mReview: MINI Cooper E – Light On Its Feet
The MINI Cooper E is a stylish little electric runabout ready to light a spark in your heart.
What’s Great
- Above all, the Cooper E provides a very enjoyable driving experience.
- Despite being an EV, it doesn't feel too heavy or cumbersome, especially when driven spiritedly.
- Brake feel is substantially improved over the previous-generation electric MINI Cooper.
What’s Good
- Feels good to be in a relatively smaller car again, especially amongst the sea of SUVs being introduced.
- The Cooper E is one of the more personable EVs around, always feeling eager and cheerful.
- Decent boot space for a MINI Cooper and the rear seats fold down 60:40 for even more room.
What’s Not Great
- Range is still a weak point, with just around 300km possible on a full charge, although that's still almost double what the original electric MINI Cooper could get.
- As you might expect, cabin space is rather limited, with the rear seats best reserved for bags or small friends.
The Cooper E has the updated, modernised version of the distinctive MINI styling, with cleaner lines and a new digital light signature forming the basis for its exterior design.
The revamped interior is covered in sustainable fabrics, while the classic circular centre screen and airplane-style toggle switches are still present.
The Union flag taillight design has been updated to reflect the digital age, giving the rear end of the Cooper E a new yet recognisable look.
It's a good thing there are two ISOFIX-suitable seats back here, because you're not going to be able to comfortably fit much more than children or fun-sized friends.
The airplane-style toggle switches are always fun to operate in a MINI, giving the driver a real sense of occasion and a bit of extra drama every time they get in the car.
The Cooper E's short wheelbase makes it a hoot and a half to drive, with a huck-ability factor that the car just laps up. It's a sprightly little thing and has a real charm to it.
Bits like this coloured piece of decorative trim might look out of place on a normal car, but it looks right at home in a MINI.
A 9.4-inch round OLED display takes centre stage on the dashboard, housing all of the car's infotainment options. There are also a variety of themes and modes for you to choose from, including Timeless, Go-Kart, and Vivid.
In a world dominated by cars that are getting ever bigger, the mere existence of a three-door hatchback is something to be applauded, especially when done as well as the Cooper E is.
The boot is definitely small, but it is definitely useable. And since nobody can fit into the back seats anyway, you can always fold the rear seats down to get up to 800 litres of cargo space in your cutesy hatchback.
| MINI Cooper E | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price (at time of publishing): $222,888 including COE | VES Band: A | |
Motor: Single electric motor |
Charging Rate: 75 kW DC, 11 kW AC |
Power & Torque: 110 kW (148 hp) & 290 Nm |
Transmission: Single-speed |
Driven Wheels: Front |
Consumption & Range: 14.7 kWh/100km & 305 km (WLTP combined cycle) |
0-100 km/h: 8.4 seconds |
Top Speed: 160 km/h |
Battery Capacity: 40.7 kWh |
|
Dimensions (L x W x H):
3,858 mm x 1,756 mm
x 1,460 mm |
Wheelbase: 2,526 mm
|
Cargo Capacity: 210 litres |
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