The reinvention of an icon: the new all-electric MINI Cooper

The fifth generation of the all-electric MINI Cooper is set to be unveiled at the IAA International Motor Show in Munich later this month.

For its fifth generation, MINI is taking a giant leap into the digital era and the brands all-electric future. Celebrating its rich heritage yet iconic design, the new MINI Cooper offers a major step forward in technology, while focusing on a driver centric interior cabin.

Interior

The interior of the vehicle features a ‘world’s first’ OLED display, powered by MINI Operating System 9, an in-house development by the BMW Group and is based on an Android Open Source Project (AOSP) software stack. The interface uses all-new static and dynamic graphical elements which blend naturally into the circular form of the OLED display.

The central OLED display has a diameter of 240mm, with the upper half of the screen controlling all vehicle functions, and these can be operated with either touch or voice control.

Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design, added: “Inspired by our history, we have developed our own new design language, defining our DNA. We call it ‘Charismatic Simplicity’. The idea behind it is a design that gives each new MINI model a strong, individual character and is characterized by a clear, reduced design language intuitively focused on the essentials of the brand.”

In line with focusing on reduction, the interior offers new contemporary colours, materials, and design features, for example a brand-new three-spoke steering wheel with textile strap in the six o’clock spoke. Newly developed, high-quality, and environment-friendly materials are also used across the dashboard and door panels, where knitted surfaces are made of recycled polyester and feature a two-tone design.

Three newly designed trims of Classic, Exclusive and Sport allow customers the choice in interior personalisation. In Classic trim, MINI uses a modern 2D knitted textile in the interior of a production vehicle for the first time. Black sports seats in a high-quality synthetic leather are offered with a distinctly patterned multitone textile to match a coloured textile band on the dashboard, while on the dashboard and door handles, a two-tone black knitted material is offered. Also available within this trim is a grey and black material featuring perforated houndstooth pattern, while the side contrasts in blue textile.

The Exclusive trim features a two-tone houndstooth pattern on the knitted-textile instrument panel and is available in two colours with traditional accent stitching and perforated Vescin sports seats. Customers choosing the Exclusive trim can also take the all-new Spray-Tech roof which features a blending of three different colours.

The Sport trim offers a performance focused interpretation of the new materials, combining multi-coloured knitted textile and black synthetic leather with red stitching. A distinct front and rear design with the vehicle grille and logo in high-gloss black is offered as standard, while a contrasting Chili Red roof and JCW-specific red or black bonnet stripes can be added optionally.

Performance

“With its electric drive and purist design, the new MINI Cooper is a perfect fit for an urban lifestyle. In the fifth generation of the MINI Cooper, we combine the traditional MINI DNA with innovative, future-oriented technology while enabling locally emission-free driving fun that is typical of MINI,” said Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI.

With a completely new powertrain, the new MINI Cooper Electric is available in two variants: E and SE. The Cooper E hosts a high-voltage battery with 40.7 kWh of capacity which provides up to 190 miles of electric range according to the WLTP test cycle. A 135 kW/184 hp electric motor generates a torque of 290 Nm and accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 62mph in 7.3 seconds.

With an output of 160 kW/218 hp, the Cooper SE sprints from 0 to 62mph in 6.7 seconds with a maximum torque of 330 Nm, with the calculated range increasing to a maximum of 250 miles thanks to a battery capacity of 54.2 kWh.

The MINI Cooper Electric has an increased track width and wheelbase, with a tuned suspension and damping system. Combined with powerful brakes, low centre of gravity, a strut brace and highly preloaded stabiliser mounts on the axles, the MINI Cooper offers precise steering and comfort.

Available in two output levels – E and SE – and three exceptionally well specified trim levels in the UK – Classic, Exclusive and Sport – the new MINI Cooper Electric is priced from £30,000 OTR, with first customer deliveries taking place in spring 2024.