MINI pulls covers off all-electric line up

MINI has revealed a new look for its two main models – the Cooper and Countryman – and for now they are electric only.

That is not to say combustion and plug-in hybrid versions of the new models won’t be launched, but with more than one in five cars from the brand sold in New Zealand electric, it shows the confidence in the energy source for the BMW-owned brand.

The fifth-generation Cooper and the revamped Countryman were reviled tonight at the IAA International Motor Show in Munich.

The brand aims for a full transition to electric models by 2024 and is targeting New Zealand for market entry in early Q3 of that year. MINI’s Electric Hatch currently holds a strong sales presence, contributing 21.5% to the company’s total sales.

The fifth-generation 3-door MINI Cooper comes with multiple electric motor options. The entry-level Cooper E is outfitted with a 135 kW (181 hp) front-mounted electric motor. This draws its power from a 40.7 kWh battery pack, delivering an estimated driving range of 300 km. The Cooper E offers a torque of 290 Nm and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.

Next in the lineup is the performance-oriented Cooper SE. This model features a more potent 160 kW electric motor and is equipped with a larger, 54.2 kWh battery pack. The Cooper SE offers an impressive range of 400 km, a torque figure of 330 Nm, and a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds.

The vehicle’s interior incorporates the new MINI Interaction Unit, a touch and voice control optimised OLED display. This unit serves as both an instrument cluster and an interactive experience center – and is also one of the first round touch screens in automotive use. High-quality Vescin artificial leather and textiles made from recycled materials line the interior.

The new MINI Countryman sees a considerable transformation, with dimensions expanded by six cm in height and 13 cm in length. Equipped with a 150 kW electric motor, the Countryman E variant is powered by an even larger 64.8 kWh battery pack, offering a range of 462 km. The Countryman SE ALL4, with 230 kW and 494 Nm combined torque, uses the same 64.8 kWh battery to achieve a 433 km range. Both versions provide a spacious interior highlighted by woven textile surfaces and a large OLED display.

Both cars are set to arrive mid-year 2024. Local specification of trims across the all-electric MINI Cooper and all-electric MINI Countryman are yet to be confirmed.