Next generation Mini Electric revealed in Auckland

The Mini brand unveiled a pre-production unit of the next-generation Cooper S Electric hatch at an exclusive event held in Auckland on November 13, at Studio 230.

Media and influencers gathered for an immersive digital experience, which in typical Mini fashion involved lots of selfies and hashtags while the brand extolled its latest design virtues.

The brand also revealed a pre-production unit of the next-generation Mini Countryman which has grown yet again to become a mid-size SUV competitor which is available overseas with both electric and ICE powertrains.

BMW Group New Zealand managing director Adam Shaver says he worked for the Mini brand for a decade and is excited about the next generation of vehicles as the brand becomes 100% electrified. 

In three months, production of all current Mini models will cease as the next generation starts arriving in market from the first quarter of 2024.

Shaver says the growth of the Countryman into the mid-size SUV segment means that buyers won’t need to need to own a second vehicle as this size will fit all their requirements as a family vehicle.

But the star of the show was the new Mini Cooper S Electric which offers a fresh interior design that harks back to the minimalist ethos of the original car created by Alec Issigonis in 1959.

The new Mini Cooper S Electric offers a tactile experience across the textured door cards and dashboard by using upholstery and fabrics which are sourced from plants and recycled materials.

The signature central sphere (speedometer) remains in place as a touchscreen and infotainment centre, but both the Mini Electric and the Countryman will have a Head Up Display as standard equipment in cars bound for New Zealand showrooms.  

Externally the signature Mini hatch cues remain with the ovoid LED headlamps, the floating bi-colour roof (which is available with panoramic glass as an option) and a new take on the “Union Jack” rear indicator/brake lamp cluster.  

The electric motor for the Cooper S hatch is expected to be a 160kW/330Nm unit allied to a 54kWh battery with a potential range of 433km.

Meanwhile the electric version of the Countryman will offer a 66kWh battery across all models. In single motor versions 150kW/250Nm with potential range of 462km and all-wheel-drive dual motor versions (ALL4 in Mini parlance) will offer 230kW/494Nm and a potential range of 433km.

Mini New Zealand head of product planning James Orlov, says in spite of not yet releasing pricing and local specification, customer inquiry and uptake on the new electric models has been surprising and he expects that sales will continue to grow beyond the marques almost 50% EV sales mix.