Mini Cooper SE, Track Test

If I had a gun to my head and was asked to choose an electric car, I would, without any doubt, choose the Mini Cooper SE. Building on the ICE formula of previous Mini Coopers, the Cooper SE takes the small hatchback formula to the next level. You see, on the testing track, the Mini Cooper SE felt like it was figure-skating on a field of ice. Quick direction changes, sudden bursts of acceleration, and sticking to its line – it did all that with relative ease. And honestly, you can say that of all Mini Coopers, the SE feels a little different, primarily, because all its weight is down low in the chassis. This means that while it is heavy compared to other Minis, given that it’s an EV, the added weight doesn’t really mess up its handling capabilities.

Now, the Mini Cooper SE is a gorgeous car to look at. It, however, lacks on the feature front – even bits like electronically adjustable seats are missing. The seats are also covered in cloth and not faux leather. While this might be a nod back to Minis of the past, it really doesn’t make a lot of sense in India, given its price, which is more than ₹50 lakh. Ultimately, the Mini Cooper SE has one major problem – its range. With a full charge, you will be able to eke out anywhere between 130 to 250kms, which means that at the end of the day, the Mini Cooper SE cannot battle it out on the highway – it’s quite sad actually, especially given its high-speed stability, which is pretty good. For most families, it will be the second or third car for trips inside the city, thankfully then, with its compact dimensions, the Mini Cooper SE is a breeze to drive in traffic.

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