2024 MINI Cooper Electric Review | British small-car icon’s new-generation EV is a great drive

The new-generation 2024 MINI Cooper Electric hatch promises to continue the iconic British brand’s tradition of building fun-to-drive small cars that have a look and feel unlike any other.

On the surface it appears to be mission accomplished, thanks to a unique new exterior design that pulls classic styling cues into the modern era and a funky interior that delivers a number of striking and unusual elements.

Based on a new platform that packs in new batteries and e-motors, the new 2024 MINI Cooper SE should also be a standout contender in the growing electric hatch sector when it comes driving performance. We sent senior editor Feann Torr to the global launch in Spain to find out.

Fast Forward
00:00 Intro
00:53 Pricing and specs
02:47 Interior review
05:11 Passenger space
05:46 Luggage space
06:40 On the road
10:10 Verdict

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[antonilavin]

Great review as always. My wife is driving her 6th Mini since 2003.
This will probably be next. She has had, in order, a Cooper 3 Hatch, Cooper S, Cooper Paceman, Cooper Clubman, Cooper Countryman and now back to Cooper Hatch but a 5 door. Had them all. As the kids grew, so did her Mini. Now they both have their own first cars.
And through it all, the best of all, my Mini Moke, a 1980 Californian.

[tep]

We’ve got a current Mini Cooper and an Ora, it’s amazing how similar the driving dynamics are.
I’ve been very impressed with the build quality and the fit and finish of the Ora.

[EricvanVuuren]

Well done Feann, was great working with you. Great job on the edit also!

[Jack-xeuc]

A GWM Ora carrying Mini’s badge.


Fun facts of latest dynamics in the EV world:

Mini EV - GWM platform
Smart EV - Geely platform
(Some of) Volkswagen’s upcoming EVs - XPeng platform
(Some of) Audi’s upcoming EVs - SAIC platform
Toyota’s first EV, some of its upcoming EVs and hybrids- BYD platform

[duncanstclair]

Mate, I've been watching your reviews for years and I have to say, you are really good. Well done on a great review.

[yoyo]

Why are approx on road costs of $5, 000 not included so know drive away price? This is a huge difference in price.

[peterburdett]

Bloody love this thing. Only wish they had the same interior choice of the Countryman

[MrTonifumi]

I love how mini went from working persons car to rich persons toy. $58, 000 for 400km range?? Pass

[andywarhol.]

The strip of cloth on the steering wheel and the dash give the car a real dose of character? Are you real?

[UCMpDwpVEfKXRHNyAWkuj]

actually, GWM ＆BMW joint venture company made this, factory name spotlight auto

[oraclebox]

I suggest you open the car's hood and take a look at the wiring in front of you. Even the cover from the previous generation is gone; it's basically a low-cost, cheaply made car.

[electricdiesel]

Mr Bean would be very disappointed of this so-called Mini...

[selldivision]

Its seems a bit of Chinese know how has made the best Mini yet.

[Chewbacca_yetti]

Small electric car, 50 grand made in China, no f chance.

[MrJowolo]

China has moved on from producing cheap goods and are now more focused on high end products. I mean don’t get me wrong, there are still cheap Chinese made products, but if you don’t like it don’t buy it. No one is forcing us to do so. But can we afford to pay more in this climate? If I can buy a cheaper mini built in china, yes please.

[lukelawrence]

400kms on a hairdressers car thats not much😂

[tonymartin]

Dash and controls are form over function. For fan boys only. Otherwise, nice. But wouldn't buy one.

[Consumer]

Make it under 35k (I’m sure they can, seeing made in china) and could be a good city car if you have a charger at home