We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we will assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Car website. However, if you would like to, you can change your cookies at any time
The start point for the best source of fleet information |
Mini is taking a giant leap into the digital era and the brand's all-electric future, as the new Mini Cooper Electric debuts at the IAA International Motor Show in Munich.
Highlights include the latest reworking of the iconic design, plus a major step forward in technology.
Outside, the Mini Cooper is the first model displaying the new Mini design language, called 'Charismatic Simplicity.' The hallmark Mini proportions remain, but this time around, larger wheels and removal of chrome is, we're told, supposed to bring a fresh take to the design.
Other changes start at the front, with the new, octagonal grille. The headlights have remained circular, but they now boast unique light signatures for the first time. At the side, there are flush door handles, plus the plastic wheel arches and side scuttles have been removed. The flush rear lights which now includes the boot pull, give the back of this MINI a distinctly different look. These lights, like the front headlights, can also be switched to different modes.
Inside, the Mini Cooper Electric has a distinctly minimalist and digital feel, which Mini is claiming echoes the design of the original Classic Mini. The curved dashboard is trimmed in textile as a first, with flat air vents. Underneath, there's a newly designed toggle bar housing the most important driving functions, such as the parking brake, gear selector, stop/start key, experience mode toggle and volume control.
However, the dashboard is dominated by the central OLED display. It has a diameter of 240mm, and works with Mini Operating System 9, meaning that all vehicle functions can be operated with either touch or voice control - with the display moved closer to the driver for easy reach.
The upper half of the screen displays vehicle-related information such as speed and battery status - but can be made full screen at the touch of the screen. The lower area is dedicated to navigation, media, phone, and climate.
At the centre of the screen is the start menu, where personalised content can be selected and launched by swiping the side. However, swiping up the lower edge of the screen reveals a tool belt where favourite functions can be stored and called up quickly. Like BMW before it, Mini will now be offering customers the opportunity to purchase additional functions, via the MiniI Connected store.
Elsewhere, there's a brand new three-spoke steering wheel, with a textile strap in the six o'clock position. Plus, more knitted surfaces across the door panels.
Move to the back of the Mini Cooper Electric, and there's additional underfloor stowage in the boot, while the boot itself can be expanded from the standard 200 to 800-litres via the 60:40 split folding seat.
The three newly designed Classic, Exclusive and Sport equipment grades will, Mini claims, offer the ultimate choice in interior personalisation.
Underneath, the Mini Cooper Electric has a completely new electric powertrain and is available in E and SE versions. The Cooper E has a 40.7kWh battery, which is combined with a 184hp electric motor, and generates 290Nm of torque, and accelerates to 62mph in 7.3 seconds.
Choose the SE, and power increases to 218hp, with 0 to 62mph acceleration in 6.7 seconds, maximum torque of 330 Nm, and an increased range of 250 miles, thanks to its bigger 54.2kWh battery.
When it comes to charging, the Mini Cooper can be charged in three ways; 11 kW AC charging, 75kW DC charging and 95kW DC charging at a fast-charging station, with Mini claiming 10 to 80% charging in under 30 minutes.
Prices for the Mini Cooper Electric E start at £30,000, with the quicker Cooper Electric SE priced at £34,500.
BusinessCar magazine ©2019
Business Car Magazine © 2020 | Business Car is part of NS Media Group.
