The next phase of the brand’s journey now includes EV models in both Cooper and Countryman model lines
British marque Mini has revealed its new models in the form of the new-gen Mini Cooper and Mini Countryman. Both the Cooper and the Countryman have been revealed with EV powertrains, as the brand heads to an electric only future. The new Mini Cooper electric sits on a bespoke electric platform, while the Countryman shares its underpinnings with the BMW iX1.
2024 Mini Cooper Electric
The new Mini Cooper electric features a design similar to the iconic brand’s previous models but has been altered keeping in mind the future readiness, as well as the electric powertrain. It gets circular headlamps with a new octagonal grille. The headlamps themselves feature a new OLED DRL signature, which can be customised by the driver. The wheel arches have gone, while the exterior is devoid of chrome. The taillamps at the rear feature a triangular shape, again with OLED tech which can be customised.
The minimalist design continues to the cabin as well. The circular infotainment display remains, but is a high-definition 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen which comes with an all new UI. The dashboard is curved and comes wrapped in textile, with multiple choices to choose from. The software is based on Google’s Android OS which has been developed in partnership with Samsung. There is no instrumentation, instead just the reflective panel for the HUD.
Mini is offering the Cooper Electric in two variants – E and SE. The Mini Cooper E uses a 184bhp 290Nm motor which is paired to a 40.7kWh battery pack. The SE packs in a 218bhp and 330Nm e-motor which is paired to a 54.2kWh battery pack. This can sprint to 100kmph in 6.7 seconds. Mini quotes a range of 402km for the SE and 305km for the E.
A petrol powered variant will join the Mini Cooper lineup in due time. This however will use a different platform, but will have an exterior similar to the new car. The new Mini Cooper is expected to arrive in India early next year.
2024 Mini Countryman
The new third-gen Mini Countryman SUV is an all new car. What is major about the car is that it has grown in size, and is 60mm taller and 130mm longer. This is probably to help it gain a tier as the brand will soon be introducing the Aceman SUV, which will be smaller to the Countryman.
Not as dramatic compared to the new Cooper, the Countryman features an evolution of the design. There is however a similar octagonal grille and new headlamps as well as taillamps with similar OLED tech.
The cabin now features a minimalist look with a circular touch display. The increase in size has allowed the engineers to pack in an extra 130mm of legroom for the rear passengers. The rear seats feature a 12 degree adjustability. There is ample use of textiles around the cabin, which again is one of many options.
The Countryman too is being offered with electric powertrains – E and SE. This is the first time that the SUV has got an EV variant. The E uses a 204bhp motor while the SE uses two motors with 313bhp, which also gives it All4 AWD capability. The E takes 8.6 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 while the SE All4 takes 5.6 seconds.
Both Mini Countryman S and SE All4 feature a 66.45kWh battery pack. This gives the former a range of 433km and the latter a range of 462km. Unlike the Cooper, the Countryman will feature three petrol and one diesel powertrains.
The Mini Countryman is expected to arrive in India next year. It is however not confirmed whether only the petrol/diesel will be launched here or the EV variants will also be considered.
