MINI is on the verge of unveiling the all-new Cooper E (Electric) and Cooper SE, providing us with more information and teaser shots of camouflaged – or completely uncovered – prototypes. The company officially confirmed the power outputs and range figures of the fully electric variants of the three-door hatchback, representing a healthy boost compared to its predecessor.
The new entry-level MINI Cooper E produces 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS), which matches the output of the outgoing SE. However, the new MINI Cooper SE makes 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS), which will result in improved performance. It is also rumored that a more powerful and fully electric JCW trim will follow in the future although MINI made no mention of it in the press release.
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MINI engineers also improved the zero-emission range figures. The floor-mounted lithium-ion high-voltage battery has a capacity of 40.7 kWh in the Cooper E and 54.2 kWh in the Cooper SE, allowing a predicted range anywhere between 300-400 km (186-249 miles). The outgoing model could only travel up to 235 km (144 miles) thanks to a 32.6 kWh battery.
Note that besides the aforementioned fully electric variants, the model will also come in ICE-powered flavors. In terms of driving dynamics, the fifth generation of the MINI Cooper will continue the legacy of its predecessors, offering the signature “go-kart feeling” with an emphasis on stability, agility, and weight distribution benefiting from the “development expertise within the BMW Group“.
While the latest press release included a massive gallery of camouflaged prototypes, we have already seen photos of the exterior and interior of the new generation. The three-door hatchback adopts an evolutionary approach in terms of styling and proportions, retaining the oval headlights, the short overhangs, and the black pillars.
The cabin will have four seats and a luggage compartment that can be expanded. We also expect the model to incorporate the brand’s new personal assistant which is called Spike, residing in the larger and thinner round infotainment screen.
MINI says that the current Cooper SE saw a 25.5% increase in sales volume in 2022 (over 43,000 units) becoming its most popular model despite the fact it is due for a replacement. This creates high expectations for the next generation that will be improved in all areas.
The new MINI Cooper E and SE will be manufactured in Leipzig, Germany, alongside the next generation of the MINI Countryman. Production will commence in November 2023. The automaker is also working on another electric offering, the MINI Aceman crossover which is due in 2024.
