Review
The iconic British brand, Mini has introduced its first-ever, all-electric offering based on the popular two-door Cooper hatchback, christened ‘Cooper SE’. Does this Mini EV offer a sporty performance while retaining the Mini’s legendary go-kart-like driving manners? We find out.
Mini has delegated a 32.6kWh battery pack (28.9kWh net capacity) to power its electric motor, which puts out 184hp and 270Nm of torque, 8hp and 10Nm lesser than the internal combustion engine (ICE) Cooper S. The instantaneous responses from its electric motors in the real world, however, more than make up for its performance deficit on paper. There is not a multi-speed gearbox nor is there any turbo lag to tackle, and, as a result, the Cooper SE zips ahead with all the motor’s ready torque transmitting to its front wheels. Adding drama to its fuss-free acceleration is a hint of torque steer and some tyre chirping under hard acceleration, before the ESP regulates wheelspin.
