Photo: MINI
"Electrical, efficient, emotional." That's how MINI describes the all-new base Cooper E version - but that doesn't necessarily mean it will be cheap or severely underpowered. The range, however,…
Back in September 2023, MINI introduced the fourth generation of the modern hatchback model that's been the epitome of fun city driving since 1959. However, as a testament to its commitment to the changing times, the BMW-owned British brand started the journey with the all-electric model in the punchier MINI Cooper SE guise with a 215 hp (160 kW) motor powered by a 54.2 kWh battery.
Then, in February 2024, the company chose to bedazzle us a little bit and announced the 'new' MINI Cooper and Cooper S with gasoline engines – the direct spiritual successors to the original Mini from 65 years ago. These technically also belong to the fourth iteration of the modern hatchback, but they're heavily based on the current generation and only feature a revised styling and features to mirror the all-electric versions.
Still, a lot of folks might find them more attractive – especially in terms of pricing, as the Cooper S is also very close to the Cooper SE in terms of power, with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill producing 201 horsepower. Also, it comes with a base MSRP of $32,200 plus $995 destination and handling in America, whereas the all-electric Cooper SE will probably cost more than that.
Anyway, MINI also announced the lesser Cooper E with less power (181 hp) and a smaller battery pack (40.7 kWh, range is down to 305 km/190 miles WLTP) but, of course, chose to focus mainly on the high-end Cooper SE at the time. Now, though, it's time for the base option to shine – the MINI Cooper E Classic. Offered as the entry-level city dweller with a small turning circle, efficient electric drive, and fun driving dynamics, it also has the lowest starting price of £30,000.
That's one way of putting it – the quotation translates to almost $38k at the current exchange rate, and it's nowhere near low if you ask us. Alas, the Cooper E Classic is cheaper than the other trims, as well as the Cooper SE. It can be had with the optional Sunny Side Yellow, with a contrasting roof and mirror caps in white, as shown in the gallery, but that's another £550 ($690), and we thought the main interest here was keeping the price as low as possible.
If you take a swing around the UK configurator, the dual-tone paintjob is also available free of charge, albeit in Melting Silver III with a Jet Black roof, which is quite dull, indeed. Additionally, you can also opt for either a Vescin/cloth combination in grey plus blue or black and blue without paying extra. Everything else, like the Level 1 and Level 2 packs or other colors, the extra pair of 17-inch alloy wheels, and the home charging solutions, cost a pretty buck.
Then, in February 2024, the company chose to bedazzle us a little bit and announced the 'new' MINI Cooper and Cooper S with gasoline engines – the direct spiritual successors to the original Mini from 65 years ago. These technically also belong to the fourth iteration of the modern hatchback, but they're heavily based on the current generation and only feature a revised styling and features to mirror the all-electric versions.
Still, a lot of folks might find them more attractive – especially in terms of pricing, as the Cooper S is also very close to the Cooper SE in terms of power, with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill producing 201 horsepower. Also, it comes with a base MSRP of $32,200 plus $995 destination and handling in America, whereas the all-electric Cooper SE will probably cost more than that.
Anyway, MINI also announced the lesser Cooper E with less power (181 hp) and a smaller battery pack (40.7 kWh, range is down to 305 km/190 miles WLTP) but, of course, chose to focus mainly on the high-end Cooper SE at the time. Now, though, it's time for the base option to shine – the MINI Cooper E Classic. Offered as the entry-level city dweller with a small turning circle, efficient electric drive, and fun driving dynamics, it also has the lowest starting price of £30,000.
That's one way of putting it – the quotation translates to almost $38k at the current exchange rate, and it's nowhere near low if you ask us. Alas, the Cooper E Classic is cheaper than the other trims, as well as the Cooper SE. It can be had with the optional Sunny Side Yellow, with a contrasting roof and mirror caps in white, as shown in the gallery, but that's another £550 ($690), and we thought the main interest here was keeping the price as low as possible.
If you take a swing around the UK configurator, the dual-tone paintjob is also available free of charge, albeit in Melting Silver III with a Jet Black roof, which is quite dull, indeed. Additionally, you can also opt for either a Vescin/cloth combination in grey plus blue or black and blue without paying extra. Everything else, like the Level 1 and Level 2 packs or other colors, the extra pair of 17-inch alloy wheels, and the home charging solutions, cost a pretty buck.
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