2024 marks the arrival of the new Mini Cooper E and Mini Cooper SE. A model awaited at the turning point as the first generation, although convincing, had nevertheless been criticized for its limited autonomy. Has the manufacturer managed to revise its copy? That’s what we wanted to know when testing the Mini Cooper SE.
Busy news at Mini. The manufacturer announced a brand new 100% electric model with the Mini Aceman and marketed the latest XXL generation of the Countryman . It’s now the turn of the one that started it all to return in a restyled version: the Mini Cooper , this fifth generation of which was unveiled last year at the Munich Motor Show. And like the Mini Countryman, this one is available in both thermal and electric versions while awaiting the transition to all-electric by 2030.
It should be noted, however, that while these two engines share many common elements, notably the latest generation interior, they are differentiated by their platform to accommodate electric technology . Indeed, unlike the first electric Mini which was launched in 2020, this new generation is based on a platform designed by the Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motors.
Reason why it is assembled in China when the new thermal Mini remains manufactured in the Oxford factory in the United Kingdom. Which is also not without consequences on the ecological bonus for which the two versions Mini Cooper E and Mini Cooper SE are not eligible. It is the latter that we had for testing, the two models differing essentially in their power and battery capacity as we will see later.
MINI COOPER SE, AN EXTERIOR DESIGN IN CONTINUITY
It’s difficult to renew the design of a car which has had a career spanning more than 60 years and which can without hesitation be described as a true icon. It is therefore through small touches that the manufacturer is evolving its Mini Cooper . At the front, the octagonal grille (the previous one was hexagonal) has been redesigned while the LED lights, whose light signature can be customized as an option, stretch towards the rear without losing their distinctive character.
On the sides, we immediately notice the disappearance of the plastic wheel contours while the door handles are now flush to promote the aerodynamics of the car.
In the end, it is especially at the rear of the Mini Cooper SE that the changes are most obvious. First at the level of the vertical rear lights which are now triangular , a trend which seems to be fashionable and which we also find on the restyling of the Cupra Formentor which was unveiled last week for example. And as at the front, their lighting signature can be personalized according to three different optional profiles.
Finally, the Mini Cooper is more athletic with curved wings which make it sit better visually. The effect is also reinforced with tires whose diameter increases to 635 mm, or the optional 17 and 18 inch mounts with rims which gain 10/20 mm.
It’s very successful, especially in the yellow and blue liveries of our test models in SE version. Also note that Mini has removed all chrome elements from this new generation.
In terms of dimensions, our 2024 Mini Cooper SE is a small centimeter longer than the previous generation, reaching 3.858 m. The wheelbase increases by 4 cm to 2,526 m, which remains very contained to offer truly comfortable rear seats for adults . Finally, Mini announces a cx of 0.28 , which is particularly important for an electric car which must be as aerodynamic as possible in order to optimize battery range.
A MINIMALIST AND DIGITAL INTERIOR
On board, Mini was keen to preserve its heritage, particularly minimalist design. Of course, we find the famous round instrumentation designed by Alec Issigonis, the inventor of the Mini 1959. This adopts the very beautiful OLED screen that we were able to discover in the new Mini Countryman SE ALL4. Moreover, there are many similarities between the latter and the fifth generation electric Mini Cooper.
Furthermore, and this may not please everyone, the manufacturer is following in Tesla’s footsteps and ignoring the instrumentation behind the wheel of the Mini Cooper SE . It is nevertheless possible to choose a head-up display, but the latter is only available as an option.
Very ample and slightly curved, the dashboard of the Mini Cooper SE is for the first time dressed with a mesh surface knitted in recycled polyester, again like the Mini Countryman SE ALL4. The presentation is neat and partly allows you to forget the numerous plastic elements of little value.
To further add to the atmosphere, Mini also offers a color projection system on the upper part of the dashboard.
On the other hand, if space on board the Mini Cooper SE is limited, fortunately there is no shortage of storage. The hard plastic pockets on the doors can accommodate a small umbrella, a yellow vest or a small bottle of water, for example. Likewise, the central console has a space for storing small belongings , a base for wireless charging of a smartphone that can be placed flat (in addition to two USB type C ports), and from an empty pocket. Going upmarket, it is possible to have a storage compartment with a cover matching the dashboard which nestles in the central console.
This will come as no surprise to anyone, but the rear seats offer little knee room, especially for taller passengers. The latter will nevertheless benefit from generous roof clearance, because Mini has thought of hollowing it out slightly. Clever. In any case, beyond accommodating children, the two rear seats are only necessarily used for emergency purposes.
Finally, with its reduced dimensions, the Mini Cooper offers relatively little space in the trunk . After all, if you really want more, the imposing Mini Countryman SE ALL4 is also in the manufacturer’s catalog. As it stands, we only have a capacity of 200 liters here , which is just enough to do a few errands or to take cabin luggage for a long weekend. Of course, it is still possible to increase up to 800 liters simply by folding the 60/40 rear seat.
And to be completely complete, there is indeed a small additional storage space under the trunk floor , to store a charging cable and small accessories.
MASTERED TECHNOLOGIES BUT AN INTERFACE THAT IS TOO BUSY
Mini is part of the current trend which sees the disappearance of physical controls. That said, the Mini Cooper SE takes over those of the Mini Countryman SE ALL4, which are all grouped together in a small console which takes place directly under the infotainment screen.
While the electric car does not necessarily need it, it is necessary to use a button to turn on the ignition . Too bad, because the Mini Cooper SE is compatible with the mobile key and capable of starting simply by switching the gearbox control to D like on board a Tesla. That said, Mini adds a little touch of originality, using a button in the shape of a small ignition key. Simply turn it to the right to activate the electric vehicle.
The box control next to it is easy to use. A toggle down allows you to activate mode D to move forward (or mode B to benefit from regenerative braking), or up to shift into reverse. You get used to it very quickly and the system proves very effective on a daily basis.
Still at this console located under the OLED screen, we notice other buttons in particular for adjusting the volume level and for selecting the audio tracks. As for the one dedicated to “Experiences”, it is nothing more and nothing less than a selector of driving modes and on-board atmospheres.
Mini plays the gamification card here , especially with the Go-Kart mode which delivers maximum power, and is accompanied by audio effects, some of which are reminiscent of those of Nintendo’s famous Mario Kart game (and which we will end up cutting because they end up being so invasive). It is also possible to individually adjust other options such as steering response and traction control intervention limits, for example.
Conversely, Green mode optimizes battery autonomy , in particular by favoring freewheeling phases, or conversely by maximizing energy recovery when braking. The display is modified depending on the mode chosen and it is not necessarily easy to find your little ones, especially during a period of time as short as a car test such as ours.
Because if the OLED screen offers a beautiful display with high definition and brightness, deep blacks (the technology is based on self-emitting pixels which turn off completely to display black) and an exceptional contrast ratio , the interface is particularly busy as you can see in the photos taken by us.
Again, you will have to get used to it. That being said, Mini offers some very useful shortcuts , such as the possibility of suppressing the overspeed alert using a button which is directly integrated into the steering wheel, or even to mute the artificial sounds of the car when you have had enough . In the same way, we were able to test the voice assistant which, although it still remains limited, is particularly effective for certain basic functionalities such as adjusting the air conditioning. Please note that it is also possible to connect your Amazon Alexa account directly in the car.
We will spare you the detailed description of the interface of the Mini Operating System of the Mini Cooper SE. However, while the manufacturer has pushed the attention to detail down to the color of the car on the screen or the display of an open door, the integration of Carplay lacks elegance.
Conversely, the car’s navigation system takes advantage of all the surface area offered by the display. It’s perfectly readable, especially with augmented reality. When approaching an intersection, the system will display the camera video before an arrow superimposed which indicates the route to follow. Here again, we see how defined the images are, including during maneuvers. It’s very successful.
In the absence of instrumentation behind the steering wheel, our Mini Cooper SE was equipped with a small head-up display. As it should be, this displays information such as the speed of the car, but above all a navigation reminder. Note, however, that this only works with the in-car system , but not with applications such as Google Maps or Waze, which can be displayed on the main screen via Carplay.
In addition, the most stressed will appreciate being able to monitor their Mini Cooper SE via the mobile application . This offers the Remote Cameras function which allows you to view the interior of the car remotely as well as its direct environment. It is even possible to take a photo or start recording a five or ten second video. Finally, as on the Mini Countryman SE ALL4, you are free to personalize the display of the Mini Cooper SE’s infotainment screen via the mobile application.
UP TO 402 KM OF WLTP RANGE
The new electric Mini Cooper is available in two engines , each entitled to 4 different levels of finishes: the Mini Cooper E and the Mini Cooper SE which we were able to test. The first is equipped with an electric motor which develops 135 kW (or 184 hp) and 290 Nm of torque. The manufacturer announces 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and a WLTP range of 305 km thanks to the battery with 40.7 kWh gross capacity and 36.6 kWh net capacity. For comparison, that’s almost 70 km more than the old version.
For its part, the Mini Cooper SE displays a power of 160 kW (or 218 hp) and a torque of 330 Nm . Enough to achieve 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds . The announced WLTP range is 402 km with the battery with a gross capacity of 54.2 kWh , or 49.2 kWh net capacity.
BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE MINI COOPER SE
Let’s take the first laps behind the wheel of the Mini Cooper SE on the beautiful winding roads of Sitges near Barcelona in Spain. For those who have already boarded a recent Mini, we find ourselves on common ground aboard this new electric version . The occupants still sit very low, but the integration of the battery into the floor results in a position that is too high at knee level.
From the first acceleration, it is obvious that the Mini Cooper SE is faithful to its small karting spirit. The 330 Nm of torque allows for great starts , sometimes too much even for the comfort of the passengers. In any case, the car is well equipped to leave all the thermals on site at red lights.
Better, overtaking is easy on the secondary network while the lowered center of gravity sticks the Mini Cooper SE to the road . From then on, we happily increase the pace on the small roads in the Sitges region, which become a real playground. Comfortable, the seats offer very good support and the sensations are there , including respecting the ( generous) posted speed limits in the area. The only complaints are that the steering is a little stingy with information, while the suspensions do not prevent bounces despite a rather firm setting.
The first part of our route took us on expressways for several kilometers. If the Mini Cooper SE displays a pleasant silence and barely disturbed by aerodynamic noise from around 130 km/h, consumption on the other hand quickly exceeds 22 kWh/100 km . It is therefore necessary to take a break every 250 km to recharge the battery on the motorway.
As far as we are concerned, we noted a consumption of 17.7 kWh/100 km in Go Kart mode most of the time, on a journey of more than 150 km with a bit of motorway and driving that we would describe as dynamic outside urban areas most of the time.
Finally, a word on driving aids. Even if it is a city car, it is nice to be able to rely on cameras and other parking sensors . On the road, we were able to successfully test level 2 autonomous driving. The Mini Cooper SE avoids the ping-pong effect and remains well centered in its lane. The system is efficient and rather recommended for monotonous journeys on motorways or in traffic jams.
PRICES FOR THE ELECTRIC MINI COOPER
As mentioned above, neither the new Mini Cooper E nor the Mini Cooper SE are eligible for the ecological bonus revised at the start of the year. Things could possibly change in 2026 when production is repatriated from China to England. In the meantime, the Mini Cooper E in Essential finish is sold from €34,000 , but with a presentation that is necessarily less attractive than our test model.
It must be said that fully equipped, notably with the 18-inch rims and the panoramic glass roof (non-opening), the Mini Cooper SE can easily approach €50,000 . A very high-end positioning, which puts it in front of models that are certainly larger, but also more durable. Excluding options, the Mini Cooper SE is priced from €38,000.
On the competition side, the Fiat 500e is offered from €30,400 with technical characteristics well below those of the electric Mini Cooper. In fact, it has to make do with a 70 kW (95 hp) engine and a range of up to 320 km WLTP. A 118 hp version is also in the catalog as is the convertible which could also expand the Mini offering later.
But it is above all towards the new electric Renault 5 that all eyes are turned. Expected in the second half of the year, the small city car should unveil its prices next week on the occasion of the opening of the Roland-Garros tournament of which the manufacturer is a partner. Available in three powers of 95 hp, 120 hp and 150 hp, it could start at less than €25,000 and will be eligible for the ecological bonus of €4,000.
