2024 MINI Cooper SE review. With 218bhp & huge torque, is this the new EV hot-hatch king?

The new 2024 MINI Cooper SE is the most powerful electric MINI to date with a massively increased range but does it still have the hot-hatch vibe all MINI Coopers must have to be true to their roots?
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[nickpage]

So desperate are we to feel some kind of involvement that we now applaud torque steer which we have been trying to eliminate for years.
Great video as always.

[crazyfroggie]

Spend 5 minutes at the beginning of EVERY journey going through menus turning loads of things to OFF.

[Asseraticlan]

I owned the previous Mini Electric for 3 years as well as several generations further back, including a 2018 Mini Cooper S. The previous E was absolutely faultless and a pleasure to own. I now have the top of the range John Cooper Electric, which is different to this SE model in quite a few aspects, but again, this new version is an absolute hoot to own and the extra range is just a bonus, The new one is a little harder on the roads than the previous model and yes the 'modes' are a little gimmicky, but in Green mode, the power isn't really a huge difference in modern traffic, but it has the bonus of being totally silent with no daft noises. My wife's friend has the exact same car in the Cooper S version and I was floored how different it was side by side. There are so many bits on the electric that are huge improvements, from flush door handles, right down to different headlights in the Electric that look far better than the petrol version. Even the roof mounted aerial is much nicer on the electric, but you'd never see these differences unless you sit them side by side. The big disappointment in the petrol version though, was the performance. The Electric blitzed the petrol version in every aspect apart from top end speed due to it being restricted to 100mph (apparently) Overall the Electric version works perfectly for our use, but as with all EVs, they don't work for everyone and many of those with negative attitudes to EVs, haven't actually ever owned one. I love the Mini and what it stands for, and I personally think the new version side by side with the previous version, only make the older one look podgy and outdated. Just my opinion.

[alackofspeed]

I have a suspicion this car is not aimed at someone that subscribes to Harry's channel🤣

[johnhaynes]

£39k ! Nuff said, bloated in design and price :)

[alistairfairweather]

I’ve run a Mini E with JCW pack and love it. It looks sensational, handles well if a bit choppy on poor road surfaces but always makes us smile when we’re out in it. 7500 miles since end of November ‘24 with trips to Fort William and Inverness from central belt of Scotland with no issues.

[evlo]

So it takes more then 30 seconds each time you want to use the car to turn off stuff before you can leave?

[andrehendrik]

the dinner plate screen ... just ghastly.

[ViscountCharles]

Thank goodness! You're the first motoring journalist I have heard calling out the sounds and "modes" out for what they are - nonsense. As far as I can tell, these sort of features were designed to give lazy or inexperienced reviewers something to froth about, whereas living with it day-to-day you're either going to set it once and forget it, or be irritated by it.

I'm about to put my name down for the JCW version for next year.

[JustAnothrHuman]

Minis have always been cool because they have character. This thing doesn’t.

[Z-u-m-a]

Lot of negative comments on here... All of which I'm pretty much inclined to agree with! Good review though Harry.

[CleanFinish]

Those ridiculous sounds, it’s like a car for a bloody 5 year old.

[alanzyoutube]

The problem with this Mini EV is the price, even if this car was the same price as the old EV at £23, 000 it would be too expensive, you would be out of your mind to spend £40, 000 (as tested) on a Mini EV!

[simonsimon]

Had mine since May 24. Lovely car and size wise just perfect for us. But been back to the garage 4 times with major software problems, which are now hopefully sorted. What isn’t sorted is the appalling range in cold weather. Supposed to be capable of 248 miles in perfect conditions (which no normal driver will ever achieve) but the last few weeks I’ve never managed better than 140 miles and on one occasion under 130 miles. It is winter but I’m in the south east and it hasn’t been that cold. Beware.

[RemoteViewr]

Spec sheet says 1680kg unladen! Not exactly a “mini”….

[Fourwheeledfarming]

Probably worth noting that the 100% EV is made in China and the petrol is made at Oxford. Doesn’t change anything but we should be proud that Mini is still made in the UK

[richardmosley]

Those stupid and unnecessary noises would drive me nuts! To think someone got paid for thinking of that....

[paulallwood]

£39, 000 and close to hope they sell none of these ! That is an absolute disgrace

[communicatescience]

Just going to pop out to the drive and sit in my R53 for a few minutes till I feel better.

[michaelkenny]

A panel of people agreed that those woo hoo sound effects were a good idea, shocking.