The quirky and appealing 2024 Mini Cooper hardtop Electric clearly has certain benefits over competing electric vehicles, with lively driving behavior, a beautiful exterior design, and a reasonable price tag. Unfortunately, the Cooper Electric's meager driving range isn't one of them, since it can only go around half as far per charge as other low-cost choices like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and the Nissan Leaf. It's more enjoyable to drive than those options, though, and its acceleration times are comparable to those of the gasoline-powered Mini versions. Plenty of creature comforts are included, and the Cooper Electric also has plenty of driver-assistance technology. If it weren't for its relatively limited driving range, the Cooper Electric may be a good alternative for drivers eager to make the jump to an EV, but it just doesn't have what it takes to compete with the category leaders.
| Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|
| Surefooted, fun handling | Cramped rear seats | |
| Intuitive cabin controls | Short driving range | |
| Brisk acceleration from a stop | Firm ride quality | |
What’s New for 2024
Mini has only made one minor adjustment to the all-electric Cooper SE model's options, namely the Signature Trim, which is now available with the Upholstery Package upgrade. A production convertible Cooper Electric has been introduced, although it is a limited-edition version only available in Europe.The Mini Electric Hardtop has undergone the following significant changes over time:- 2024:available Signature Upholstery Package
- 2023:revised trim lineup; Resolute Edition appearance package became available
- 2022:an 8.8-inch touchscreen became standard
- 2021:no notable changes
- 2020:all-new vehicle
Pricing and Trims
The price of the 2024 Mini Cooper SE starts at $30,900. The Signature trim is available above the standard Classic trim and costs $34,225. It includes amenities such as a panoramic sunroof and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. It also allows you to choose from a variety of seat upholstery options. The top Iconic grade, which includes adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and front and rear parking sensors, starts at $36,700.The basic Mini Cooper Electric is an excellent bargain, with several standard features like automatic dual-zone temperature control, heated front seats, faux-leather upholstery, LED front lighting, hands-free passive entry, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Cooper Electric buyers may customize their vehicles with alternative wheels, two-tone exterior paint schemes, racing stripes, and inside customization.EV Motor
EV Motor
The electric motor and 28.9-kWH lithium-ion battery in the 2024 Mini Cooper SE provide 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The automobile accelerates quickly from a halt, and the power is smooth and robust. However, the enthusiasm fades as you approach greater speeds, and you may not receive the shock of power you expect when you truly push on the throttle. The Electric Hardtop, according to Mini, can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. The model has two regenerative braking modes: one that enables the car to coast like a non-EV when you remove your foot off the accelerator, and another that is more forceful and practically eliminates the need to touch the brake pedal.Ride and HandlingRide and Handling
Ride and Handling
The Mini Cooper SE, like the rest of the automaker's cars, is a lot of pleasure to drive, with well-controlled body movements during turns, snappy steering, and excellent road feel. The downside is the stiff ride quality. On flat roads, it's OK, but larger bumps may rattle the cabin.
Range and Battery
The Cooper Electric has a driving range of 110 miles on a full charge, which is much less than that of competitors such as the Bolt EV and Leaf. Almost every other new EV has a range of at least 200 miles. According to Mini, the car's battery can be charged to 80 percent in 35 minutes. You can totally restore the battery in four hours if you use home AC charging at 7.4 kilowatts. The two-mode regenerative braking technology on the little hatchback also helps to maximize battery charge.
You may charge the Mini Cooper SE at home using a conventional household power socket or a 240-volt outlet (the type into which heavy appliances are plugged). The Cooper SE may also be charged at public Level 2 and 3 outlets. Level 2 chargers are available in public venues such as parking garages, shopping centers, and some businesses. Level 3 DC rapid charging facilities are also typically located near well-frequented routes. In the United States, there are presently around 43,000 public charging stations and over 120,000 charging ports.
Interior
The inside of the 2024 Mini Cooper SE is reminiscent of the brand's previous retro-looking vehicles, with a huge circular center display, retro-styled switches and air vents, and satisfying toggle switches for controls. To personalize the Mini, you may select from a variety of high-quality upholstery options. The majority of the other surfaces are also expensive.
Every Mini Electric comes standard with dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and a unique heat-pump architecture that uses 75% less energy than a regular electric heater to warm the passenger interior. The addition of ambient inside lighting in six distinct hues gives a creative depth to the cabin.
The Mini Cooper SE has only 8.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, good for a pair of compact suitcases or bags but not much else. By folding down the second-row seats, you may gain up to 34 cubic feet of space.
Unless your back passengers are quite small, you should avoid using the compartment on a frequent basis. The back seats are quite tight, and getting in and out requires a significant stretch. However, there is enough head and legroom up front, and sight is excellent in all directions.
Infotainment
This Mini includes an easy-to-use touch-screen infotainment system that can also be controlled through a rotary knob on the center console. The latter delivers nice clicks, and both it and the touch screen are easily accessible to the driver.
The system works well in general, although the overall functionality and aesthetics are becoming antiquated. In addition, the Hardtop Electric lacks smartphone connectivity with Android Auto, and the touch screen might be difficult to read in direct sunlight.
- Standard infotainment features: an 8.8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, navigation, satellite radio, a six-speaker stereo, HD Radio and Bluetooth
- Additional standard features:proximity keyless entry and dual-zone automatic climate control
- Other available features:a 5.5-inch digital gauge cluster, a panoramic moonroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a universal garage door opener
Fuel Economy
The 2024 Mini Cooper SE gets 119 MPGe in the city, 100 MPGe on the highway, and 110 MPGe combined city/highway. When compared to all new electric vehicles on the market, these estimations are approximately average. Visit the EPA's website for additional information on the Mini Electric's fuel efficiency.
Safety
The Mini Electric does have driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, pedestrian identification, and rain-sensing windshield wipers and headlights. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites for additional information on crash test results. The following are important safety features:
- Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard features.
- Typical lane departure warning
- Parking assistance is available.
Warranty
In comparison to its competitors, Mini offers one of the finest warranty programs, and the firm also includes extensive free periodic maintenance.
- The limited warranty period is four years or 50,000 miles.
- The powertrain warranty is valid for four years or 50,000 miles.
- Electrical components are warranted for a period of eight years or 100,000 miles.
- Maintenance is included for three years, or 36,000 miles.
Competitive Cars
Mini Electric Hardtop vs. Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf isn't a very good electric vehicle, but it's a better choice than the Mini Electric for numerous reasons. The Leaf begins at about $28,000 and has a base range of 149 miles, while the Leaf SV Plus costs over $35,000 and has a range of 212 miles on a full charge. The Nissan features greater passenger and baggage capacity than the Mini, as well as a more calm ride. Both of these EVs have comparable handling, maneuverability, and acceleration ratings, and none has a very attractive infotainment system. The Mini's cabin may appear to be more premium, especially when compared to the Nissan. In any case, the Leaf offers more for a lower price.
Mini Electric Hardtop vs. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is far more expensive than the Mini Cooper SE, although it does offer models that range from $40,000 to $47,000 and have a range of 272 to 325 miles. The Model 3 offers strong acceleration, dynamic handling, and a futuristic interior with a nearly fully digital control panel. It also performs well in crash tests and boasts a slew of modern safety measures. This Tesla might be a nice option if you're seeking a lower-priced, premium electric automobile. The Cooper SE's starting price of $30,900 is essentially its single edge in this comparison.
