Mini Cooper BEVs here in Q3

Two battery electric vehicles (BEVs) – the Mini Cooper E and SE – will be introduced in Q3 this year priced from $60,990.

Mini New Zealand says it plans to provide the BEVs along with new petrol variants the Mini Cooper C and S.

The electric three-door hatch line-up features 305km range for the Cooper E and 402km for the SE.

Elevated specification with head-up display (HUD), comfort access and “Mini Experience Modes” are standard on all trim levels, says Mini New Zealand, adding refreshed styling and new tech are also included.

“The Mini Cooper boasts a remarkable pedigree and remains the core of our brand after more than six decades,” says Mini Australia and New Zealand general manager Matt Schmidt.

The fully electric Mini Cooper E has a 41kWh battery, delivers 135kW power and 290Nm torque. The upgraded battery pack enables it to accelerate from zero to100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

Equipped with a 54kWh battery, the SE produces 160kW power and 330Nm torque, reaching 100km/h from rest in 6.7 seconds.

Both Cooper E and SE models come with DC fast charging capabilities enabling them to reach 80% charge from zero in 28 minutes and 30 minutes respectively.

When using a standard 11kW AC charger, the Cooper E achieves that same rate of charge in 4.5 hours and the Cooper SE in five hours and 15 minutes.

Recycled knitted textile adorns the clean interior surfaces, with Mini leather-free (and chrome-free) in the new generation vehicles, offering customers various Cloth/Vescin vegan leather upholstery options.

Both BEVs have an additional 69-litres of boot space compared to the first generation electric hatch, resulting in 210-800L of luggage volume.

The Mini Interaction Unit 240mm diameter circular OLED screen forms a new central display, and the Mini Intelligent Personal Assistant can be activated by voice command or a steering wheel button. “Spike” is also available through the optional Mini Connected Package.

Mini Cooper vehicles are fitted with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

The Driving Assistant Plus package is standard for Cooper S, E and SE. In addition to the radar-based driver assistance systems such as cruise control, lane change warning with blind spot detection and rear crossing traffic warning with brake intervention, it provides camera and ultrasound-based assistance.

Light alloy wheels on the new Mini generation are manufactured using up to 70% recycled aluminium which, in combination with renewable electricity, reduces C02 emissions by up to 80% compared with conventional production methods.

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