2024 Mini Cooper SE Electric: Compact, Charming, City Cruiser
The 2024 Mini Cooper SE Electric is an interesting small EV that could be an excellent choice for city driving needs. Let’s see what this styling EV brings to the table.
Its difficult to put the Mini Cooper in any category. It could be a premium subcompact car, it might be an extremely tiny SUV, or it might be one of the last remaining hatchbacks in the market. Regardless of what this little car brings to the table, it is a stylish, fun, and active vehicle. The SE model comes as an EV, which makes it even more intriguing and charming.
What powers the electric Cooper?
This small and unique EV could be the darling of the town. Many people might turn and look as you drive on by. The SE Electric is great for city driving but not so great on the highway. Its driving range is limited to only 114 miles on a single charge. This driving range comes from a 135-kW electric motor that gives this little vehicle 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. A full recharge when using a DC fast charger takes about 90 minutes, and an at-home 240-volt battery pack does the job in 4.75 hours.
What does the Cooper EV include?
The Mini Cooper SE Electric has a few unique features that are ideal for this electric vehicle. It has a unique set of 16-inch wheels and a heat pump to handle the heating system. Otherwise this model uses the same trim ladder as the other Cooper models. This electric Mini has a two-door configuration, which makes it highly recognizable.
Here’s what you’ll find at each trim of this electric Mini Cooper:
Classic Trim
- Run-flat tires
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Automatic on/off LED headlights with cornering lights
- Heated power side mirrors
- Heated washer jets
- Carbon-black leatherette upholstery
- Height-adjustable manual front seats
- Cruise control
- Power windows and door locks
- Manual air conditioning
- Leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- Digital instrument cluster
- 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 6-speaker audio system
- Bluetooth connectivity
- SiriusXM satellite radio
- Apple CarPlay
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Rearview monitor
- Rear parking sensors
- Tire pressure monitor
The Classic trim options include three colors, performance summer tires, and heated front seats.
Signature Trim
- Additional exterior colors, including roof and mirror colors
- Power-folding mirrors
- Proximity key fob
- Keyless entry
- Panoramic moonroof
- Dual-zone automatic climate controls
- Heated front seats
- Navigation system
If you choose the Signature trim, you can delete the panoramic moonroof and the navigation system if you desire. Options for this trim include:
- Heated steering wheel
- Alarm system
- Cloth and leatherette upholstery
- Roof rails
- Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel
Iconic Trim
- Additional paint and roof choices
- Nappa leather steering wheel
- Head-up display
- Wireless charging pad
- Premium leather upholstery
Check out the Union Jack taillights
The Union Jack is the national flag of the United Kingdom, bringing elements of the English, Scottish, and Welsh flags together in a unified manner. The Mini Cooper SE Electric has a set of taillights that utilize this design with LED lights and interesting uses of the stripes. The diagonal part of the lights is the regular taillight, while the horizontal part acts as the turn signal. This leaves the vertical part to be the brake light, offering a unique way to signal other drivers and pay homage to the UK.
Can an FWD car be fun to drive?
The Mini Cooper, in any of its forms, is supposed to be a fun and active car. This impressive machine is only offered with FWD, but that doesn’t make it less fun. The quick acceleration of the electric powertrain in the SE Electric model makes it easy to take this car out for a spin around town. You’re sure to enjoy the peppiness and quick steering responses when behind the wheel.
No Android Auto… bummer
The Mini Cooper SE Electric is certainly behind the times. This car doesn’t offer standard phone integration, which is odd. In fact, Android Auto is not available for this little car at all. That could be the BMW influence at work. Apple CarPlay is part of the mix, and Android users will have to connect via Bluetooth when driving this small electric car.
The electric Mini Cooper could be a good choice for drivers who don’t mind sticking to city streets. It has a low driving range and doesn’t provide connectivity for Android users. Still, this little car has the style you admire that makes it recognizable as part of the Mini Cooper family. Will you choose the Mini Cooper SE Electric?