What stands out about the Mini Cooper EV?

The Mini Cooper EV is a new all-electric ride that promises to put a smile on any driver’s face

TOP GEAR PICKED out the new Mini Cooper EV range in their “guide to the 16 cars to be excited for in 2024”. What stands out about the new electric Minis?

High E-Rating

Electrifying.com gave the Mini Cooper EV an A+ E-Rating. This rating “is formulated using an algorithm that takes into account a number of factors; including how well the car converts electrical power into miles on the road, the speed at which the battery can be recharged and features such as energy saving heat pumps, intelligent brake recuperation and climate control preconditioning.” It also involves opinions of their team. The site gave the Cooper Electric an overall 8/10 score and noted its longer range.

Range

The Cooper has a 190-249 miles range (the bigger battery in the SE reaching up to 249 miles). As with all electric vehicles, this range represents ideal driving conditions. The Electricfying.com review noted their test drive was in torrential rain and wasn’t representative of typical conditions. They considered a real-world range of 130-170 miles in the E, and 190-230 miles in the SE. What Car?, meanwhile, say to “Expect 140-215 miles in the real world.”

Charging

With rapid charging, both the Cooper E and SE can go from 10 to 80% battery in around 30 minutes. With a home charger, a full charge takes seven hours in the E and eight in the SE. Like most electric cars, the Minis use Type 2 sockets.

Mini style and interior

The Electrifying.com review compares the dashboard touchscreen to a phone screen. It can be personalised with your own photos or recreate the classic dial from the original 1959 Mini. Mini have even incorporated a “timeless mode” among the synthesised engine sounds to match the noise of a 1974 Mini. The interior features recycled textiles and has had an overhaul (along with the exterior which has a more minimalist look than recent Minis).

Wheels and exterior

The Mini Cooper SE features alloy wheels. Car owners can benefit from an expert alloy refurb service to keep their alloy wheels straightened and in top condition. Auto Express notes that the wheels “have been pushed out towards the extremities of the body, improving packaging and space inside.” Mini have kept their trademark circular headlights and the EVs still look unmistakably Mini. 

Reviews so far

Since being named as one of Top Gear’s cars to look out for, the Mini Cooper EV has enjoyed positive reviews. What Car? gave the series 4/5 stars, describing the range as “guilt-free versions of a popular British classic.” In terms of performance and drive, the review notes “nippy acceleration”, handling, and the brake pedal among its strengths, but criticises a “choppy ride” as a weakness and notes the subjective experience of the “fake soundtrack”, referring to the synthesised engine sounds.

What Car? gave the interior a positive review, calling it “cheery” and “eye-catching”, but was less positive about the passenger and boot space, only giving those aspects 2/5 stars. There’s space in the front, but “poor rear leg room.” The review notes, “Practicality is not traditionally a Mini strength and the Mini Cooper Electric is no exception.” For a practical car, then, perhaps there are better options out there. But for a high performance, stylish electric vehicle, the Mini Cooper EV is considered a good choice.