It may not be the most sensible car you can buy, but few electric cars in the same price range offer more entertainment and driving pleasure. Maybe we can thank BMW for that?
I saw the new electric Mini Cooper for the first time earlier this year at eCarExpo. The 2024 model of Mini and the all-new 5-door Mini Aceman are built on a platform developed by Spotlight Automotive Ltd – a company owned by BMW and Chinese GWM (Great Wall Motor). The cars arriving in Norway today are manufactured in China, but BMW plans to start production at the Mini factory in Oxford from 2026.
New platform
The new Mini platform is interesting because it is intended for small cars - which it still is cars - not tall SUV-like vehicles that the car manufacturers end up with after putting in the batteries. There are no visual features in the design of the electric Mini Cooper that tell that there are batteries in it. They are located under the floor and compared to the previous model, the batteries actually build up the floor somewhat. The former electric Mini Cooper shared a platform with the petrol-powered cars. The batteries were then distributed in the center console and under the rear seats. It did not build up the floor, but gave limited space for batteries. What I refer to as "previous model" is still produced, but only with fossil engines. The new platform for the Cooper E and SE also has a 31 millimeter longer wheelbase and a wider front and rear track width.
Although the new Mini is bigger than before, it doesn't really stand out when it comes to that place. On the contrary. The 3-door Mini Cooper SE is registered as a 4-seater. There is very limited legroom in the back seat, and getting in and out can be compared to acrobatic exercises. Let it be said right away: Mini has never been a space-saving wonder and it is hardly suitable for towing a trailer, either. So we leave it at that 🙂
Sporty chassis
The first thing that impressed me about the new Mini Cooper was the sense of space behind the wheel. The design of the dashboard with head-up display and forward A-pillars gives the feeling of driving a larger car. You sit relatively low, and with long legs I had to push the chair quite far back.
The feeling of driving a bigger car was enhanced by the chassis. It is sporty stiff. You register which surface you are driving on, but the car copes with unevenness far more comfortably than I had expected in this class of car. Even with 17-inch studless winter wheels, the car was very stable on the road. It copes with sharp bends and roundabouts without feeling the weight pressing down. You know, that feeling that makes you take it extra easy around the bend to save chassis and tires - it's not present in the Mini Cooper. The car settles steadily into the bend and you can pull out with a heavy gas pedal. Wonderful sports car feeling! But be careful. With 218 horses, 333 Nm of torque and operation only on the front wheels, it can be easy to provoke some mischievous behavior.
Mini Experiences
Mini has taken driving mode to new heights. They call it Experiences. Driving mode not only determines steering resistance and throttle input, but also the sound and lighting in the passenger compartment. Artificial engine sound is nothing new, but it fits well that one John Cooper Works makes a sound when you step on the gas. One of the driving programs is then also called for Go-Kart. It gives the feeling of playing computer games while driving. Let me add that the control enhances the computer game feeling. It is very precise, but gives no feedback from the tires and the road surface - just like the steering wheel in a games console.
The driving programs I liked the most were Core og Green. Core is a sporty driving program where you can also drive economically. Green provides a more sedate gas pedal without destroying the possibility of an active driving style. It is fine when driving in queues, but the lively animation on the screen can be distracting. In Core, you get pleasant lighting and a discreet sound when you step on the gas.
Range and charging
The Mini Cooper can be delivered with two battery sizes. The smallest battery in the Cooper E provides 36,6 kWh (net), while "our" car, the Cooper SE provides 49,2 kWh (net). Stated range according to the vehicle license is 390 km. A rule of thumb I use is that real range often ends up at 4/5ths of the stated WLTP range. That gives us a real range of 312 km, and 250 km if you want to charge at 20%. Estimated real range of 312 km can be substantiated by real average consumption the 500 km the car has driven since it was put into use. It is 16,1 kWh/100 km. Stated consumption WLTP is 14,6 kWh/100 km. The consumption on our most recent trips agrees well with the WLTP as we have driven a lot on roads with reduced speed limits.
The 11 kW on-board charger works efficiently. It received 11 kW from the wall charger as soon as we inserted the plug. The car then charged from 30-80% in 2,5 hours. The batteries can be preheated in advance, so that they are ready to receive rapid charging immediately. The maximum charging speed with the CCS connector is 95 kW. The batteries are not adapted to fast lightning chargers.
Place
The space in the back seat of the 3-door Mini is limited, and access is difficult and not suitable for everyone. Nevertheless, such a back seat solution works on short trips. The luggage compartment of 210 liters accommodates a small cabin suitcase and a couple of shopping bags. In addition, there is a fairly deep space underneath for charging cables and emergency equipment. With 3 people in the car, you can bring 650 liters of luggage.
Conclusion
400 km range is the new standard for small cars. Therefore, you should choose the Cooper SE because of the range. With winter tires and equipment, the prices will end up in the area of around NOK 400.000. It may not be the most sensible car you can buy, but few electric cars in that price range offer more entertainment and driving pleasure. Maybe we can thank BMW for that?
🙂 Sporty chassis that suits the car very well.
🙁 Can behave mischievously on the road if you drive well.
Facts Mini Cooper SE
Weights and Measures
External dimensions - L, W, H: 386 x 176 x 146 cm
Wheelbase: 253 cm
Net weight: 1658 kg (without driver)
Payload: 322 kg
Number of seats: 4
Max trailer weight w/brakes: Not possible
– without brakes: –
Roof load: not possible
Drivetrain
Engine: Electric located at the front
Power: 218 HP
Torque: 330 Nm
Gearbox: 1-speed automatic
Front wheel drive
Performances
Top speed: 170 km/h
0-100: 6,7 seconds
Battery pack
Manufacturer: Gotion (?)
Type: Li-ion
Total capacity: 54,2 kWh
Total capacity for use: 49,2 kWh
Heat pump
Range and consumption
WLTP: 390 km (combined)
Stated consumption WLTP: 14,6 kWh/100km
Real consumption since new: 16,1 kWh/100km
charging
Contacts: Type2 and CSS
On-board charger: 11kW
Charging time Type2, 11kW, 0-10%: 5h 15min.
— 30-80%: 2h 28min.
Charging time CSS, 95kW, 10-80%: 30 min.
Preheating of the batteries: Yes
Luggage compartment
As 4-seater: 210 litres
As 3-seater: 650 litres
As 2-seater: 800 litres
Tires
Dimension: 195/55R17 92H
Type: Winter tires without studs
Brand: Winter Snowcontrol Series 3
Prices
Price: NOK 410 (Cooper SE John Cooper Works Trim)
About the car
Place of manufacture: Jiangsu, China
Color: Midnight Black, Chili Red (roof)
Equipment grade: John Cooper Works Trim
Owner: Private
Model: 2024
Mileage: New
Km driven: In use
Source: Mini.no, Vegvesen.no
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