MINI’s first electric, the 135-kW Cooper SE, has a price tag lower than a petrol Cooper after federal and state incentives and credits – as low as $17,900 along with additional incentives such as HOV lane access in some states. Even at the starting retail price of $29,990 it’s an affordable clean green fun little machine! This new sustainable MINI will be arriving in showrooms, available for purchase in dealerships across America, as of March 2020.
BMW Group, which owns the MINI brand, is making electric mobility more accessible and offering the most affordable premium electric vehicle in the US. Michael Peyton, Vice President of MINI of the Americas said in an announcement about the pricing and launch of the company’s new vehicle:
U.S. pricing of the new MINI Cooper SE was set to establish this new battery electric as a true class leader in making premium electric mobility more accessible to a broader range of customers. We at MINI are pleased to offer more people the ability to experience a drive charged with passion in the form of the MINI Cooper SE, an EV that is built “for the drive.
The vehicle maintains the authentic attributes of design, handling, and fun that are found in every MINI model. The MINI Cooper SE reflects back to the mission of the very first MINI developed by Sir Alec Issigonis in 1959. It keeps true to the mission of developing a “creative solution for a highly efficient car with a small footprint that was fun to drive, and accessible to the masses.”
The only modifications to the MINI Hardtop 2 Door launched in 2014 include a height increase of 18 mm (.7 inch) to accommodate floor-mounted battery packs; a new more efficient HVAC heat pump to maximize range during colder weather; and a closed, uniquely styled grill for better aerodynamics. Apart from that, the interior has the same distinctive style, dimensions, and cargo space as the internal combustion MINI Hardtop.
Standard Features Include:
- Navigation system with 6.5″ display
- Apple CarPlay Compatibility
- Heated Front Seats
- Comfort Access Keyless entry
- LED Headlights and Fog lights
- Active Driving Assistant with Forward Collision Warning
- Acoustic Pedestrian Warning
- Rear View Camera
- Bluetooth with phone and audio streaming
- Auto Rain Sensing Wipers and Headlights
- Automatic Climate Control
- Heated Mirrors and Washer Jets
- Cruise Control
- Leather Multifunction Steering Wheel
- Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster
- Energy Efficient Heat Pump
- AC Charging up to 7.4 kW (which allows for a 100% charge at home in as little as 4 hours)
- DC Fast Charging up to 50kW (can charge the car from 0 to 80% in around 35 minutes)
- Carbon Black Leatherette Upholstery
- 16″ Wheels
- Storage Package
The new electric MINI is designed as a city-focused car with a range between 146-168 miles (235-270 km) which is more than you need for the average daily use. The front-wheel-drive electric motor generates 181hp and 199 lb.-ft. of torque enabling 0-60 mph (0-98 km/h) sprints in 6.9 seconds, and a top speed of 93 mph.
