2022 Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop Review: Short Circuitry
The Mini Cooper used to be the car of the people, then it went premium, and now it has gone one step further by becoming fully electric. The 2022 Mini Cooper EV is back for another round, and despite some minor updates, including fresh styling details, it still lags behind the competition in terms of range. Its 181-horsepower electric motor offers peppy performance, but with a maximum range of only 114 miles, we feel like this Mini can't really compete. The Chevrolet Bolt EV, for instance, boasts a range of over 250 miles. Still, the Mini Cooper EV is a rare electric car that starts at under $30,000. It's also fun to drive and looks good, making it a decent car for short city jaunts if you have another gas-powered car in the garage for longer trips. If you don't and the Cooper Electric is your only car, the limited range becomes an extremely limiting factor.
2022 Cooper Electric Hardtop Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
151.7 in | 98.2 in | 56.4 in | 68.0 in | 58.4 in | 58.8 in | 3,144.0 lbs |
2022 Cooper Electric Hardtop Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The Mini Cooper has grown substantially since it first came out in the late 1950s and, in electric form, tips the scale at over 3,000 pounds. That's relatively lightweight for most modern cars, but Minis have traditionally been lighter. The Cooper Electric proves that a well-sorted chassis and good weight distribution can mitigate most of the extra weight, and the result is a Mini that feels just as playful and go-cart-like as any of its gas-powered siblings. Turn-in is sharp and responsive, and understeer is kept to a minimum when throwing this Mini through a set of corners. In the city and on the highway, it's a comfortable cruiser. If you're looking for old-school hot hatch fun, we wouldn't recommend the Mini Cooper Electric, but don't write it off completely; it still has the Cooper spirit living inside its heart.
2022 Cooper Electric Hardtop Interior
2022 Cooper Electric Hardtop Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2022 Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop A Good car?
Mini has made a name for itself as a premium lifestyle brand that offers an eclectic range of vehicles perfectly matched for the active and young at heart. Cars such as the Mini Cooper S are a blast to drive, and Mini products, in general, are fun-loving machines, so what happens when you add some electricity? Disappointingly little, as it turns out. Mini had a great opportunity to make the Cooper Electric a class leader but instead paid lip service to the entire concept. With a range of only 114 miles, the Mini Cooper Electric is outshone by its competitors, and no amount of quirky design features, performance specs or handling prowess can make up for this extremely poor range. This is a disappointment considering that BMW has the technology at its disposal to easily double its range.
2022 Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop Comparisons
2022 Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop vs Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf might not be as stylish as the Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop, but it has a more affordable price tag and is much more practical in nearly every sense. The Leaf packs a 147 hp and 236 lb-ft punch from its electric powertrain and a range of at least 149 miles. A more powerful version of the Leaf can go up to 226 miles on a full charge - that's over 100 miles more than the Mini. The Leaf isn't as fun to drive as the Mini, but it's comfortable enough, quiet, and can actually seat four adults in comfort. The trunk is larger, too. In terms of safety features, the Nissan beats the Mini thanks to advanced features such as intelligent lane intervention and rear auto braking. If you're just after some fun, the Mini is a cool party trick. For everything else, the Leaf is the way.
2022 Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop vs Chevrolet Bolt EV
Parked on a busy street, the Chevrolet Bolt EV will get zero to no looks, especially when parked next to the Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop. This isn't a great-looking car, but as a practical EV, it blows the Mini out of the water. Its 200-hp powertrain and 250-mile plus driving range makes it both more powerful and practical than the Mini. We have to admit that it can't entertain like the Mini, but in this class, you're rarely going to be carving canyons or leaving car meets. With an affordable price, decent performance, good range, and a host of features, the Bolt EV still represents an excellent buy and is the more practical machine for people looking for a good all-rounder.