The new all-electric MINI Cooper SE has more stamina than its predecessor and is a better sprinter. It’s available in a swanky JCW trim too.
With 160 kW and 330 Nm of maximum torque, the all-new MINI Cooper SE has the ability to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. This compares favourably to the current model’s time of 7.3 seconds.
More importantly, the high-voltage battery of the MINI Cooper SE, with an energy content of 54.2 kWh, enables a range of up to 402 kilometres as determined in the WLTP test cycle. This suggests a real-world range of 360 km, which is a great improvement over the retiring model’s quoted 217 km from its 32.6 kWh battery.
Those who want their MINI to have a particularly sporty look can order it in John Cooper Works Trim. This styling pack emphasises the brand’s motorsport successes – achieved through numerous racing achievements, including three victories at the Monte Carlo Rally in the 1960s.
“The all-electric MINI Cooper SE in the new John Cooper Works Trim combines a passion for iconic design, legendary performance and sustainable mobility. It is the epitome of efficiency and driving pleasure,” says Stefanie Wurst, head of the MINI brand.
Design with a motorsport look
The new John Cooper Works logo, characterised by clear outlines, stands out particularly well with its traditional red, white and black colour scheme and the symbolised chequered flag on the octagonal front grille, a media release from the brand says.
“The powerful appearance of the MINI Cooper SE in JCW Trim is achieved through, among other things, 18-inch wheels in a ten-spoke, two-tone design and red JCW brake callipers. Bonnet stripes emphasise the sporty character,” it adds.
The JCW Trim also includes diffusers at the front and rear. The radiator grille surround and logo are finished in high-gloss black. Visual highlights include the contrasting roof and red mirror caps.
The MINI LED headlights have individual light signatures. With the selected JCW signature, the front lights only show two horizontal stripes as daytime running lights. This reinforces the minimalist design of the new MINI Cooper SE, the brand says. The graphics of the matrix rear lights underline the width of the rear of the vehicle.
Racing-inspired interior
The JCW seats combine synthetic leather with red stitching and multi-coloured knitted material in the shoulder section. The black and red colour concept icontinues on the interior of the door and the dashboard. The passenger side of the dash is adorned with the JCW-specific pattern in the style of a chequered flag.
The central, high-resolution OLED display, with a diameter of 240 mm, bundles vehicle-related data and provides information on navigation, media, telephone and climate settings. With the MINI Experience Modes, it offers new possibilities for individualisation. These include the John Cooper Works-inspired GO-KART Mode, which colours the display and interior lighting anthracite red. In addition to the special GO-KART sound, the optimised response of the accelerator pedal in this mode enhances the sporty driving experience.
New assistance systems
With 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround cameras, Parking Assistant Plus simplifies parking and identifies available parking spaces. The advanced EXPLORE Mode offers a unique solution for this vehicle segment: it allows parking via smartphone without the driver having to sit in the MINI. This is helpful when lateral parking space is tight.
Fast charging with direct current (DC) is possible up to 95 kW. This means the battery can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes at a quick-charging station that delivers 95 kW or more. The high-voltage battery is charged with 11 kW when using alternating current (AC).
Efficient charging
With navigation activated, the high-voltage battery is prepared to the ideal temperature for efficient charging depending on the ambient temperature. The advantage: a significantly shorter charging time, especially in cold weather conditions.
The all-new MINI Hatch range will be available in South Africa from the second quarter of 2024. Prices are still unknown, but they should be in line with the retirees’ purchase amounts, which are R783 500 for the Cooper SE Hatch 3-door and R815 200 for the Cooper SE Hatch 3-door Resolute Edition. For perspective, the new Volvo EX30 Core Single Motor compact cross-over can be ordered for R775 900.
