2021 Mini Cooper SE has one major flaw
Iconic brand's first foray into the all-electric realm shows great potential but range a problem
If I was reviewing this all-electric hot hatch a half-decade ago, it would get my vote for EV of the Year. If not the decade.
It takes all the best elements of a Mini — go-kartlike handling, first- rate attention to detail, and unique styling inside and out — and combines the finest attributes of an electrified powertrain — quick acceleration, smooth and quiet running — to create an unparalleled driving experience with no outward indication that its source of energy comes from a plug and not a pump.
However, as the calendar reads 2020 and this is a 2021 Mini Cooper SE, I'm afraid its full-charge range of a stated 177 kilometres is a flaw that is difficult to overlook.
For comparison's sake, I was testing out a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt the same week as the Cooper SE test and up until I jumped in the Mini's lovely Leather Lounge Carbon Black cabin, my vote for most-fun-to-drive everyday EV was the Bolt. Ever since I drove it way back in January 2017 during the global launch, I've loved the Bolt's unique yet intuitive steering-wheel mounted regen paddle, its short wheelbase, acceleration, and sure-footed cornering
Well, by the time I threw the Mini into its first corner, the Bolt no longer held my admiration as the most fun-todrive EV. That sentiment only grew as the week — and kilometres — went by. But, and this is a big but, the Cooper SE's range was anemic even by the original 2017 Bolt's full-charge standard of 383 kilometres, and even further in the rear-view of the 2020 Bolt's 417.
Granted, this is Mini's first full-production foray into the EV segment, its small stature precludes a big battery pack and its somewhat surprising weight (1430 kilograms) is working against better efficiency. Put it this way: if you could combine the Chevrolet Bolt's range with everything else about the Mini Cooper SE, you'd have the 2021 EV of the Year. But what would we call it? The Molt? The Bini? The Booper?
I suppose since you came here for a review and we're only 300 words in, we'll forge ahead with extolling the positives of the Mini Cooper SE. And there are many.
As mentioned, the driving experience is first-rate and if zooming around town in this vehicle doesn't put a smile on your face, I've got the number of a good plastic surgeon I can pass your way. With a centre of gravity about 2.5 centimetres lower than its gas-powered stablemates, the Cooper SE really sticks to the road, with negligible body roll even at some quick cornering speeds. The only quibble is a wee bit of torque steer, but I've always just considered that a nice reminder to keep your wits about you and both hands on the wheel. That's also not unique for a frontwheel-drive all- electric. Speaking of torque, with just one pound-foot short of 200, this Mini is a rocket off the line, in the passing lane and climbing grades.
There are four drive modes — Green+, Green, Mid, and Sport — all pretty much self-explanatory, with the Green modes limiting some of the climate controls.
The default mode is the Mid mode, so if you are looking for the most efficient driving you'll need to select one of the Green modes each time you start up.
In terms of brake regeneration, there are two modes, the stronger of the two being the default setting, which personally I prefer. The lower setting is activated using one of the Mini's toggle switches on the centre console. The stronger setting is not robust enough for full one-pedal driving (ala the Bolt and Leaf) but does do a decent job of harvesting energy to replenish the 32 kWh lithium-ion battery. And when you lift your foot off the accelerator, it slows the car in a manner not unlike a downshift, which when mastered only heightens the driving pleasure. Also on the plus side, the Mini is equipped for Level 3 fast charging (DC), taking about 35 minutes to charge from close to empty to 80 per cent.
As much as the driving experience is a highlight of the car, it's eclipsed by the cabin's style and execution.
Granted, the big circle screen dominating the centre console is a polarizing feature (personally I love it), but few could find fault with the interior. Particularly on the topof-the-line package I tested (outfitted with the Premier+ trim). This $8,000 option adds a laundry list of great features, including the sport leather steering wheel, panorama sunroof, Harman Kardon stereo, an enhanced GPS navigation system, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The seats front and back are sport-inspired, well bolstered, and the front headrests feature perforations in the form of a Union Jack. A nice touch and hat tip to the Mini's British heritage from the brand's BMW masters.
The base price is $39,990, meaning the Cooper SE qualifies for all federal and provincial BEV incentive programs.
Finally, as much as I try to avoid the C-word when writing road tests, there is a pandemic-related angle with the Mini Cooper SE. Those funky wheels were originally called Corona Spoke. They have been renamed Power Spoke.