MINI Cooper Electric

The MINI Cooper Electric features a premium-looking cabin that newer-generation passengers will definitely love. Upfront, you are greeted by a 240mm circular OLED central display, which acts as the driver’s instrument panel and the car’s infotainment system. Its infotainment offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a personal E-Sim with 5G connectivity, and is linked to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System for the SE variant. The JCW variant, on the other hand, gets the 10-speaker version. 

Both variants come with a head-up display and a steering wheel that is good-to-the-touch. Drivers of the JCW variant are given a premium-looking JCW steering wheel for a sportier cruising experience overall. Meanwhile, owners of the SE variant get the standard sport counterpart. Both variants come with a panorama glass roof for better lighting and an aesthetic vibe inside.

In terms of functionality and convenience, both variants come with a wireless phone charger, USB-C ports, 12V power sockets, and an interior camera. You have plenty of space in the front. However, its rear space could still be improved since its second row lacks a bit of headroom and legroom for tall and bigger passengers. Its cargo space is a bit limited as well. But, on the plus side, its driver’s seat comes with massage and memory functions. 

In terms of dimensions, the MINI Cooper Electric measures 3,858 mm in length, 1,967 mm in width (with mirrors), and 1,460 mm in height. It also has a 2,526 mm wheelbase. Both variants run on sporty-looking 18-inch alloy wheels: Night Flash Spoke 2-Tone for the SE variant, while Mastery Spoke 2-Tone for the JCW variant.

The MINI Cooper Electric features a stylish appearance that blends hypermodern elements with the brand’s signature design cues. It has a futuristic vibe to it, and yet it also carries its predecessors’ cute personality. Similar to its new-gen, all-electric cousins, it also sports an octagonal outline on its fascia. Both variants come with round LED headlights with signature contents, giving it a classic MINI front end. For a unique, sportier look, the JCW variant gets an aggressive-looking split bumper with blacked-out grilles. 

On the sides, it has a bulky hatchback profile. The SE variant features a floating roof-like silhouette. Meanwhile, the JCW variant flaunts a premium, two-toned design accentuated by a chili red roof and mirrors. 

Meanwhile, at the rear, its unique-looking triangular LED tail lights will definitely catch the attention of fellow drivers and regular onlookers alike. All in all, the MINI Cooper SE’s appearance exudes a mix of elegance and youthfulness, while the JCW’s puts more emphasis on sportiness–highlighting its high-performance character through stylish red stripes.

In terms of suspension, the MINI Cooper Electric SE variant utilizes a front Double Wishbone and a rear Torsion Beam. On the other hand, the JCW variant gets an adaptive suspension setup. Regardless of the setup, this hatchback offers an impressively responsive steering, allowing you to confidently hit sharp turns or corners even at high speeds. In the city, it is also very nimble to maneuver through tight traffic and narrow streets despite its bulky frame. It might not offer the most comfortable or plushiest ride in its class, but this hatchback can still deliver a very stable and pliant cruising experience for all passengers.

Both variants of the MINI Cooper Electric are powered by a single front-wheel drive electric motor paired with a 54.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is tuned differently for each trim, resulting in different performance metrics and WLTP driving ranges.

The SE’s motor produces 160 kW (218 hp) of power and 330 Nm of torque, while the JCW’s has 190 kW (255 hp) of power and 350 Nm of torque. In terms of WLTP driving range, the JCW offers a maximum range of 371 km, while the SE can go up to 402 km. Using a DC fast charger, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

The MINI Cooper Electric is equipped with three Experience modes: Green, Core, and Go-Kart. Off the line, this hatchback is impressively quick and responsive. Its electric motor generates a smooth, linear power delivery, which results in an exhilarating cruising experience on the highway. And, for a more enhanced performance, the JCW variant gets an E-Power Boost and an E-Launch Control. You’ll have no problem overtaking slower vehicles with this hatchback. It doesn’t have the traditional engine roar, but its motor’s artificial sounds can still deliver an immersive, authentic go-kart-like experience overall. 

In the city, its driving range is more than enough for your daily Metro Manila commute. However, when it comes to long-distance trips out of town, it might be better to plan meticulously before using this hatchback as your ride. 

Safety is not an issue for the MINI Cooper Electric line. Both variants come with several driver assistance systems such as an attentiveness assistant, high beam assist, rain sensor and automatic lights, speed limiter, tire pressure monitoring and repair kit, adaptive cruise control, steering and lane control assistant, as well as a parking assistant plus with a 360-degree surround view. Both variants come with ventilated discs for front braking and regular discs for the rear.

The MINI Cooper Electric stands out as a compelling option for discerning buyers who are looking for a hatchback that effectively blends agile maneuverability with an exhilarating, emission-free cruising experience on the highway.