All-new Mini Cooper EV finally out in the open: What’s on offer

KUALA LUMPUR: The all-new fifth-generation Mini Cooper has finally made its global debut in the international market. Introduced in two electric versions (E and SE), the upgraded three-door hatchback gets an all-new design and a raft of new technological advancements, making it more desirable than its predecessor. 

The base-spec Cooper E is equipped with a front-mounted electric motor that is capable of generating 181 hp of maximum power and 290 Nm of peak torque. It enables the car to run from zero to 100 kmph in 7.3 seconds. The Cooper SE, on the other hand, features a more powerful FWD motor delivering 214 hp and 330 Nm, which reduces the 0-100 kmph acceleration time to 6.7 seconds.

The 2023 Mini Cooper E gets a floor-mounted 40.7-kWh battery offering a WLTP-claimed range of 305 km while the Cooper SE is fitted with a bigger 54.2-kWh pack that allows the EV to run for 402 km on a single charge.

As for charging, both models are compatible with 11 kW AC charging. In the case of DC charging, the Cooper E supports up to 75 kW, while the Cooper SE can handle up to 95 kW.

Coming to the design enhancements of the latest-gen Mini Cooper, the hatchback benefits from a new octagonal grille with a body-coloured strip, new circular headlights with LED main beams and LED daytime running lights, and new flush tail lights. The side profile gets short overhangs and prominent wheels. Mini offers the car in four exterior trims - Essential, Classic, Favoured, and JCW (John Cooper Works).

Among the key interior upgrades of the new 2023 Mini Cooper EV are - 

• A new circular head unit featuring an OLED screen powered by the latest MINI Operating System 9
• A new curved dashboard design
• A new two-spoke steering wheel design
• A new gear selector in the form of a toggle switch positioned under the central display unit
• New MINI Experience Modes
• New “Hey MINI!” first MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant
• New driver assistance systems

Upon introducing the new Mini Cooper, Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI said, “With its electric drive and purist design, the new MINI Cooper is a perfect fit for an urban lifestyle. In the fifth generation of the MINI Cooper, we combine the traditional MINI DNA with innovative, future-oriented technology while enabling locally emission-free driving fun that is typical of MINI.”

Mini will showcase the new Cooper EV at IAA 2023 in Munich on September 5, 2023.

Also read: Grab benefits of up to RM 20,000 on purchase of new Mini Electric