Motoring

Electrifying Mini Cooper SE

Mini has introduced the Cooper SE, the first Mini model to be fully electric-powered.

The new variation of the Mini is based on the conventional three-door model. The exterior does see the subtle differences in addition to the Yellow monikers found on the indicator inserts, the tailgate and the front grille. The grille also comes featuring a coloured bar which matches with the mirror caps and largely closed due to the fact that the electric motor does not need as much air cooling.  Also fitted as standard on the front of the model is LED headlamps.

On the rear of the SE, you also get a newly designed rear apron due to the lack of the exhaust pipe and to help reduce aerodynamic drag. More aerodynamically optimised surfaces can be found on the undercarriage and on the optional 17-inch light alloy wheels known as the MINI Electric Corona Spoke 2-tone. Also on option is a 16-inch light alloy, MINI Electric Revolite Spoke design, wheels. The Trim S package will provide the option to finish the exterior of the vehicle in either Moonwalk Grey metallic or White Silver metallic, while Trim M and Trim L packages add the choices of Chili Red, British Racing Green metallic and Midnight Black metallic. The Mini Yours Enigmatic Black is available with the Trim XL package.

The inside of the electric Mini sees the fitment of a model-specific instrument cluster featuring a 5.5-inch colour screen in Black Panel design. The illumination of the infotainment system the centred in the facia also change colours when you switch in between the four modes, SPORT (red), MID (white) or GREEN and GREEN+ (green). The Mini Driving modes will change both the driving characteristics and efficiency of the vehicle. SPORT mode will increase the steering curve and the throttle response of the drive system while MID provides as much comfort as possible. The GREEN and GREEN+ modes will reduce comfort functions for maximum efficiency.

Should the customer select the Trim S or Tim M equipment packages, the infotainment will see the addition of Connected Navigation while the Trim L and Trim XL packages will include Connected Navigation Plus. Fitted as standard with the Trim S package is seats finished in Double Stripe Carbon Black fabric while the Trim M to Trim XL packages will see the addition of leather on the interior.

Replacing the traditional internal combustion engine is a 135 kW electric motor, exclusively powering the front wheels. Immediately available, 270 N.m of torque will propel the Cooper SE from zero to 60 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. While the top speed is limited to 150 km/h, you will be achieving this using with fuel consumption of 0.0 l/100 km. Instead, it will be consuming 15.0 – 13.2 kWh/100 km from the lithium-ion battery which provides a range of 235 to 270 kilometres*.

The new MINI Cooper SE will be available for sale in South Africa, in limited quantities, from the first quarter of 2021 and pricing will be revealed closer to the time.

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