New-gen Mini Cooper Electric revealed, gets new look and more range

In the ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles, Mini has unveiled its latest offering: the new-generation Mini Cooper Electric. This fifth-generation car is more than just a facelift; it’s a comprehensive upgrade that combines the traditional Mini DNA with innovative, future-oriented technology. The result? An iconic vehicle that not only retains its classic charm with round headlamps and a compact footprint but also offers an enhanced driving experience and improved range.

A Glimpse into the Future

With its electric drive and purist design, the new Mini Cooper Electric is perfectly suited for an urban lifestyle. Stefanie Wurst, Head of Mini, highlighted this synergy during the reveal event, emphasizing that the vehicle blends Mini’s traditional DNA with forward-thinking technology to provide locally emission-free driving fun—a hallmark of Mini.

Evolution in Design

The new Mini Cooper Electric is built on an entirely new platform, featuring a longer wheelbase that allows engineers to pack more innovation into this compact package. The 3-door body still maintains its characteristic agile appearance, with short overhangs, a compact bonnet, and an extended wheelbase. The car’s design introduces flush door handles, a modern touch that removes the need for fender flares and classic scuttles from the bodywork. The iconic round headlamps remain a Mini classic, now with full LED lighting and innovative OLED DRLs, allowing for customizable lighting signatures. The rear of the vehicle features flush taillamps with adjustable OLED technology, a fresh design for Mini.

A Futuristic Cabin

Inside, the new Mini Cooper Electric embraces a minimalist approach while retaining the iconic design elements first introduced in 1959. The instrument cluster takes center stage, surrounded by toggle switches below. The circular section has evolved into a generous 9.4-inch high-resolution OLED display, complete with the Mini Operating System 9. The dashboard is now adorned in textiles, elevating the cabin’s premium feel. Customers can choose between basic seats or opt for the sportier JCW seats.

Two Power-Packed Options

The new Mini Cooper Electric offers two distinct powertrain options: the Mini Cooper E and the Mini Cooper SE. The Mini Cooper E boasts an 184bhp electric motor with 290Nm of torque, propelling the hatch from 0 to 100kmph in a brisk 7.3 seconds. The Mini Cooper SE, on the other hand, offers a more potent 218bhp and 330Nm of torque, resulting in a 0 to 100kmph sprint time of just 6.7 seconds. Both variants come equipped with improved battery packs—a 40.7kWh pack for the Cooper E, providing a range of 305km on the WLTP cycle, and a larger 54.2kWh battery pack for the Cooper SE, offering an impressive WLTP range of 402km.

The Iconic Go-Kart Experience

Mini enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the new Mini Cooper Electric maintains the characteristic go-kart-like driving experience. The driving dynamics have been further refined with the longer wheelbase, increased track width, and suspension systems specially tuned for spirited driving.

Rapid Charging for Convenience

Charging the new Mini Cooper Electric is a breeze. It can be connected to an 11kW AC charger for regular charging, but for those in a hurry, faster charging options are available—75kW for the Cooper E and 95kW for the Cooper SE. This means you can charge from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes, making it incredibly convenient for busy urban dwellers.

Coming Soon to India

The eagerly anticipated new Mini Cooper Electric is set to make its debut in India next year. While pricing details are yet to be confirmed, the current-generation Mini Cooper SE is priced at Rs 53.50 lakh (ex-showroom).

In conclusion, the new Mini Cooper Electric represents a leap forward in electric vehicle technology while staying true to the iconic Mini design. It offers improved range, enhanced driving dynamics, and a futuristic cabin, making it a compelling choice for urban commuters and Mini enthusiasts alike.

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