We’ve been waiting a while but now they’re here, the new lineup of electrified Mini models with the Mini Cooper Electric and the Countryman E. They’ve still got that recognisable Mini look, now with some added cuts, lines and lights that rack it up a notch. As a throwback Mini has added a Go-Kart mode, to adjust the agility and stability of the chassis setup and keeping up with its eco credentials, they’ve also added a ‘Green mode’ maximising range and increasing regenerative braking power.
Prices in Ireland will start at €49,175 for the Countryman e, next will be the Exclusive at €52,245, then €53,725 for the Sport and €68,485 for the range topping JCW Countryman.
Charging will happen via 75 kW’s of direct current on the Cooper E and 95 kW on the Cooper SE making the standard 10% to 80% charge happen in around 30 minutes. There will be a combustion engine version but it uses the old platform from the previous version Mini. And the good news is they will continue to produce the very quick John Cooper Works tuned engines.
The Countryman E builds 204 hp with 184 lb-ft of torque, as well as an estimated range of 460 kms of (WLTP). With 313 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque sent through all four wheels, the top-end electric Countryman has a bigger battery and gets over 400 kms of range.
Just like the Cooper, the Countryman (with 460 litres of boot space) is stretched and widened in this latest version. Mini has made it even easier to manoeuvre with a ratio of 55 mm of rack travel per turn of the steering wheel. Charging happens at 22 kW, but fast charger speeds are set at 130 kW for both models. This means a charge time from 10-80% can be done in around 30-minutes.
The new Cooper has a trio of trims in Cooper E, Cooper S and SE. Slower than the current Mini Cooper SE, the Cooper E focuses on affordability, with a 40.7-kWh battery providing 184 hp, 214 lb-ft of torque, and a claimed 320 kms of range.
The new Cooper SE has even more impressive statistics. Powered by a 54.2-kWh battery, the Cooper SE boasts 218 hp, 243 lb-ft of torque, and 400 kms of range. Inside the cabin the infotainment runs off the same new MINI Operating System 9. Operated through a circular screen in the middle of the dash which will house the majority of the cabins functionality.