It was only a couple of weeks ago when David Brown Automotive (DBA) launched the Mini eMastered, and now the company has announced that the first unit was shipped to its rightful owner, none other than Simon Cowell.
The TV star's Mini eMastered actually started life in 2019 when he ordered it in the Remastered configuration from DBA. This means that instead of a battery-electric powertrain, it had a gasoline engine to set it in motion.
But Cowell wanted something more suitable with the modern era, so he had David Brown Automotive turn his Mini Remastered into the eMastered. Thus, the car now features a small electric motor making 97 hp (98 ps/72 kW) and 129 lb-ft (175 Nm) of torque.
The company says the 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) is an 8.5-second affair, and it can top out at 92 mph or 148 kph in Sports mode, which is its electronically-limited top speed.
Feeding electrons to the motor is an 18.8 kWh battery pack that enables a driving range of 110 miles (177 km) in the city on the WLTP cycle. DBA says it supports AC charging at 6.6 kW, stating that it needs three hours to be charged at a home wall box.
Photo: David Brown Automotive
"I have to say, of all cars I've ever had in my life, this is my favorite; this is a keeper," Cowell said. "When I went to the factory, you could tell that every single person had really given their heart and soul into this; there's so much passion behind it… you know this car has character."
In addition to sporting battery-electric power, the Mini eMastered gets additional modern accouterment, such as an infotainment system that comes with smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Screen mirroring is possible, and it also has Bluetooth connectivity.
Handcrafted by David Brown Automotive in Silverstone, England, using the original Mini as a blank canvas, the eMastered can be configured to each individual's preference. And if you thought that it costs pennies on the dollar, then you are in for a very big surprise because DBA's Mini eMastered is one expensive small toy.
According to the British marque, it starts at £125,000, equaling $150,950 at the current exchange rates. The pricing excludes the local taxes, duties, and registration fees. Mind you, that's more than a brand-new Tesla Model S Plaid, and for a similar amount, you could also get a fresh-off-the-lot Mercedes-Benz S-Class with many options.
That kind of money could also get you a new and well-equipped Chevrolet Corvette Z06 in the United States or a Corvette E-Ray with its electrified powertrain and all-wheel drive. So, if you had that much money lying around, would you blow it on DBA's Mini eMastered?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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