The first mass-produced electric Mini is ready to go in Australia, with a 233km range and a price just shy of $60,000 drive-away.
Unveiled at the in July 2019, the Mini Electric Hatch packs a familiar face, body, and interior, but no internal-combustion engine under the bonnet. Instead, it’s powered by an electric motor on the front axle, fed by a 32.6kWh lithium-ion battery.
With a starting price of $59,900 drive-away, the Cooper SE is priced above the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Ioniq Electric, but undercuts the Hyundai Kona Electric.
The new Electric will touch down late in August, with between 90 and 100 First Edition models set for our shores. Prospective buyers can make a deposit and spec the car online.
Mini says there are almost 2000 expressions of interest for the car. The Mini Electric first editions have already sold out, but it appears you are able to place a $500 deposit down on Mini website to secure one for delivery around mid 2021.
Pricing
- Mini Electric Hatch First Edition: $59,900 drive-away
List price for the Mini Electric is $54,800 before on-road costs
It may also be worth keeping an eye on Mini’s promotion page to see if they have any offers running.
Engine
This being an electric car, there’s no internal-combustion engine. Power instead comes from a front-mounted electric motor making 135kW of power and 270Nm of torque.
The three-door hatch hits 100km/h in 7.3 seconds from standstill, with a top speed of 150km/h.
The motor is fed by a 32.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack, good for a claimed range of 233km.
Fuel Economy
With a 233km claimed range, the Mini Electric Hatch lags well behind the Hyundai Kona Electric and Tesla Model 3.
An 80 per cent charge will take 35 minutes using a 50kW DC fast charger.
The former offers a claimed 450km in the real world, while Tesla says the Model 3 will do up to 620km – although real-world results will vary, both cars will cover more ground than the Mini.
The Hyundai Ioniq Electric will also outrun the Mini Electric on the highway, with a 311km range.
Dimensions
The 2020 Mini Electric Hatch measures 3845mm long, 1727mm wide and 1432mm tall, with a 2495mm wheelbase.
It weighs 1365kg, and has a claimed cargo capacity of 211L with the rear seats in place. Folding them frees up 731L.
Safety
The Mini Electric Hatch itself hasn’t been tested by Euro NCAP or ANCAP, but the wider Mini Hatch range earned a four-star safety rating in 2014.
It scored 79 per cent for adult occupant protection, 73 per cent for child occupant protection, 66 per cent for pedestrian protection, and 56 per cent for safety assist.
Safety equipment such as autonomous emergency braking is standard across the Mini range.
Standard Equipment
Standard kit on the First Edition of the Mini Electric Hatch includes:
- Four colour options
- 17-inch wheels (design varies based on exterior colour)
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Digital dashboard
- Head-up display
- Leather seats
- Heated front seats
- Harman/Kardon surround sound system
Servicing
Like the wider Mini range, the Electric comes with a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and three years of roadside assistance.
The battery is backed by a separate eight-year, 100,000km battery guarantee.
Servicing is carried out based on the car’s condition – with no oil changes or filter replacements required, the owner will be alerted when something needs fixing.
