Electric Mini not new by any means

AN electric Mini isn’t all that new an idea.

In fact, you only have to wind back to 2008 for the firm’s first EV offering – the E, a car built in extremely limited numbers with none ever finding permanent public homes.

This is the Mini Electric, the car that lays claim to being the first mass-market electric Mini and what the firm is happy to describe as its biggest introduction since BMW took over the reins.

WHAT’S NEW?

Of course, a major change to this Mini comes under the bonnet with its electric powertrain, but fundamental changes are very minimal in a bid to keep the brand’s trademarks at its core.

Perhaps impressively, the Electric is even built on the same production line as petrol and diesel equivalents, which is currently a rarity in the industry.

Changes elsewhere include some optional visual tweaks to highlight its battery-powered prowess, though these are a free option in case you’d prefer to fly under the radar a bit, while it also becomes the first Mini to adopt a new Level 1, 2, 3 trim line-up that does away with individual cost options.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

Mini is launching the Electric in just one capacity, under Cooper S guise, though it remains to be seen if more come down the line.

Mini claims 145 miles on the WLTP combined cycle, though hopping into the freshly charged car (admittedly on a cold day), we’re met with a readout of about 120 miles – and realistically you can expect to extract 90-100 miles of that before having to plug back in.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Take it on a tasty looking back road and the chassis feels remarkably playful, with all of its agility able to be exposed well thanks to its potent powertrain.

It’s just as at home around town too.