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Entering its fifth generation with a first, the purely electric 3-door MINI Cooper now has digital experiences, modern assistance systems and a pure electric powertrain. BMW is hoping it remains a MINI in buyer’s minds, while at the same time marking the brand’s all-electric future. This transformation starting now will make MINI an all-electric brand by 2030. (AutoInformed: Mini Countryman Grows Larger, Adds Plug-in Hybrid)
“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.
The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor of the MINI Cooper E generates a torque of 290 Nm, accelerating the vehicle from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, it’s claimed. With an output of 160 kW/218 hp, the MINI Cooper SE is quicker at 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds with a maximum torque of 330 Nm. The range determined according to the WLTP test cycle is up to 305 kilometers for the MINI Cooper E based on the high-voltage battery with 40.7 kWh of capacity. In the MINI Cooper SE, the calculated range increases to a maximum of 402 kilometers due to a battery capacity of 54.2 kWh. (Specified technical data are preliminary and perhaps optimistic)
Driving Dynamics (on paper or screen)
A slightly increased track width and wheelbase provide the basis for excellent driving dynamics MINI claims. The vehicle is fitted with a suspension and damping system that is tuned for” spirited handling. Combined with the precise steering feel typical of MINI, powerful brakes and a low center of gravity thanks to the high-voltage battery installed in the floor, the new MINI Cooper enhances day-to-day convenience. With highly preloaded stabilizer mounts on the axles, the driver experiences a significantly improved body response during dynamic cornering as well as a valuable gain in steering precision and accuracy. The result is excellent body support combined with smooth rolling comfort. The MINI Cooper is also equipped with a strut brace for an even sportier driving experience.”
The MINI Cooper has in theory improved driving dynamic performance and comfort. In addition, the tire width of the optionally available 17-inch and 18-inch rims is increased by 10/20 mm to 205/225 mm to emphasize what BMW says is “the typical MINI go-kart feeling. Available rim sizes range from 16- to 18-inch.The precise set-up of steering and all driving stability control systems, to ensure both comfortable and sporty driving, guarantees an exceptional experience in all driving situations.”
Four Trim Levels
The Electric MINI Cooper is available in four different trims. The Essential Trim presents maximum clarity and a reduced overall appearance, highlighting certain functional parts such as the logo in the new color Vibrant Silver. The new range of external paint finishes underlines the modernity of the new MINI icon and sets positive accentuations with bright tones such as Sunny Side Yellow.
While the Classic Trim primarily applies to the interior, the Favored Trim features particularly expressive details on the exterior. This trim variant offers the new, optional Spray-Tech design of the characteristic Multitone Roof with a combination of three different colors as well as a front grille in Vibrant Silver.
The John Cooper Works Trim lends maximum emphasis to the sporty flair of the all-electric MINI Cooper with a distinctive front and rear design. The frame of the front grille and the logo in high-gloss black underline the powerful overall look, while a contrasting roof in Chili Red – inspired by motor sport – and JCW-specific bonnet stripes in red or black optionally lend visual emphasis to the driving dynamics typical of MINI.
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On the inside, the design of the front area echoes the famous minimalist design of the classic Mini. For the first model in 1959, Mini inventor Alec Issigonis designed an interior with a round instrument cluster in the center and the characteristic toggle bar below. In the new MINI Cooper, it is precisely these two elements, in combination with the steering wheel, that structure the interior with its maximum purist design. Reducing everything to the essentials, the new interior makes do with a smaller number of components that are cleverly designed and implemented to a high standard. Behind the steering wheel, the optional head-up display ensures that all the relevant content appears in the driver’s field of vision. As a result, the dashboard on the driver’s side does not require an additional display, so it opens up the view to the front.
The amply sized, curved dashboard features textile surfaces for the first time. Warm, pleasant materials characterize the new, homely feel-good atmosphere in the interior of the MINI Cooper. A specially developed knitting process is used to create the versatile, easy-care structure of the textile in two-color design made of recycled polyester. There is a choice of different colors for the textile surfaces and seats depending on the trim design. To make the dashboard as slim and spacious as possible, the air vents are very flat.
The clear lines and generous space in the front seats give the interior a modern, airy feel, while the optional panoramic glass roof makes the interior particularly bright and friendly. In the dark, the side lighting is based on ambient light, thereby contributing to a distinctive interior atmosphere. The seats are available in a basic version and in a JCW version, with side panels that are laminated with high-quality textile covering the adjustment buttons. The armrest, mounted on the driver’s seat, provides even more space in the center console. The rear of the vehicle offers maximum reduction and comfort, while the loading accessories can be conveniently stowed in an additional underfloor storage facility in the luggage compartment. By folding down the rear seat in a 60:40 ratio, the luggage compartment can be flexibly expanded from 200 liters to provide a volume of up to 800 liters.
Marketing Babble
The so-called MINI Experience Modes – Core, Green and Go-Kart – each with their specific user interface design, are available as standard, with up to four additional modes available with the MINI Experience Modes optional equipment. The optional MINI projector on the back of the OLED display immerses the dashboard in matching color schemes and patterns. The interplay of projection, ambient lighting and the MINI Interaction Unit “results in a unique, immersive experience that extends into the door panels.”
“This immersive user experience makes the interior even more expressive based on new solutions, thereby giving rise to entirely new individualization options in the new MINI Cooper. In Personal Mode, for example, an individually selected image can be set as the display background via the MINI App. The dominant colors of the image then extend across the textile dashboard surfaces by means of a digital color picker. The ambient lighting under the dashboard and in the door mirror is also color-coded to match these projections.
“Each mode has specially designed backgrounds that convey a vibrant and high-quality effect by means of subtle movements while remaining as distraction-free as possible. When one of the seven modes is selected, the display focuses on a relevant “Mode App.” In Go-Kart Mode there is a highly dynamic focus on MINI’s racing DNA, for example. The display and the interior as a whole feature the colors anthracite and red, while specific analogue displays for driving dynamics complement this MINI Experience Mode inspired by John Cooper Works. Vivid Mode draws on the colors of the album cover for the ambient lighting. Core Mode, Green Mode, Timeless Mode, Balance Mode and Personal Mode are also available for selection according to mood and personal needs,” BMW said.
Gen 5 Three-Door MINI Cooper is Electric
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Entering its fifth generation with a first, the purely electric 3-door MINI Cooper now has digital experiences, modern assistance systems and a pure electric powertrain. BMW is hoping it remains a MINI in buyer’s minds, while at the same time marking the brand’s all-electric future. This transformation starting now will make MINI an all-electric brand by 2030. (AutoInformed: Mini Countryman Grows Larger, Adds Plug-in Hybrid)
“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.
The 135 kW/184 hp electric motor of the MINI Cooper E generates a torque of 290 Nm, accelerating the vehicle from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, it’s claimed. With an output of 160 kW/218 hp, the MINI Cooper SE is quicker at 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds with a maximum torque of 330 Nm. The range determined according to the WLTP test cycle is up to 305 kilometers for the MINI Cooper E based on the high-voltage battery with 40.7 kWh of capacity. In the MINI Cooper SE, the calculated range increases to a maximum of 402 kilometers due to a battery capacity of 54.2 kWh. (Specified technical data are preliminary and perhaps optimistic)
Driving Dynamics (on paper or screen)
A slightly increased track width and wheelbase provide the basis for excellent driving dynamics MINI claims. The vehicle is fitted with a suspension and damping system that is tuned for” spirited handling. Combined with the precise steering feel typical of MINI, powerful brakes and a low center of gravity thanks to the high-voltage battery installed in the floor, the new MINI Cooper enhances day-to-day convenience. With highly preloaded stabilizer mounts on the axles, the driver experiences a significantly improved body response during dynamic cornering as well as a valuable gain in steering precision and accuracy. The result is excellent body support combined with smooth rolling comfort. The MINI Cooper is also equipped with a strut brace for an even sportier driving experience.”
The MINI Cooper has in theory improved driving dynamic performance and comfort. In addition, the tire width of the optionally available 17-inch and 18-inch rims is increased by 10/20 mm to 205/225 mm to emphasize what BMW says is “the typical MINI go-kart feeling. Available rim sizes range from 16- to 18-inch.The precise set-up of steering and all driving stability control systems, to ensure both comfortable and sporty driving, guarantees an exceptional experience in all driving situations.”
Four Trim Levels
The Electric MINI Cooper is available in four different trims. The Essential Trim presents maximum clarity and a reduced overall appearance, highlighting certain functional parts such as the logo in the new color Vibrant Silver. The new range of external paint finishes underlines the modernity of the new MINI icon and sets positive accentuations with bright tones such as Sunny Side Yellow.
While the Classic Trim primarily applies to the interior, the Favored Trim features particularly expressive details on the exterior. This trim variant offers the new, optional Spray-Tech design of the characteristic Multitone Roof with a combination of three different colors as well as a front grille in Vibrant Silver.
The John Cooper Works Trim lends maximum emphasis to the sporty flair of the all-electric MINI Cooper with a distinctive front and rear design. The frame of the front grille and the logo in high-gloss black underline the powerful overall look, while a contrasting roof in Chili Red – inspired by motor sport – and JCW-specific bonnet stripes in red or black optionally lend visual emphasis to the driving dynamics typical of MINI.
Click for more.
On the inside, the design of the front area echoes the famous minimalist design of the classic Mini. For the first model in 1959, Mini inventor Alec Issigonis designed an interior with a round instrument cluster in the center and the characteristic toggle bar below. In the new MINI Cooper, it is precisely these two elements, in combination with the steering wheel, that structure the interior with its maximum purist design. Reducing everything to the essentials, the new interior makes do with a smaller number of components that are cleverly designed and implemented to a high standard. Behind the steering wheel, the optional head-up display ensures that all the relevant content appears in the driver’s field of vision. As a result, the dashboard on the driver’s side does not require an additional display, so it opens up the view to the front.
The amply sized, curved dashboard features textile surfaces for the first time. Warm, pleasant materials characterize the new, homely feel-good atmosphere in the interior of the MINI Cooper. A specially developed knitting process is used to create the versatile, easy-care structure of the textile in two-color design made of recycled polyester. There is a choice of different colors for the textile surfaces and seats depending on the trim design. To make the dashboard as slim and spacious as possible, the air vents are very flat.
The clear lines and generous space in the front seats give the interior a modern, airy feel, while the optional panoramic glass roof makes the interior particularly bright and friendly. In the dark, the side lighting is based on ambient light, thereby contributing to a distinctive interior atmosphere. The seats are available in a basic version and in a JCW version, with side panels that are laminated with high-quality textile covering the adjustment buttons. The armrest, mounted on the driver’s seat, provides even more space in the center console. The rear of the vehicle offers maximum reduction and comfort, while the loading accessories can be conveniently stowed in an additional underfloor storage facility in the luggage compartment. By folding down the rear seat in a 60:40 ratio, the luggage compartment can be flexibly expanded from 200 liters to provide a volume of up to 800 liters.
Marketing Babble
The so-called MINI Experience Modes – Core, Green and Go-Kart – each with their specific user interface design, are available as standard, with up to four additional modes available with the MINI Experience Modes optional equipment. The optional MINI projector on the back of the OLED display immerses the dashboard in matching color schemes and patterns. The interplay of projection, ambient lighting and the MINI Interaction Unit “results in a unique, immersive experience that extends into the door panels.”
“This immersive user experience makes the interior even more expressive based on new solutions, thereby giving rise to entirely new individualization options in the new MINI Cooper. In Personal Mode, for example, an individually selected image can be set as the display background via the MINI App. The dominant colors of the image then extend across the textile dashboard surfaces by means of a digital color picker. The ambient lighting under the dashboard and in the door mirror is also color-coded to match these projections.
“Each mode has specially designed backgrounds that convey a vibrant and high-quality effect by means of subtle movements while remaining as distraction-free as possible. When one of the seven modes is selected, the display focuses on a relevant “Mode App.” In Go-Kart Mode there is a highly dynamic focus on MINI’s racing DNA, for example. The display and the interior as a whole feature the colors anthracite and red, while specific analogue displays for driving dynamics complement this MINI Experience Mode inspired by John Cooper Works. Vivid Mode draws on the colors of the album cover for the ambient lighting. Core Mode, Green Mode, Timeless Mode, Balance Mode and Personal Mode are also available for selection according to mood and personal needs,” BMW said.