The All-Electric 2020 MINI Cooper SE Is Perfect. Except For…

Electric cars are a blast to drive. The 2020 MINI Cooper SE is no exception. In fact, it might be the most engaging car the brand makes. But in a world full of electric cars that have over 200 miles of range, is the MINI’s 110 enough? Maybe. The price could make up for it, the SE can easily cost less than a gasoline powered MINI Cooper S. Does it REALLY go 110 miles? Tom Voelk finds out the real-world range driving all throughout Seattle.

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About Tom: Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award (and he's won for photography, editing, producing and reporting). But really, all you need to know is in the videos. Watch a few and you'll subscribe.

[maxwellmcdonough]

Production quality of these reviews are better than almost any other channel.

[stephenhendricks]

As "range wars" rage among most EV's MINI has chosen a different path. Living about 50 miles or so from Seattle, if I had to commute daily to the big city (as many of my neighbors do), the MINI EV wouldn't make the cut. But we've recently become a three driver family. (The daughter just turned 16.) And while we can certainly struggle on with "only" two vehicles, the EV MINI is a temptation, especially considering (a) its delightful driving characteristics, (b) the reduced wear and tear on the family SUV and my beloved GTI, and (c) most importantly the real world price with tax incentives and what I suspect are real world discounts from the dealer.


I've lusted after MINI's for years but the premium price of almost any model has always been a barrier. The mid-trim Signature Plus EV has an MSRP (with incentives) of $25K, or so, making it a rather compelling value proposition. Or at least that's what I keep telling myself. :) So if and when we're allowed to leave our home, I may well investigate the possibility.

[barryw]

I leased an 84 mile e-Golf for 3 years and felt a bit nervous at times about range- it had 25.000 miles after 3 years. I now own a 125 mile e-Golf and (until recently) put about 10, 000 miles a year on it, with no range concerns. I agree with Tom that this Mini SE is a fine car for most Americans. Thanks for the great review. I love the clean air and lack of pollution, and shows how government regulation can restore our health and give us back the natural world we deserve. If only we all drove EVs. Be well, Tom. Thank you.

[derekchisholm]

Only Tom could convince me to consider an 110 mile electric car. Great review! And thanks for the strong effort, walkers can be oblivious sometimes, and electric silence doesn't help. Stay safe!

[notimetodie]

I already have this mini from Thailand Mini, Absolutely the best one-man drive for daily working in Bangkok where I always use about 50 kilometers per day which excess enough 80% remain among periodic traffic terrible.

[tommihelich]

One of your best reviews Tom. Informative, witty. I really enjoyed hearing your argument for an automobile I normally wouldn’t consider. And I have to admit, even being out here on the edge of civilization (The Dalles) that I rarely drive more than 40 miles in a day.

[MylesV]

I rarely drain my battery below half in my VW e-Golf with similar range. 100 miles really is more than most people initially realize, including myself initially. I bought a Chevy Volt a few years ago expecting to use the engine a lot, but the 40 miles of EV range that it had covered 95% of my driving so I bought the e-Golf instead of a longer range car like the Model 3. CCS charging has been great for the longer drives that I've taken, but I almost never drive far enough to need it. Limited range doesn't feel so limited when you wake up to a full charge every morning, assuming you have charging at home.

[denault]

I love your old man humor and yes I'm an old retired man!
I can see the EV as a good second car for errands but not for long trips...

[vladsaghin]

It's so refreshing to see someone understand the point of this car! Thanks Tom! And the fact that you get by in your Volt using mostly only the EV range (I assume) really goes to show you that 110 miles is more than enough for the daily commute. I prefer paying 23k (with the rebate) for 110 miles of usable range rather than 30k for 160-180 miles I wouldn't even use anyway! It's a shame it's so much more expensive here in Canada :/ It's considerably more than the E-Golf which has slightly better range but a lot more usability. For some reason that I cannot understand, the Cooper SE is a lot less expensive than the E-Golf. Anyway, keep up the good work and stay safe!

[jaylevine]

Two things. I love your reviews—keep it up! So glad you moved to YouTube—NYTimes loss.
Second is our children live on Mercer Island and are battling the pandemic in Seattle hospitals every day re: both are MDs, so feel for all in Seattle. Hang in there and be well!

[forrestsautoreviewsofficial]

Tom, though our styles are very different, I love your videos! I always appreciate a personable review! Great character! You AND that new Mini! 😃👍

[michaelmckee]

I had the crawler. It was so much fun. I really like your mention of the old toys. Great memories to contrast with the new technology.

[dunphyjp]

I work as a BMW/MINI Genius in west Chester, Pa, driving this thing makes me want to get rid of my Type R! Tom, you forgot how the battery being low and being in a T shape has another added plus... nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution!

[bartwaggoner]

Given its price I don’t see this selling when you can get a similar electric car with 200 mile range for a comparable price. Even if you don’t really need the extra range, range anxiety is a big deal.

[ecostud]

Good review, Tom. Love my Model 3, but I think my dad should upgrade his 10yo Leaf with 70-90mi of range for this!

[vickibangsable]

We leased an 13 for 3 years and fell madly in love !!! This will most definitely be my next electric car. I just have to find a dealership that sells them.

[davidcantu]

Found out today that my Mini EV has been built. Waiting for it to be shipped to the USA.

[samlouie]

"It's a gas!"...great line. Btw, Tom I'm thrilled to see you doing this work as I was an intern at Evening Magazine and you were always obsessing about cars. You were also very kind to us so couldn't be more happy for you.

[farcinue]

Unless I’m on a road trip, I really don’t put that many miles in my car on a daily basis. My weekday commute is about 12 miles round trip (in LA traffic it feels like eternity). An EV is starting to make more and more sense for city dwellers.

[tedunguent]

Thanks for another great review. You are among the best and your production value is top notch. One thing that puts me off electric cars is the styling. It's not the unique styling cues, like those cool wheels, but it's the excessive number and placement of badges and the loud dayglo color choices. I guess the makers of electric cars think that people want that stuff but I think it hurts sales.