The Mini has always been synonymous with urban driving fun, distinctive design, and creative use of space. But now, the British icon is entering a new era of electrification, digitalization, and sustainability. The new MINI family, which consists of the all-electric MINI Cooper 3-door, the all-electric MINI Countryman, and the upcoming MINI Aceman crossover, is set to redefine the premium small car segment with its innovative features and technologies.
The Original Reinvented: The All-Electric MINI Cooper 3-Door
The MINI Cooper 3-door is the quintessential MINI model that embodies the brand's heritage and tradition. In its fifth generation, the MINI Cooper 3-door has been reinvented as an all-electric vehicle that offers locally emission-free mobility and electrified go-kart feeling. The new MINI Cooper SE has a power output of 160 kW/218 hp and a range of 402 kilometers, determined in the WLTP test cycle. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 150 km/h.
The new MINI Cooper SE features a modern and purist design focusing on essentials. The classic round headlights and the octagonal grille form the characteristic face of the MINI Cooper. The grille is closed to improve aerodynamics and has a yellow accent strip to indicate its electric nature. The side scuttles also bear the yellow "S" logo and the charging socket. The rear lights are designed in the shape of the Union Jack, a nod to the brand's British roots. The new MINI Cooper SE is available in nine exterior colors, including the new Island Blue metallic and Rooftop Grey metallic.
The new MINI Cooper SE interior is spacious and stylish, with high-quality materials and recycled fabrics. All variations of the all-electric MINI Cooper feature seats in high-quality Vescin artificial leather, while all textiles and yarns for the seat, knitted surfaces, vehicle headliner, and floor are made from recycled materials. The dashboard is dominated by a 10-inch touchscreen display that serves as the central information and control unit. It supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel shows relevant driving information such as speed, range, and charge level. The center console houses the start/stop button, the drive mode selector, and the electric parking brake.
The new MINI Cooper SE also offers a range of driver assistance systems that enhance safety and comfort. These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, park assist, rearview camera, head-up display, and traffic sign recognition. Moreover, the new MINI Cooper SE can receive over-the-air software updates that keep it up to date with the latest features and functions.
Made in Germany: The All-Electric MINI Countryman
The new MINI Countryman is the first MINI "Made in Germany." Starting at the end of 2023, it will be built at the BMW Group Plant in Leipzig, one of the world's most modern and sustainable automotive factories. The plant in Leipzig is also expanding its e-component production capacity by eight production lines by 2024 and investing more than 800 million euros. The high-voltage batteries for the all-electric MINI Countryman come from the plant's own production facilities.
The new MINI Countryman is a versatile crossover that offers more space, comfort, and safety than its predecessor. It has grown in external dimensions and has a longer wheelbase that provides more legroom for rear passengers. The luggage compartment can hold up to 450 liters of cargo and can be expanded to 1,390 liters by folding down the rear seats. The new MINI Countryman also features a panoramic glass roof, creating a bright and airy atmosphere.
The new MINI Countryman Electric has an output of 190 kW/258 hp and a range of 420 kilometers, determined in the WLTP test cycle. It can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 km/h. The new MINI Countryman Electric also has an intelligent all-wheel drive system that optimizes traction and stability in different road conditions.
The design of the new MINI Countryman Electric is dynamic and distinctive. It has a hexagonal grille with horizontal slats and a chrome surround. The grille also has an "E" badge to indicate its electric powertrain. The headlights are LED units with a ring-shaped daytime running light. The side profile is characterized by the black roof rails, the contrasting roof color, and the 18-inch alloy wheels. The rear end has a roof spoiler, a diffuser, and LED tail lights with the Union Jack motif.
The new MINI Countryman Electric interior is modern and sophisticated, with premium materials and digital features. The seats are upholstered in leather or fabric, depending on the trim level. The dashboard has a 12.3-inch touchscreen display that supports wireless smartphone connectivity and online services. The digital instrument cluster shows relevant driving information such as speed, range, and navigation. The center console has a toggle switch for the start/stop function, a rotary controller for the infotainment system, and a wireless charging pad for compatible devices.
The new MINI Countryman Electric also offers a range of driver assistance systems that enhance safety and comfort. These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind spot assist, cross-traffic alert, park assist, rearview camera, head-up display, and traffic sign recognition. Additionally, the new MINI Countryman Electric can receive over-the-air software updates that keep it up to date with the latest features and functions.
