Unveiling the Electric Minis: The Mini Cooper SE Passes TÜV with Flying Colors
Reduced emission, electrified British ride: The Mini Cooper SE impressively aces battery-powered evaluation.
Looking sleek and classic, the Mini Cooper SE is an electrified surprise. It's oustanding on the road, offering a distinct go-kart feel, agile handling, and the usual electric car acceleration. Surprisingly, it's managed to ace its TÜV inspection with minimal fuss. Only the obsessive might find something to nitpick about.
Background
Initially, electric Mini versions were just a concept, but BMW made it official at the IAA 2019. Launched in spring 2020, the Cooper SE, disguised as its gasoline counterpart, retailed for a starting price of 32,500 euros.
BMW's battery-powered sub-brand reveals that the Mini is charging forward on the electric path. The updated 2021 model brought cosmetic tweaks, such as a smoother front end, and new lighting options like a matrix high beam and bad weather light. As of the current TÜV report, the 2024 Mini Cooper Electric is yet to be considered.
Design and Models
Unlike the conventional Mini, which comes in a five-seater variant, the electric version is available as a three-seater only. In response to positive feedback, a convertible version has been launched for spring 2023, limited to 999 units.
Dimensions
The Mini measures approximately 3.82 to 3.85 meters in length, 1.73 meters in width, and 1.43 meters in height. The trunk volume is 211 to 731 liters. The cabriolet version slightly varies - 3.88 meters in length, 1.73 meters in width, and 1.42 meters in height, with a trunk volume of 215 liters.
Strengths and Weaknesses
According to the "Auto Bild TÜV-Report 2025", the Mini Cooper SE is quite faultless. Kudos to the suspension, axle attachments, springs, dampers, and braking components. Nevertheless, its dipped beam and front lighting might show rare defects, something that the report finds "no longer up-to-date". Its maximum charging power of 50 kW is also considered old-school, considering the Cooper SE accelerates to 100 km/h in just over seven seconds and is limited to 150 km/h.
Breakdown Behavior
Due to its limited registration, ADAC doesn't have sufficient data on Mini Cooper SE breakdowns. However, electric cars, in general, seem to have lower breakdown rates than their conventional counterparts, based on ADAC's figures for the 2020 year of first registration.
Engine and Battery
Based on the BMW i3's hybrid synchronous motor with front-wheel drive, the Mini Cooper SE provides 135 kW/184 PS. The net battery capacity is 28.9 kWh. Fully charging an empty battery with an 11 kW charger takes 2.5 hours, while a 50 kW charger takes 35 minutes.
Used Cars
Here are some statistics for the Mini Cooper SE based on the German Automobile Trust (DAT) with the statistically expected mileage:
- Cooper SE Classic Trim (2021); 135 kW/184 PS (electric motor); 47,000 kilometers; 15,733 euros
- Cabrio Cooper SE (2023); 135 kW/184 PS (electric motor); 24,000 kilometers; 39,216 euros
- Cooper SE Trim XL (2020); 135 kW/184 PS (electric motor); 58,000 kilometers; 16,356 euros
Insights into the Mini Cooper SE's Reliability
The vitality of the Mini Cooper SE might not be readily available from TÜV or ADAC sources. However, general analysis of the Mini Cooper SE suggests:
Performace and Range
The Mini Cooper SE is adored for its charm and driving exhilaration, but it's not ideal for long trips due to a limited range of about 300-330 km in real-world conditions, which is relatively short compared to some rivals.
Practicality
Given its compact size and modest range, the Mini Cooper SE excels more as a city car.
General Perception
The Mini Cooper SE is lauded for its style and driving fun, although critics sometimes point out range and practicality as caveats.
Maintenance and Reliability
Though specific data remains unavailable, Mini vehicles are generally known for their dependability. However, the long-term reliability of the Mini Cooper SE remains to be determined, as electric vehicles are relatively new in the game.
Buying Considerations
- Range Considerations: If range is an issue, potential buyers might want to explore other models with better range capabilities.
- Maintenance and Inspections: As with any vehicle, regular maintenance and inspections are essential. Buyers should consider the cost and availability of replacement parts and be aware of any known issues with the model.
- Test Drive and Review: Always test drive the vehicle and review any available data from reputable sources, including TÜV or ADAC, to gain more specific insights.
Community policies may need to address the increased demand for public charging infrastructure due to the increasing number of electric vehicles, including the Mini Cooper SE, in order to accommodate their growing popularity. With lifestyles becoming more tech-centric, the energy policy will play a crucial role in promoting the use of renewable energy sources for charging electric vehicles, which could contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from cars. Furthermore, as the Mini Cooper SE becomes more mainstream, technology advancements may lead to improvements in battery capacity and charging times to increase the practicality and range of electric vehicles, thereby catering to the needs of consumers seeking fuel-efficient and eco-friendly transportation options.
