Following numerous spy appearances of its upcoming models, MINI revealed more information about the fully electric three-door hatchback that is coming in 2024 bearing the Cooper moniker. The EV will be sold alongside its ICE-powered counterpart, although the models are expected to sit on different platforms.
We already knew that the new MINI will ride on an EV-dedicated architecture developed by Spotlight Automotive, which is a joint venture between Great Wall Motors and the BMW Group. As reported by Autocar, a single electric motor will produce 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) in standard form, and 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) in the more powerful SE, while an even more powerful JWC hot hatch is rumored for the future.
The batteries will have different capacities with 40 kWh and 54 kWh respectively, allowing an electric range of at least 240 miles (386 km). The aforementioned specs represent an improvement compared to the outgoing MINI Cooper SE which makes 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and has a range of 144 miles (235 km) from a 32.6 kWh battery.
Read: Mini Gearing Up To Start Building Electric Countryman In Germany
We have already gotten an idea of the exterior design of the MINI Cooper EV thanks to a set of leaked photos from December 2021, and the spy shots of camouflaged prototypes that followed. The model continues the evolutionary styling approach of its predecessors, retaining the compact footprint and the three-door bodystyle. Compared to the outgoing model it gets enlarged oval-shaped headlights, wider tracks, a slightly longer wheelbase, and shorter overhangs.
Inside, the new MINI will benefit from a larger free-standing round-shaped OLED touchscreen mounted on the center of the dashboard. While the infotainment screen will integrate most functions, it will be joined by physical controls on the center console and steering wheel, with a traditional ignition key rumored for both the EV and ICE-powered models. The new Cooper EV will likely replace the conventional digital instrument cluster of the current generation with a more modern head-up display, enhancing the minimal approach of the interior. Expect animal-free and sustainable options for the upholstery, something that will expand to the entire MINI lineup.
While it was initially thought that the new MINI Cooper EV will be produced in Jiangsu, China, a new report from Car Magazine suggests that production could move to Oxford, UK, next to the ICE-powered models. This has not been officially confirmed yet but a public announcement by the BMW Group is said to be imminent.
Interestingly, while the next-gen ICE-powered MINI will be based on an evolution of the current model’s FAAR architecture having no mechanical connection to the EV, UK media report that they will feature identical bodyshells, being visually distinguished only by the presence of a tailpipe. If this is true, then the camouflaged prototypes seen in our spy stories over the last two years were fitted with provisional bodyworks shared with their predecessors.
Stefanie Wurst, MINI CEO, revealed that the new Cooper EV will be priced above £30,000 ($35,500). The new model will debut on May 2024, ahead of its ICE-powered counterpart which will follow in July 2024. The small hatchbacks are not the only new models from MINI that are currently under development, as the next-gen Countryman SUV is scheduled for a February 2024 debut, and the EV-only Aceman will launch in 2025.
