Overview
Mini is launching an all-new generation of its famous Cooper hatchback, and this time it’s starting with the 2024 Cooper Electric. Although a gasoline-powered Cooper will remain part of the equation, the brand is flexing its EV muscle by debuting the electric variant first. The new Cooper Electric wears a chic new wardrobe that manages to look modern and vintage, incorporating elements of Mini history in its design. Under the hood will be a single electric motor driving the front wheels, just like the outgoing electric Mini, but this time it comes with a larger battery and a longer driving range. Two different versions will be offered globally: the 184-hp Cooper E and the 218-hp Cooper SE. However, it’s unclear whether both will come to our shores. Mini has also drawn inspiration from its past to redesign the car‘s interior. A large circular infotainment display sits in the middle of the dashboard, and the cabin design looks distinctive.
What’s New for 2025?
Mini’s electric Cooper enters a new generation for the 2025 model year and will include a model with a more competitive driving range than the outgoing version.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We expect pricing to remain similar to the outgoing 2024 model, and while Mini could change up the trim levels, we expect to see three trims ranging from a base level to a fairly loaded one.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Entry-level Cooper E models are powered by a 181-hp electric motor, while SE models come with a more powerful one making 215 horsepower. We tested a prototype of the latter and were thrilled by its energetic handling and punchy acceleration. Mini hasn’t confirmed whether both models will make their way stateside, so if only one is chosen, we suspect (and hope) it will be the more powerful SE. Mini says the SE will be capable of hitting 62 mph in 6.7 seconds. An even more powerful dual-motor all-wheel drive version wearing the All4 badge could join the lineup later with 313 horsepower. A John Cooper Works high-performance trim is also rumored.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The Cooper E comes with a 28.9-kWh battery pack, and SEs come with a larger 58.4-kWh pack, which should be good for about 200 miles per charge. When we get a chance, we’ll test the new Mini Electric on our 75-mph fuel-economy route and update this story with test results.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe
Neither Mini nor the EPA have released fuel-economy estimates for the new Cooper Electric, but we suspect it will be slightly more efficient than the outgoing model. For reference, the 2024 Cooper Electric was rated as high as 110 MPGe. For more information about the Cooper Electric’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
This time around, Mini has chosen higher-quality interior materials and has simplified the Cooper’s interior design. Inspired by the 1959 original, Mini designers went for a pared-back feel inside, but there are still plenty of modern conveniences baked into the design. A series of LEDs are hidden behind the textile dash pad and illuminate upon start-up; these ambient lights also change color based on drive mode and infotainment theme. A row of toggle switches—a Mini must-have—provides access to frequently used controls, and the panel features a more contemporary look than the one featured in the outgoing model. Although the new Cooper is roughly the same size as the old one, the cabin feels more spacious and certainly seems airier inside.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A large circular infotainment display is mounted in the center of the dashboard, and a pop-up head-up display is available as well. Mini has been tight-lipped about most of the new Cooper Electric’s features and options, but we’ll update this story when we find out more info.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Cooper Electric comes with driver-assistance technology such as forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. For more information about its crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mini provides one of the better warranty plans compared with its competitors, and the company also includes substantial complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Electrical components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
