Big on flavour, huge fun to drive, and quite all things MINI. The MINI Cooper E brings about sweeping improvements, while creating “buzz”
Singapore – There is a saying that change is the only constant. And with electrification sweeping across product lines for all major automotive brands, MINI has embraced electrification, without much compromise on another constant – and that is keeping (well, most of) their cars, small like they should be.
The MINI Cooper E is in every sense the most recognisable MINI shape. The new 3-door EV takes over the torch from the MINI Cooper S Electric, the latter which was the British automaker’s first electric vehicle. But unlike the older MINI, which was based fully on the combustion 3-door, the new Cooper E is purpose-built. An interesting nugget of information here, is that the previous car did have a raised chassis, which was the only way it could accommodate the underfloor battery, hence its wheel arches never sat right with its wheels.
Also, quite interestingly, if you are in need of an extra two doors, the MINI 5-Door lives on as an ICE vehicle. The new MINI Aceman on the other hand, is an indirect electric equivalent, which by size, sits somewhat 60/40 between the 5-Door and the discontinued Clubman.
Like its predecessors, the electric 3-door remains faithful with the same design DNA. This includes wheels which are pushed-out to all corners, while elements like rounded headlamps, set upon equally-rounded fenders, flank a large grille area – very much like how classic Minis were. The pixelated tail lights, which do actually grow quickly on you, are a design evolution of the previous Union Jack-inspired units.
The interior, though, has become a little less car-like. What I find impressive is the bold use of materials, along with contrasting forms and textures… the frosted gold trim, and copious use of recycled fabric, all point to designers who dared to take a chance.
The MINI’s new circular OLED 9.4-inch round infotainment touchscreen, which has been implemented on all their new cars, is powered by the British brand’s new MINI Operating System 9. A treat for the eyes, MINI has amped-up the animations and sound effects. There are also new MINI Experience Mode, some of which toggle your drive modes, while others offer you a choice of display esthetics. I am glad that MINI has also now included a Voice Assistant, complete with an animated dog avatar, known as SPIKE… get the drift? The system’s ability to understand commands is compatible with those found in its BMW cousins. Another significant improvement is the inclusion of support for Android phones. I could never wrap my head around why the previous generation MINIs only had support for Apple devices. To solidify this, their optional wireless charging trays were made for “traditional”-sized iPhones. I would see the interior as one which is “very Gen Z”.
With 146hp (110kW) and 290Nm, the Cooper E qualifies as a Category A COE car, which is great, especially given today’s COE prices. But it is still heaps of fun to drive. With your foot down, it is just so easy to induce a little bit of tyre squeal and torque steer. While I would admit that I do prefer the linear characteristics of a combustion engine, the Cooper E’s immediate torque, made available from its front-mounted electric motor, is a different experience to be savoured.
Around corners, the MINI lives up to its Go Kart-like handling mantra, albeit with a little more “throw” caused by the weight of that underfloor battery. The drive is honestly entertaining, while its turn-in is near razor-sharp, and reminiscent of its ICE sibling. The steering though, could be more weighted, and have more feel.
In-all MINI has kept the Cooper E playful, like it should be.
Text & Photos: Clifford Chow
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Well-executed design | Steering needs more feel |
| Good infotainment with voice control | Infotainment can get confusing |
| A hoot to drive |
MINI Cooper E
| Drivetrain | Full Electric |
| Layout | Single Motor, Front-wheel Drive |
| Motor power / torque | 146hp / 290Nm |
| Battery capacity | 40.7kWh |
| Efficiency | 14.7kWh/100km |
| Electric Range | 305km |
| 0-100km/h | 8.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 160km/h |
| VES Band | A1 |
| Dealer | Eurokars Habitat |
| Price | S$199,888 with COE and VES |
| Verdict | Full of “pop”, fun to drive, electrified |
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