New electric MINIs at the double – hatch and Countryman revealed

MINI has pulled the wraps off two all-new all-electric models – the hatchback Cooper and a family-sized Countryman. The hatch is expected to be the biggest seller, and it gets more range and tech with only a slight increase in price.

The smaller car will be available in either E and SE levels, offering 190 or 250-miles of officially-measured range – a big increase from the outgoing MINI’s 145 miles.The price will start at £30,000 for the E and £34,500 for the bigger-battery SE, with the first cars arriving in spring 2024.

The Cooper E uses a 40.7 kWh battery powering a 182bhp electric motor, giving a 0 to 62mph time of 7.3 seconds. The Cooper has an output 215 bhp, sprints from 0 to 62mph in 6.7 seconds and has a maximum range of 250 miles thanks to a bigger 54.2 kWh battery.

Both can accept 11 kW AC charging, but the E’s DC input is limited to 75 kW DC, while the SE can take 95 kW. This means both can have a 10 to 80 per cent top up in under 30 minutes.

The new car has two battery options, both with more range than the old car

MINI is particularly proud of the new tech inside the new MINI. It claims to be the first car to feature an OLED display, which aims to bring the brand’s trademark central circular dial bang up to date. With a dinner-plate sized diameter of 240mm, it controls most of the functions.

The MINI also uses a new ‘Operating System 9’ with high-speed connectivity and optional 5G capability. Among the features, a Remote 360 option can let you see the view inside and outside the parked vehicle in the MINI App.

It will also be the first MINI to have the controversial ‘Connected’ upgrades, which give customers the opportunity to purchase additional vehicle functions such as games, music, and video streaming.

The new AirConsole app provides a unique form of in-car gaming for all passengers, making the smartphone the controller of the game on the OLED display.

The rear is still distinctly a MINI, but looks different to the older models

All-new MINI Countryman

The bigger Countryman is available for the first time with both a combustion and all-electric powertrain, with the top model offering up to 287 miles of range.

The five-door crossover SUV grows in size, gaining 60mm in height and 130mm in length. This gives more interior space, adding just under 30mm of additional width in the shoulder and elbow area, while rear passengers get 25mm of extra space.

The car features a completely new powertrain and is available in two variants which mirror the Cooper’s - E and SE. The Countryman E will cost £41,500 and uses a 64.7 kWh battery which provides up to 287 miles of electric range. It uses a 201bhp motor propelling it from 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds.

The Countryman is bigger all round to provide more interior space

The £46,600 Countryman SE ALL4 uses the same battery but has two electric motors, giving a total 308bhp and all-wheel drive. The 0 to 62mph time is 5.6 seconds and the electric range is 269 miles.

Both models have 22kW AC charging available as an option and 130 kW DC charging as standard.

Three new trim levels will be available - Classic, Exclusive and Sport, and all feature the same circular OLED screen as the hatchback.The first cars will arrive in February 2024.