to the model. On the rear, the taillights have been redesigned as well.
Moving into the inside, there is a large round OLED screen that’s 240 mm in diameter. Mini Cooper also includes wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
On top of that, a heads-up display is also on offer as standard, making it easier for drivers to concentrate on the roads.
Space-wise, on the inside, there is more space with 69 litres of additional space found on the new Cooper electric. Boot space ranges from 210 litres on the lower end to up to 800 litres with the rear seats folded down.
The new Mini Cooper is expected to launch in the third quarter of 2024, adding to the growing number of models launched by Mini’s parent, BMW Group locally.
Mini Cooper E features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View
- Automatic Speed Limit Assistant
- Steering and Lane Control Assistant
- Stereo Sound System, 6 Speaker, 100 Watts
- Interior Camera
- MINI Augmented Reality Navigation
- Sport Seats
- Seat Heating for Front Seats
- Panorama Glass Roof
- Classic Trim Design Elements with Piano Black highlights
- Classic Trim Interior Styling
Mini Cooper SE features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Parking Assistant Plus with Surround View
- Automatic Speed Limit Assistant
- Steering and Lane Control Assistant
- Harman/Kardon Premium Sound System, 10 Speaker
- Interior Camera
- MINI Augmented Reality Navigation
- Seat Heating for Front Seats
- Panorama Glass Roof
- John Cooper Works Seats
- Active Seat Functions for Driver
- Electric Seat Adjustment with Memory for Front Seats
- Sun Protection Glazzing
- Headliner Anthracite
- Sport Steering Wheel
- Favoured Trim Design Elements with Vibrant Silver Highlights
- Favoured Trim Interior Styling
Key figures:
| Variant | Cooper E | Cooper SE |
| Power | 135 kW | 160 kW |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 330 Nm |
| 0-100km/h | 7.3s | 6.7s |
| Battery | 41 kWh | 54 kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | Up to 305 km^ | Up to 403 km^ |
| Drive type | N/A | N/A |
| Length | 3,858 mm | 3,858 mm |
| Width | 1,756 mm | 1,756 mm |
| Height | 1,460 mm | 1,460 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,526 mm | 2,526 mm |
| Luggage (litres) | 210 – 800L | 210 – 800L |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.