The Mini Cooper E is the battery-powered small EV we always wanted from the BMW group brand, being more refined and offering a better range than its predecessor.
While the first-generation Mini Electric was fun, it was let down by its packaging – and it’s small battery limited its range.
The Mini Cooper E (renamed for the second-generation) is sleerk, more powerful, has a broad choice of batteries and range and is packed full of usable digital technology from parent company BMW.
The Coope E is powered by a 181bhp electric motor and uses a 40.7kWh battery that offers up to 190 miles of range, while the more powerful Cooper SE gets a 215bhp motor and a 54.2kWh battery for up to 250 miles of range.
The Mini is a more grown-up proposition than the previous model, offering a far more usable range, faster charging and more premium lustre. In addition, the price is also very similar to its predecessor.
That said, it’s heavier than before, which is felt in the corners, and the car has lost some of the driver reward widely expected from a Mini.
The interior is chock full of premium materials and it’s a lovely place to sit, but the fiddly, unintuitive infotainment may put some drivers off.
Despite those minor qualms, Mini’s updated electric hatch is up there with the very best in the segment and is better than ever.
