Mini has been offering its Full Electric version for a few years now, but in its latest implementation, this little sports car is appreciated more than ever. It is not an extreme car, it is not free from defects, but it is one of a kind. If the small size of the Mini isn’t a problem for you and you like electricthen you shouldn’t wait any longer because it’s one of the most fun cars I’ve tried in recent times.
What I like
The Mini I tested It was the SE modeltherefore the most powerful and that with the largest battery pack. In reality the difference compared to the “non-S” models is limited, in fact we are talking about 184 horsepower versus 218which lower the acceleration from 0-100 from 7.3 seconds to 6.7 seconds, while more important is the difference in the size of the battery pack, which goes from 36.6 kWh to 49.2 kWh.
These are not extreme numbers, rather they are aligned with those of the endothermic versionsconsidering that for electric vehicles we are used to much more aggressive accelerations. However, in this case, driving dynamics make a big difference. With Mini we always have a car with a low center of gravity, a nice set-up, a direct response to changes in direction, although it never becomes extreme or uncomfortable. It’s quite one of a kind, and it certainly is in this price range.
What I’m trying to say is that although it may be considered “poor” for electrical standards, in reality what it returns is even superior to many other models. The acceleration feels and seems superior to the real numbers, the way it enters and exits corners, the agility on mixed terrain, everything makes driving the Mini really fun. Furthermore, this mix of features makes it fun everywhere: even in the city, in areas where speed limits are reduced, it is still possible to have fun without putting yourself in dangerous situations or going against the law.
Everything is accompanied by the way Mini supports driving with artificial engine noises. This is certainly a much debated point, but I believe that often those who consider the use of speakers to recreate the noisy sensation of the engine as something “ridiculous” do so simply because they want to express, even in this way, their disagreement with cars. electrical. Because it’s actually something that works. Although we know that it is not a real noise, what it adds to the driving experience is, and it makes everything more fun. Mini even added a sort of “electric pop” when you suddenly release the accelerator. Excessive? Perhaps, but even then, it works. The idea of changing the type of noise based on the selected driving profile is nice.
Mini is beautiful and above all it is pleasant to drive, in fact, it is super fun
The Cooper SE it can also be silent: just turn off the noise or select a specific profile. By engaging the “B – Brake” mode, One Pedal Drive is activated, and it is also possible to select the intervention of the electric motors to brake the cartogether with a “dynamic” mode that also uses data from the ADAS sensors to brake the car more or less based on traffic and the road.
Moving on to other advantages of the Mini, there is definitely the quality of the product as a whole. The interiorswhich in this case are shared across the entire range, they are very well madefrom design to details to the choice of color combinations, the current Minis are probably the best looking Minis seen in the last decade.
The large central circular OLED screen is beautiful, customizable, integrates perfectly with CarPlay and Android autowithout the need for a cable. It’s all customizable and, although it’s a little confusing at first, when you get the hang of it you appreciate the great work done by Mini.
Even the HUD, a small transparent panel that comes out of the top of the dashboardcapable of modifying itself based on the driving mode, does its duty, even if perhaps it is not really necessary. In short, Mini is beautiful and above all it is pleasant to driveIn fact, it’s super fun.
What I don’t like
Obviously it’s not perfect, like all cars. The elephant in the room is autonomy, because the Mini will have to be used for short-range use. I remember that the model I tested was the one with the largest battery, just under 50 kWh, and with this battery you will be able to travel about 300 km in real time, and this means that when you have traveled 250 km you will have to start looking for a charging point. It is possible to squeeze out a few dozen more kilometers, but only by using it at low speed and without sudden acceleration, which is not the way this car asks you to use it.
When you open the front hood you will discover that There is no storage compartmentand this is the problem that afflicts practically any electric car that also has counterparts with an internal combustion engine. Although the projects are different, it is clear that everything that can be found as a common basis is used and the result is that total optimization will never be achieved.
With the 50 kWh battery you can travel up to 300 km
The interiors, as mentioned, are very nice, but after a few days you may notice slightly less well-groomed areasfor example the front object holder, and in some places it even seems too bare. A few more “pocket emptiers”, or some frames shaped to make better use of the spaces it wouldn’t have hurt.
Clearly four of us travel crampedto get into the back seat you have to squeeze in with difficulty, and the trunk is what it is, it’s good for a couple of bags and little more.
Finally, the price is decidedly Premium. The cheapest SE starts at 33,500 euros, but by switching to a richer trim level or adding accessory packages, which I suggest to have a truly satisfying experience, you can easily reach around 40 thousand euros.
Who should buy it
Surely those who want a car to get around the city, but even better in the province where we are not always immersed in trafficbecause otherwise you would lose the chance to have fun thanks to the driving dynamics offered by Mini. The autonomy is limiting, so it will be great for those who don’t often take long trips. If I were still a kid who just got my driving license, This Mini Cooper SE would be at the top of my wish listbut even those who need a second car and don’t have spending problems could consider this little electric car super fun.
The competitors? In reality there are none, considering the mix of features and what it offers, no there are no models to compare it directly withbecause all the other “small electrics” offer a more classic driving experience.
Source: www.tomshw.it
