We drive the new electric MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman: when efficiency and driving fun join hands

Shortly after unveiling the Aceman, MINI invited us to drive the two models that, by size, sit in the range just below and above the crossover: the new MINI Cooper Electric and MINI Countryman Electric.

Two models, as we will see below, very interesting for how well they integrate total electrification into their respective concepts: an urban whim in the case of the Cooper, and an SUV in the case of the Countryman, which, now more than ever, can serve as the only car for a family thanks to its increased size.

Moreover, as part of the brand’s determined commitment to electrification, both models come with good news: in both cases, and across its entire electric range, the brand includes a wallbox and its installation as a gift, plus 400 euros of credit to use on charges with the MINI Charging service, which would be enough to cover around 5,000 km, at least considering the homologated consumption. Not bad as an “incentive” for cars that are more attractive than ever and that retain all the essence of Mini.

Mini Cooper E and Cooper SE: there is no fifth bad one

It is not the first Mini Electric, but the fifth generation of the Mini Cooper is the first of this model not offered with combustion engines. That should not be a problem, considering how well the new Mini Cooper Electric goes… and the evolution this small, fun city car has undergone. As proof, one example: the new Mini Cooper E already surpasses practically everything about the first MINI Cooper SE that we tested in 2020, which we liked so much. And only 4 years have passed…

But let’s get to the point. This new generation of the Cooper keeps the full essence of “Mini”, and the design is, as the brand has accustomed us, very successful. Greater simplicity and cleanliness of lines has been sought, and achieved, with details such as the flush-fitting door handles with the bodywork, the elimination of chrome trim, or the absence of fender flares, giving the sensation that the bumpers and bodywork form a single block.

The dimensions are slightly larger, with barely 1 cm more in length and 3 cm more in wheelbase, height and width. We are therefore still facing a small car on the outside… and on the inside, with rear seats that are difficult to access and offer little space, and a boot that stays at 210 litres. What one would call a genuine “whim” city car, which practically has no rivals. The closest in size and concept would be the Abarth 500e, less powerful and also cheaper.

The Cooper’s cabin: digital and customisable

The interior of the new Mini also features a completely redesigned layout, but with one protagonist: the circular 24-centimetre-diameter OLED central screen, which remains in the centre of the dashboard, though slightly closer to the driver to make touch operation easier.

At Mini they have decided to do without instrumentation behind the steering wheel – as Volvo did on its EX30 – something I don’t particularly warm to, because I don’t like having to take my eyes so far off the road to check information such as my speed or range. This is solved with the HUD, which projects information onto the windscreen, although it is optional.

What cannot be disputed is the magnificent quality of the screen and how well Mini has resolved what they call the “immersive experience”: the different driving modes (three as standard, four more optional) change the presentation of information with an eye-catching sequence of sounds and lights, creating genuine atmospheres, allowing a high degree of customisation that even matches the user’s mood at each moment.

In addition, the operating system 9 of the Group BMW, which we were already able to try on the BMW X2, is a real marvel in processing speed and in the many possibilities it offers thanks to high-speed connectivity and cloud-based navigation. The new Mini also gets the intelligent personal assistant, activated by a button on the steering wheel or via the voice command “Hey Mini”.

Two versions, with up to 218 hp and 402 km of range

The entry version of the range, the MINI Cooper E, has a power output of 135 kW (184 hp), and a battery of 36.6 kWh net capacity (40.7 kWh gross) that allows a homologated range of up to 305 km. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, and has a price from 35,250 euros.

As for the MINI Cooper SE, power in this case rises to 160 kW (218 hp), and the battery becomes 49.2 kWh net (gross: 54.2 kWh), increasing the WLTP range to 402 km. This version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, and has a price from 38,850 euros.

A difference of just over 4,000 euros that “invites” you to take the step and choose the Cooper SE, although the entry model is already well served in terms of performance and range, especially for a car with an urban concept. In both cases it can be charged with alternating current at a maximum power of 11 kW, and with direct current at 75 kW for the Cooper E, and at 95 kW in the more powerful version. In this way, in both it is possible to go from 10 to 80% battery capacity in half an hour, using a fast-charging point.

We briefly drove the Cooper SE, and the impressions could not be better: if there is a car that suits electrification well, it is the small Cooper, which moves with astonishing agility in urban traffic, but transforms and offers performance and feel of a GTI in the sportiest driving mode, “Go-kart”.

The name could not have been chosen better, because the Cooper SE conveys sensations similar to driving a kart in terms of agility and quickness of response. A real “toy”. Apart from that, as standard you can choose from three other programmes, which Mini calls “Experience modes: Core and Green. In addition to the engine response, each programme modifies the instrument design and interior décor acting on the ambient lighting. And there are four other optional modes…

Mini Cooper E and SE – Photo gallery

Mini Countryman E and SE All4: more SUV than ever

In the case of the Mini Countryman, the dimensions of this new generation represent a significant change: with 13 centimetres more in length – it reaches 4.44 metres – and 6 centimetres more in height, and above all with its 460-litre boot capacity, the new model is now a genuine alternative for those who need a family SUV for everyday use. Some of its rivals, considering 100% electric models, would be its “cousin”, the BMW iX1, as well as the Mercedes-Benz EQA.

Unlike the Cooper, the Countryman range keeps versions with combustion engines, both petrol and diesel. As for the electric range, again two versions. The Countryman E has a 150 kW (204 hp) motor that allows acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. Its price starts at 45,250 euros.

For its part, the Mini Countryman SE All4 uses a motor on each axle, to provide a system power of 230 kW (313 hp) and a maximum torque of almost 500 Nm. Weighty figures, as confirmed by the mere 5.6 seconds this version needs to cover the kilometre from a standing start, a figure typical of a true sports car. Its price starts at 51,250 euros.

In both cases the battery has a net capacity of 64.6 kWh (gross: 64.7 kWh), which takes the homologated range to values that confirm the new Countryman’s concept as a car for everything, even for long journeys: up to 462 km for the Countryman E, and up to 432 km for the Countryman SE All4. Here, besides charging with alternating current at 11 kW, you can optionally opt for charging power up to 22 kW. And it can be recharged with direct current at a maximum of up to 130 kW.

In the case of the Countryman, we were able to drive the SE ALL4, to confirm that the more interesting version is… the Countryman E. In a car of this concept you do not need the 313 hp and the impressive acceleration of the SE ALL4, and the extra kilometres of range are very welcome. Above all, considering that the 204-hp motor pushes very hard and well. It is not an SUV that stands out for ride comfort, but although the suspension is firm, to maintain that Mini character when the bends arrive, it is also a perfectly valid car for long journeys.

Mini Countryman Electric – Photo gallery

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverMINI Countryman21 versions · from 35,550 €