Overnight at the 2024 IAA Munich motor show, Mini unveiled its new-generation Mini Cooper hatchback, and the electric model promises to be a step up from its short-range predecessor.
Two variants of the new electric Mini hatch will be available from launch – a Cooper E and a higher-performance Cooper SE – both of which see a significant improvement in driving range.
A variation on a theme: the new Mini Cooper SE
Now boasting a 40.7kWh battery pack and a 135kW/290Nm front-mounted electric motor, the entry-level Mini Cooper E hatch claims up to 305km range (WLTP).
This is 50 percent more range than the outgoing Cooper SE’s short 203km range, which was somewhat hampered by its small – albeit light – 28.9kWh battery pack.
New Cooper SE doubles old model’s range
But if more range is what you’re after, the Cooper SE will help to cure range anxiety, doubling driving range up to 402km (WLTP) thanks to an larger 54.2kWh battery pack.
The Cooper SE is the more powerful of the two variants, producing 160kW/330Nm from its single front motor.
The new Cooper SE (right) has double the range of the previous-generation car (left)
The new electric Mini is set to compete with the likes of other semi-premium electric hatches, including the Cupra Born and the forthcoming Fiat 500e.
The new-generation Mini Cooper E and SE are likely to go on sale in Australia sometime during 2024.
More tech, new cabin and fresh design debut for 2024
At the front end, the Mini Cooper E looks a little different to before, but it still clearly resembles Sir Alec Issigonis’s original Mini hatchback design.
A new headlight design features, while on the side of the car, there are new alloy wheel designs.
A more minimal interior for the new Cooper
At the rear of the hatch, a cleaner taillight graphic has replaced the facelifted previous generation’s Union Jack signature.
Inside, the feature piece is a large OLED screen which measures 9.4 inches in diameter. This centre screen serves as the command unit for the Mini and integrates climate controls.
Some hard keys remain, while the circular screen has customisable themes
Another significant change inside the Mini is the removal of the driver’s instrument cluster – much like a Tesla, this is now integrated into the core central screen, though a heads-up display is available.
A new knitted and weaved interior trim also makes its debut, which Mini says has reduced the emissions associated with plastic-based dashboards and trim pieces.
