2020 Mini Electric specifications confirmed

Ten years after the Mini E research vehicle was created, the production Mini Electric has been launched. The newcomer – which is recognisable by a unique closed grille treatment – is being offered solely in three-door hatchback guise.

Energy is stored in a 32.6 kWh, twelve-module, lithium-ion battery pack that sits in a ‘T’ shape beneath the rear seats and between the front seats. Such an arrangement means boot space is totally unaffected.

Mini Cooper SE 3-Door Hatch (2020) Front Side

Thanks to a synchronous electric motor with an output of 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 270 Nm (199 lb/ft) of peak torque, the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes only 7.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 93 mph (150 km/h).

Prospective buyers are more likely to focus their attention on range rather than performance, though.

According to the WLTP cycle, the Mini Electric can travel between 124 and 144 miles (200 and 231 kilometres) on a single charge. Certainly adequate for most situations, but still disappointing when compared to supermini rivals like the just-updated Renault Zoe and the recently-revealed Vauxhall Corsa-e.

To help maximise efficiency, there’s a choice of Sport, Mid, Green and Green+ driving modes. The car’s regenerative braking also has two settings.

Mini Cooper SE 3-Door Hatch (2020) Dashboard

Recharging time depends on the method used. For instance, from empty to 80 percent capacity takes 2 hours 30 minutes via an optional 11 kW AC wallbox, with another hour being needed to get to 100 percent. Alternatively, a 50 kW DC facility can achieve an 80 percent ‘fill’ in a very reasonable 35 minutes.

A key selling point should be the Mini Electric’s competitive starting price.

Three as-yet unnamed trim grades are going to be available. After applying the government’s Plug-in Car Grant, the entry-level model costs £24,400. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, a 5.5” fully digital instrument cluster, dual-zone air conditioning and an infotainment system that incorporates a 6.5” central touchscreen, satellite navigation and real-time traffic updates.

Mini Cooper SE 3-Door Hatch (2020) Rear Side

Moving up to the £26,400 mid-level variant adds front-seat heating, the Driving Assistance Pack, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

The top-spec Mini Electric boasts leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a Harmon Kardon audio upgrade and a larger 8.8” touchscreen. A head-up display, front parking sensors, Park Assist and wireless device charging are fitted too, but the required outlay becomes £30,400.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in March 2020 and orders can be placed now.

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