For its fifth generation, MINI is taking a giant leap into the digital era and the brands all-electric future, today unveiling the new MINI Cooper Electric at the IAA International Motor Show in Munich. Celebrating its rich heritage yet iconic design, the new MINI Cooper offers a major step forward in technology, while focusing on a driver centric interior cabin.
“With its electric drive and purist design, the new MINI Cooper is a perfect fit for an urban lifestyle. In the fifth generation of the MINI Cooper, we combine the traditional MINI DNA with innovative, future-oriented technology while enabling locally emission-free driving fun that is typical of MINI,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.
“Inspired by our history, we have developed our own new design language, defining our DNA. We call it ‘Charismatic Simplicity’. The idea behind it is a design that gives each new MINI model a strong, individual character and is characterized by a clear, reduced design language intuitively focused on the essentials of the brand.” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design.
Available in two output levels – E and SE – and three exceptionally well specified trim levels in the UK – Classic, Exclusive and Sport – the new MINI Cooper Electric is priced from £30,000 OTR, with first customer deliveries taking place in spring 2024.
The exterior: maximum reduction to the essentials.
In its fifth generation, the MINI 3-door once again embodies the core of the brand yet now with a fully electric drivetrain. The silhouette features hallmark MINI proportions: short overhangs, a short bonnet, and a contrasting long wheelbase, while larger wheels and the removal of chrome from the vehicle bring a fresh take to the design.
The front end of the all-electric MINI Cooper remains iconic thanks to a striking new octagonal grille with filigree contour, and the infamous MINI circular headlights, which are offered with three unique light signatures for the first time. While horizontal light graphics are offered as standard, optionally the daytime running light elements can be switched to create three adjustable light signatures. In addition, all light modes start and end with a specially orchestrated welcome and goodbye animation.
Flush door handles are offered for the time first, while the wheel arches and side scuttles have been removed. Typical MINI design features such as the visual three-part division of the vehicle body, the all-round window area and contrasting roof help the new design stand out.
The new MINI aesthetic also gives the rear a new, contemporary feel, featuring clear surfaces and flush rear lights which can be switched to different modes in the same way as the front headlights. A defined shoulder section and a striking black handle completes the exterior design.
Three individual trims for even more character.
The all-electric MINI Cooper is available in three different trims; Classic, Exclusive and Sport. The Classic trim presents a reduced overall appearance while highlighting key parts such as the logo in new colour Vibrant Silver. A range of four external paint finishes, including all-new Sunny Side Yellow, one contrasting roof colour and two wheel options give customers maximum flexibility.
The Exclusive trim adds additional exterior design elements, such as the option for a Multitone Roof with a combination of three different colours, as well as offering the front grille in Vibrant Silver. Finally, the Sport trim offers a distinctive front and rear design, using high-gloss black as the frame for the front grille and logo colour. Combined with contrasting Chili Red roof and red/black bonnet stripes available optionally, there is no doubt the Sport trim has been inspired by its motorsport history.
The interior: minimalist, digital, immersive & warm.
The interior of the vehicle echoes the famous minimalist design of the classic Mini, using just the round instrument cluster in the centre and the infamous toggle bar below. In the new MINI Cooper, it is precisely these two elements, in combination with the steering wheel, that are the focus of the interior cabin.
The curved dashboard features a textile surface for the first time, where a specially developed knitting process has been used to create a versatile, easy-care textile in a two-colour design that is made of recycled polyester. To keep the dashboard as slim as possible the air vents are flat, and behind the steering wheel, the optional Head-up Display ensures that all the relevant content appears in the driver’s field of vision.
The clear lines and generous space in the front seats give the interior a modern feel, while the optional panoramic glass roof makes the interior bright and friendly. In the dark, the side lighting is based on the ambient light, thereby contributing to a distinctive interior atmosphere, and the armrest, mounted on the driver’s seat, provides even more space in the centre console.
Underneath the dashboard, the newly designed toggle bar houses the most important driving functions: parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle and volume control. Without the need for a gearstick, the new MINI Cooper offers more storage space in the centre console, with larger cup holders and an open storage compartment, alongside a wireless charging area. For those choosing the Exclusive trim, a knitted surface and a textile strap comes as standard.
The rear of the vehicle offers additional underfloor storage in the luggage compartment, and by folding down the rear seats in a 60:40 ratio, the luggage compartment can be expanded from 200 to 800 litres.
Brand new powertrain bringing all-electric driving fun
With a completely new powertrain, the new MINI Cooper Electric is available in two variants: E and SE. The Cooper E hosts a high-voltage battery with 40.7 kWh of capacity which provides up to 190 miles of electric range according to the WLTP test cycle. A 135 kW/184 hp electric motor generates a torque of 290 Nm and accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 62mph in 7.3 seconds.
With an output of 160 kW/218 hp, the Cooper SE sprints from 0 to 62mph in 6.7 seconds with a maximum torque of 330 Nm, with the calculated range increasing to a maximum of 250 miles thanks to a battery capacity of 54.2 kWh.
