Zippity-Do-Dah: An Electric Take on the Mini Cooper SE - TÜV's Top Pick for Efficiency and Fun!
Top-tier evaluation bestowed upon Britain's battery-powered Mini Cooper SE
At first glance, you wouldn't suspect that the compact and classy Mini Cooper SE is an electric vehicle. Surprisingly, this British roadster has breezed through its TÜV inspection with flying colors, maintaining its legendary go-kart feel while adding a modern zip to its traditional charm.
The Mini Cooper SE's core agility and direct handling make it one of the most enjoyable cars to drive. As electric vehicles typically excel in acceleration, this electrification makes perfect sense. Despite some nitpicking, the harmonious blend of historic charm and modern power hasn't been disrupted during the TÜV inspection.
Motoring History
Though Mini conducted fleet trials with an electric Mini years ago, the production vehicle made its debut at the IAA 2019. The Cooper SE, which looks quite like its gasoline counterpart, was offered for sale in Spring 2020 at a starting price of 32,500 euros.
BMW's hip subsidiary unveiled a refreshed version of the 2021 model, featuring a smoothed front, matrix high-beam with rainy weather light as an alternative to fog lights, and a new name for the 2024 model generation—the Mini Cooper Electric.
Body & Variants
Unlike the conventional Mini, which is available as a five-seater, the electric Mini is a sleek three-seater. After launching a limited-edition open-top Mini SE that garnered positive feedback, the automaker introduced a convertible version in Spring 2023, limited to 999 units.
Dimensions
- for the hardtop Mini Cooper SE
- for the Convertible Mini Cooper SE
- Trunk volume: 211 liters to 731 liters in the hardtop Mini Cooper SE
- Trunk volume: 215 liters for the Convertible Mini Cooper SE
Strengths
In the eyes of the TÜV, the Mini exhibits no weaknesses worth mentioning: its suspension remains unremarkable, as do the axles, springs, dampers, and brakes. The suspension seems to be a strong point for the Mini Cooper SE, as no oil loss or issues have been identified during TÜV inspections.
Used Cars
Picky observers might take issue with occasional dip beam and front lighting defects in some Mini Cooper SE models, but overall, the TÜV report deems the Cooper SE as robust and dependable. The charging capacity has been considered "slightly outdated" in comparison to newer electric vehicles due to its 50kW maximum charging power.
Breakdown Behavior
Despite the low number of Mini Cooper SE registrations, electric vehicles generally have fewer breakdowns than conventional cars, based on ADAC figures for the 2020 model year. The records indicate that electric vehicles have 1.9 fewer breakdowns per 1,000 registered vehicles compared to combustion engines.
Engine & Battery
- Electric synchronous motor with front-wheel drive, inherited from the BMW i3, offers a power output of 135 kW/184 PS.
- The net battery capacity is 28.9 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- A standard 11 kW charger requires 2.5 hours to fully charge an empty battery, while a 50 kW charger can achieve 80% charge in approximately 35 minutes.
Dealer's Selling Price
- Cooper SE Classic Trim (6/2021); 135 kW/184 PS; 47,000 kilometers; €15,733
- Cabrio Cooper SE (6/2023); 135 kW/184 PS; 24,000 kilometers; €39,216
- Cooper SE Trim XL (6/2020); 135 kW/184 PS; 58,000 kilometers; €16,356
Sources: ntv.de, Stefan Weißenborn, dpa
Used Cars
Mini
TÜV
Electric Vehicles
Electromobility
- The Mini Cooper SE, an electric vehicle that seamlessly blends energy policy and automotive technology, has been praised by TÜV for its efficiency and enjoyable driving experience.
- The industry and finance sectors have taken notice of the mini cooper SE's success, with its popularity potentially impacting future energy policy and the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
- As the majority of electric vehicles excel in energy efficiency, transport infrastructure and urban planning may need to adapt to accommodate more electric cars and charging stations, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle choices and public policy.
- In the years to come, advancements in battery technology and automotive design might further promote the shift towards electric vehicles, leading to a transformation in the automotive industry and our everyday lives.
