Mini Cooper SE improves range, performance, and gets a huge circular OLED on the dash

[Shawn Knight]

The big picture: BMW's all-electric Mini Cooper is set to enter its fifth year of production, and the subcompact EV is finally starting to take shape. It's not yet a world beater, but it might be worth a look if you're longing for that hallmark Mini go-kart experience.

Performance and range were two of the original Mini EV's sore spots. The base model Mini Cooper E still leaves a lot to be desired, with an electric motor rated for 135 kW / 290 Nm (roughly 181 HP / 214 ft-lb) that's good for zero to 60 mph sprints in 7.3 seconds and a rated range of 305 kilometers (about 190 miles).

The Cooper SE, meanwhile, bumps power output to 160 kW / 330 Nm (215 HP / 243 ft-lb). According to BMW, it can hit 60 mph from a stop in 6.7 seconds and has a range of 402 kilometers (250 miles) thanks to a larger 54.2 kWh battery.

The new crop of Coopers still pales in comparison to other EVs with gobs of torque and face-melting acceleration. The platform's limited real estate likely plays heavily into this equation as there is only so much room for big motors and lots of batteries. At a time when full-size SUVs can sprint to 60 mph in under five seconds and sedans can do so in around half that time, the Mini feels turtle slow at 6.7 seconds.

Performance and range isn't everything, however. Interior styling is accented by a massive round OLED screen in the center of the dash. It measures nearly 9.5 inches across and serves as both an instrument cluster and the heart of the infotainment system. A voice-activated personal assistant is at your beck and call, and can be activated by saying "hey Mini." Lights in the dashboard can add a personal touch to the cockpit, BWM said.

The lack of a gear shifter between the front seats results in additional storage space and room for creature comforts like wireless mobile device charging.

BMW will be showcasing its new Mini EVs at the International Motor Show in Munich through September 5. No word yet on pricing or availability.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/100036-mini-new-cooper-se-improves-range-performance-gets.html

 

[Jack77]

These sprint times are more than fast enough. They seem more to make EV's attractive to buyers and a pissing contest between brands. Because, at least in Europe, such sprints are hardly useful, let alone possible without endangering others and yourself.

 

[Uncle Al]

It's just a car for God's sake ..... hardly the stuff I expect to see on Techspot .....

 

[3volv3d]

It's just a car for God's sake ..... hardly the stuff I expect to see on Techspot .....

Are cars not technology? Engineering, totally different, I see.
Well the dash is technology, computers now tune your engine. You have components.
Admittedly it just gives 10000 extra reasons for your car to need a fix.
Public transport improved would be better than everyone having a car.
But our Govts have sold us out, for more cash.
This here car, has an oled screen. It will look pretty, when you make that instagram video of you and your new mini. Don't forget to use a nice shade of lipstick, and pout.

 

[RudyBob]

Electric is the wishful wave of the few. There is no shortage of fuel or will there be. Stop and think for a few moments of the amounts consumed hourly in all it's forms. We are not going to run out. Another serioius question:
How much fuel is needed to produce these and run them ?

 

[Underdog]

They've got a nerve even calling it a Mini.
It's some sort of gross mutant. Regardless how quick they can make it go, it will never be half as much fun as a genuine mid 60's Mini Cooper 1275S.

 

[daffy duck]

Ugly as sin inside and out. That dash is horrific, like most EV junk coming out these days.

 

[sorten]

Electric is the wishful wave of the few. There is no shortage of fuel or will there be. Stop and think for a few moments of the amounts consumed hourly in all its forms. We are not going to run out. Another serious question:
How much fuel is needed to produce these and run them?

That's not actually a serious question, is it? Because it's been answered so many times for people who like to read. The world shifting to EVs isn't about the supply of fuel. It's about the cost of burning that fuel.

 

[bviktor]

Electric is the wishful wave of the few. There is no shortage of fuel or will there be. Stop and think for a few moments of the amounts consumed hourly in all it's forms. We are not going to run out. Another serioius question:
How much fuel is needed to produce these and run them ?

Apparently you completely missed the memo. No one is worried that we run out of fuel. We worry that we cook ourselves while we use it.