In a much-anticipated reveal, the 2024 Mini Cooper EV has finally made its official debut, shedding light on the electrifying future of this iconic British brand. Owned by BMW, Mini has unveiled its latest electric offering, set to captivate the automotive world at the IAA 2023 event in Munich on September 5th.
This all-new Mini Cooper embraces the electric era with a two-tiered nomenclature: the Mini Cooper E and the Mini Cooper SE. The base Mini Cooper E boasts a front-mounted electric motor generating 181 horsepower (135 kilowatts) and 213 pound-feet (290 Newton-meters) of torque, propelling it from 0 to 62 miles per hour in a brisk 7.3 seconds. For those seeking a more electrifying experience, the Cooper SE steps up the power, delivering 214 hp (160 kW) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) of torque, allowing for a quicker sprint to 62 mph in just 6.7 seconds.
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Under the hood, or rather, the floor, both versions feature battery packs to keep them humming silently. The Mini Cooper E sports a 40.7-kilowatt-hour battery, offering a respectable WLTP-rated range of 189 miles (305 kilometers). It can also DC fast charge at up to 75 kW, ensuring convenient charging on the go. The Cooper SE, on the other hand, packs a slightly larger 54.2-kWh battery, pushing the range to an impressive 249 miles (402 km). It also boasts a swift DC fast charging rate of 95 kW. Additionally, both models can recharge on AC power at up to 11 kW.
The Mini Cooper’s iconic design language remains intact, with signature circular LED headlights and a fresh octagonal grille that adorns the front. The headlights come with integrated horizontal light graphics and offer customizable daytime running lights with three modes. At the rear, flush tail lights provide a modern touch, while the vertical light clusters offer various lighting modes, mirroring the front.
With a sleek drag coefficient of 0.28 cd, the electric Mini sports black sills, lending it a more grounded appearance. The old circumferential Black Band has been gracefully retired, making way for a contemporary aesthetic.
Inside, Mini takes a minimalist approach, stripping away unnecessary components to create a clean, modern cabin. The central dashboard now features a 9.44-inch (240 millimeters) circular display, running the Mini Operating System 9. This system, developed in-house by the BMW Group, is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack. Stefanie Wurst, Head of Mini, emphasizes its simplicity and touch operation, enhancing the digital experience for both driver and passenger.
Beneath the screen, a redesigned toggle bar seamlessly integrates controls for functions like the parking brake, gear selection, start/stop, experience mode, and volume control.
In terms of practicality, the Mini Cooper EV doesn’t disappoint. The boot offers 200 liters of storage with the rear seat in its upright position, which can be expanded to a capacious 800 liters by folding down the 60:40 split rear seat.
Buyers will have a choice of four trims: Essential, Classic, Favoured, and JCW, each offering distinctive personalization options. From black sports seats to intricate knitted textile surfaces and houndstooth patterns, Mini allows customers to infuse their personality into the interior.
Underpinning this electrifying Mini is the Spotlight EV platform, a collaborative effort between BMW Group and Great Wall Motor. Production of the Mini Cooper EV is slated to commence in China later this year, with the Mini Countryman and Mini Aceman eagerly awaiting their turns to join the revamped Mini lineup.
With this bold step into the electric realm, Mini Cooper demonstrates that it’s ready to embrace the future while staying true to its charismatic heritage, offering a harmonious blend of iconic design and cutting-edge technology. The 2024 Mini Cooper EV promises to be a compelling choice for those seeking an electrifying driving experience without compromising on style or performance.
