Mini will globally launch the next-gen Cooper EV sometime around May next year. Moreover, in July 2024, the petrol-powered updated Mini Cooper will also have an official launch. A set of new details about the upcoming EV has been revealed, offering us a sneak peek into the model's capacity. The new electric Cooper, built on an EV-specific platform created by Spotlight Automotive, a partnership between BMW and Great Wall Motors, will only be offered as a three-door hatchback. According to reports, the brand is planning to make a complete switch to electric vehicles, and the upcoming Mini Cooper EV is central to this plan. The company is hoping that this transition will be led by the new EV vehicles. Reportedly, only 15% of Mini sales are EVs at the moment. The company aims to take that to 50% by the middle of 2025. At that time, Mini will also have new electric Countryman variants and the Aceman all-electric crossover in the market, aside from the new Cooper EV.
Also Read: Electric Mini Cooper SE Marks Global Debut; Gets a Convertible Body Style
New Mini Cooper EV: Powertrain Specifications
The electric Cooper, which has been made in China and built on the brand-new Spotlight EV platform developed with Great Wall Motors, will have two battery sizes: a 40kWh in the entry-level E version and a 54kWh in the top-of-the-line SE model. Basic models will have a range of at least 386km, while the model with the larger battery will offer an increased range. It will be a substantial improvement over the current model, which has a range of less than 241km from its 32.6 kWh battery. The standard electric Cooper will offer 179bhp of power, while the SE model will have an increased output of 215bhp. There will be a two-wheel-drive option for both variants.
New Mini Cooper EV: Interior & Feature Details
A sizable OLED display will take the place of the model's traditional centre speedometer setup inside. Behind the steering wheel, there won't be any gauges. Buttons and other physical controls will remain a part of the vehicle's interface. Both ICE and EV versions of the new model will eventually come with a real ignition key. The EV drivetrain will also trigger a sound generator, which will produce a variety of acceleration sounds customised to different drive modes.
Also Read: Mini Cooper SE, Track Test
Meanwhile, as mentioned, the new Mini with an ICE engine will make its debut shortly after the EV version in June 2024. While the bodyshells of the EV and ICE versions will remain the same, the ICE models will be developed on an upgraded version of the FAAR platform, which underpins the outgoing model. Later on, versions with combustion engines, according to reports, will also be made available in five-door and convertible body designs.
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