One out of every three MINIs sold globally in 2025 was electric, and a big part of that is down to the MINI Cooper, a fun little hatchback that has always put design and driving character ahead of outright practicality.
While it’s been on the market since 2024, we had a chance to take a close look at the MINI Cooper Electric recently in a global-spec model, and here are our thoughts about its key aspects from our experience:
Design
The MINI Cooper features an evolutionary exterior with flat headlights, the flatter bonnet without an air scoop, and the slimmer frame of the octagonal grille to give the car a classier look than the previous gen model.
If the signature styling elements haven’t already, the noticeably short overhangs, contrasting long wheelbase, sleek glasshouse, and the 3-door layout make the car immediately recognisable. The 18-inch six-double-spoke doesn’t have a typical EV look and features a rather sporty design. We also like the clean surfacing across the side profile.
At the rear, we love the flush integration of the combination lamps, but we don’t find their sharp design as attractive as the curvy units of the previous-generation model. The full-width tailgate appliqué looks a little odd on what’s otherwise a clean exterior.
Interior
Inside, the curved dashboard is finished in textile surfaces, giving the cabin a more contemporary and softer look. At the same time, the oblong-shaped toggle bar in the lower section of the dashboard brings back a familiar MINI design cue and adds some much-needed character.
The centre console is slim and mounted low to free up space between the seats, but MINI has skipped a conventional centre armrest altogether. A small armrest is instead built into the driver’s seat, leaving the front passenger without any support.
The absence of a traditional instrument cluster is also immediately noticeable. Although a head-up display is available, it is not standard, making the 9.4-inch OLED central touchscreen the sole source of most driving and vehicle information.
Experience in the MINI Cooper Electric
At 170 cm (5’7″), I found the MINI Cooper’s low roofline made entry and exit a bit awkward. I had to duck, and my head still brushed the cantrail. From the driver’s seat, visibility was good, helped by large mirrors. The chunky, manually adjustable steering wheel felt solid.
I liked the low seating position and the footwell dip near the pedals. I had about five inches of headroom once I adjusted the seat to my driving position. Lumbar support was excellent, while under-thigh support was decent. Materials felt good overall, though a few areas could be improved.
I liked the fabric trims, physical controls, and quick maps. A head-up display was fitted, but I won’t be the only person who misses a simple instrument cluster. In the rear, legroom behind my driving position was good considering that this is an urban runabout, but the backrest felt a bit too upright with no recline. Headroom was about three inches. One centre cupholder is provided, and no rear air vents.
Specifications
The MINI Cooper Electric is 3,858 mm long, 1,756 mm wide, and 1,460 mm tall and has a 2,526 mm wheelbase. In the UK, customers can choose from two single-motor FWD variants: E and SE.
The MINI Cooper E packs 135 kW (181 bhp) and 290 Nm (214 lb.-ft.) of torque, reaches nought to 62 mph in 7.3 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 99 mph. It has a 36.6 kWh battery pack that supports charging at up to 75 kW and delivers a WLTP range of up to 115 miles.
The MINI Cooper SE’s motor produces 160 kW (215 bhp) and 330 Nm (243 lb.-ft.) of torque, reducing the 0-62 mph acceleration time to 6.7 seconds and increasing the top speed to 106 mph. It has a 49.2 kWh battery pack with a peak charging input of 95 kW and covers a distance of up to 114 miles on a single charge, also as per WLTP.
Price
The MINI Cooper’s prices in the UK range from GBP 26,905 to GBP 32,705 in the E variant and GBP 29,905 to GBP 33,705 in the SE variant.
Since 2014, I’ve worked as an international automotive editor, attending global motor shows, industry events, media drives, and tracking the latest developments across the sector, with a particular focus on electrified vehicles.
