Cooper Electric Hardtop

Make
Mini
Segment
Hatchback

A few months ago, Mini unveiled its first-ever fully electric car to the world, marking the start of a new era for the 60-year old British automaker. While there's plenty we know about the Mini Cooper SE, there's one crucial detail that's been kept under wraps: the price. Until now, that is.

Arriving in dealers in March 2020, the Mini Cooper SE will start at $29,900 plus an additional $850 destination and handling fee. This makes it one of the most affordable EVs on the market, costing around the same price as the Nissan Leaf while undercutting the BMW i3 and Chevrolet Bolt EV.

"US pricing of the new MINI Cooper SE was set to establish this new battery-electric as a true class leader in making premium electric mobility more accessible to a broader range of customers.", said Michael Peyton, Vice President, MINI of the Americas. "We at MINI are pleased to offer more people the ability to experience a drive charged with passion in the form of the MINI Cooper SE, an EV that is built 'for the drive'."

Despite the affordable asking price, the Mini Cooper SE's list of standard equipment is surprisingly generous. For $29,900, you get a navigation system with a 6.5-inch display, Apple CarPlay compatibility, heated front seats, keyless entry, LED Headlights and Fog lights, a rear view camera, and active safety assists including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and rain-sensing wipers and headlights.

Powering the Mini Cooper SE is an electric motor that sends 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels, enabling the electric hatchback to hit 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds and achieve a top speed of 93 mph. With its affordable asking price, generous equipment, and fun driving dynamics, the Mini Cooper SE is shaping up to be a very attractive compact EV.

It's just a shame the range lets it down. Mini estimates the Cooper SE will last around 146 to 168 miles on the European WLTP test cycle, but this is likely to fall to around 114 miles on the US EPA cycle. To make up for this shortfall, however, Mini says the Cooper SE supports fast DC Charging at up to 50 kW, meaning it can be charged up to 80 percent in just 35 minutes.