Mini, the British automotive marque, has unveiled its second-generation EV, and unlike the current Mini Cooper SE, which is manufactured in the UK and sold in India, this one is produced in China. The new Mini EV is built on a brand-new front-wheel-drive platform that Spotlight Automotive, a joint venture between BMW and Great Wall Motors, engineered. A petrol-engined variant of the current vehicle will be manufactured in Oxford, UK. It will sit on a completely different platform and follow the same design cues as the new EV. The Mini Cooper SE was swiftly introduced by Mini in India, albeit in limited numbers. Similar to how we anticipate the new Mini Cooper EV to arrive in India after going on sale in significant international markets.
Also Read: Mini Cooper SE, Track Test
Next-gen Mini Cooper SE: Exterior Styling
The Mini Cooper SE (also known as Mini Electric) features a streamlined, minimalist aesthetic characterised by fewer body lines and more rounded contours, thanks to Mini's new 'simplistic' design language. The design of the electric hatchback exudes understated elegance, in keeping with the automaker's commitment to a more understated appearance.
A prominent round headlight with the iconic LED halo and straight lines above and below it distinguish the electric Mini Cooper's homage to the iconic 1960s Mini. The front is further improved by a larger, mostly concealed grille with a crisp octagonal surround. The vehicle's sides still have a floating roof design but have cleaner, less cluttered bodywork without any side cladding. As the aero fins disappear, the wheels take on a cooler, dual-tone, rimless appearance. The sunroof on the Mini Electric is another pleasant surprise because, despite the vehicle's small size, it appears to be panoramic.
The new Mini Cooper SE has a distinctive rear-end design with triangular LED taillights and a flatter tailgate compared to the current hatchback. The iconic Union Jack emblem for the taillights is still present despite the change but in a more contemporary form.
Next-gen Mini Cooper SE: Safety and Features
While the exact features of the upcoming EV are unknown, it is expected to inherit the existing model's core equipment, such as heated front seats, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), automatic climate control, a 360-degree camera, and a wireless phone charger. The Mini EV may also include some of the features seen in the Aceman concept, such as a circular infotainment screen and a dashboard with dynamic LED lighting (the current model sports an 8.8-inch unit). Additionally, the current model has a rearview camera, drive assist, front and passenger airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
With its official launch still some time away, more information about the Mini Electric's functionality should become available soon.
Next-gen Mini Cooper SE: Powertrain Details
A 32.6kWh battery pack powers the current Mini Electric and provides roughly 270 kilometre of range. It can accelerate to 100km/h from a complete stop in 7.3 seconds thanks to the 182bhp and 270Nm of its e-motor. These numbers are acceptable for an EV, but the carmaker is expected to offer a larger battery pack and have its range increased to over 350 kilometre, which is less than that of competitors with similar prices.
Also Read: New Mini Countryman EV to Debut Globally by February 2024
Next-gen Mini Cooper SE: India Launch and Price
The brand-new Mini Cooper Electric is expected to debut in 2024 on international markets and could arrive in India by 2025. It will rationally command a higher price than the existing model, which sells for Rs 52.5 lakh (ex-showroom) as a CBU offering.
Meanwhile, Mini has revealed that a new digital character called 'Spike' will play a significant role in the cockpit of the brand-new Aceman Concept. Spike is modelled after the English Bulldog that has appeared in various previous Mini advertisements. The infotainment system, which is round and piled in the middle of the dashboard, is emphasized in the cabin pictures released by the brand. Spike is a new digital character that is part of the system. Later this month, it will make its debut at the Shanghai auto show. In the coming months of 2023, Mini will offer more in-depth insights into the digital world of the brand-new model family, along with Spike's multiple capabilities.
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