The fourth generation of the Mini Cooper made its first appearance last year in its most powerful SE guise with a full-spec configuration. Now, Mini shows us the cheaper and less powerful Cooper E in the entry-level Classic trim that highlights the minimalist nature of its design.
Starting with the technical specifications, the Mini Cooper E is powered by a front-mounted electric motor producing 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 214 lb-ft (290 Nm) of torque. This is down 34 hp (25 kW / 34 PS) and 29 lb-ft (40 Nm) compared to the Cooper SE. Still, it is good enough to propel the EV from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.3 seconds.
The battery pack is also smaller, with a capacity of 40.7 kWh (instead of 54.2 kWh) offering a WLTP range of 190 miles (305 km) between charges. The Cooper E has a slightly slower charging rate than the SE, but its smaller battery pack can still go from 10 to 80 percent in 28 minutes of charging from a 75 kW DC outlet.
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A visit to the official configuration in the UK shows that the entry-level Mini Cooper E Classic looks a bit different from the one that appears in the press shots. The starting price of the EV is £30,000 ($37,715), but the vivid Sunny Side Yellow paint adds £550 ($694), while another £550 ($694) is needed for the 17-inch wheels. Thankfully, the stylish white finish on the roof and mirror caps is a no-cost option, as with the black.
The pictured example also appears to come equipped with the optional “Level 2” package that includes amenities like the adaptive LED headlights, a wireless charging pad, a head-up display, and the Active Cruise Control system, adding another £4,000 ($5,043) to the price. Inside, the Vescin synthetic leather upholstery with the “perforated houndstooth pattern” is included in the standard kit, as with the 9.44-inch circular OLED touchscreen display which runs on the new Mini Operating System 9.
As a reminder, the fully electric Mini Cooper E and SE are joined by the ICE-powered Mini Cooper and Cooper S models that march on after yet another facelift. The update brought them closer to their EV-only counterparts in terms of styling and technology, although they are based on different underpinnings.
