When the original Mini launched in 1959, designer Alec Issigonis couldn’t have imagined that over six decades later, his revolutionary small car concept would be reborn with an electric heart.
Yet here we are in 2025, with the MINI Cooper Electric representing one of the most distinctive options in the increasingly crowded electric vehicle marketplace.
This latest evolution marries MINI’s unmistakable character with zero-emission technology, creating a package that appeals to both brand enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers alike.
But how does it perform in daily use, and does it maintain the sprightly character that made MINI famous? Let’s explore what makes the latest MINI Cooper Electric tick.
Evolution of an Icon
The current MINI Cooper Electric builds upon the foundations laid by earlier electric experiments from the brand. BMW, which owns MINI, first tested the waters with the MINI E in 2008, a limited-production vehicle leased to select customers as a real-world laboratory.
This was followed by the first-generation MINI Electric (called the MINI Cooper SE in some markets) in 2020, which represented the brand’s first mass-produced electric offering.
The 2025 model takes things significantly further, being built on a platform specifically designed with electrification in mind.
This purpose-built approach allows for better integration of battery components and more efficient use of space—addressing some of the compromises found in the previous generation, which was essentially an electric powertrain shoehorned into a chassis designed for combustion engines.
Oliver Heilmer, MINI’s design chief, explained the philosophy behind the new model: “We wanted to respect the heritage while embracing the future.
The challenge was maintaining the compact proportions and playful character that define MINI, while delivering the range and practicality that today’s EV buyers expect.”
The result is a vehicle that’s immediately recognizable as a MINI, with its rounded headlights, contrast roof, and compact dimensions, yet subtly evolved with aerodynamic enhancements and distinctive lighting signatures that communicate its electric nature.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the skin, the MINI Cooper Electric employs a front-mounted electric motor driving the front wheels—maintaining the brand’s traditional front-wheel-drive layout.
The standard Cooper E model delivers 181 horsepower (135 kW), while the sportier Cooper SE steps things up to 215 horsepower (160 kW).
The performance credentials are impressive. The Cooper E reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.3 seconds, while the SE drops that to a brisk 6.7 seconds.
These figures might not match the blistering acceleration of premium electric vehicles like Tesla, but they’re entirely in keeping with MINI’s “go-kart” ethos—quick enough to be fun without being intimidating.
Where the MINI Cooper Electric truly shines is in urban environments and on winding back roads. The instant torque delivery characteristic of electric motors means the car feels even quicker than the numbers suggest, particularly in the critical 0-30 mph range that matters most in city driving.
The low-mounted battery pack also contributes to a center of gravity lower than any previous MINI, enhancing the brand’s renowned cornering capabilities.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure this still feels like a proper MINI to drive,” explains Julia Schmidt, the vehicle’s dynamics engineer.
“The weight distribution, the steering response, the suspension tuning—everything is calibrated to deliver that immediate response and connection to the road that MINI drivers expect.”
Range and Charging
Perhaps the most significant advance in the 2025 model is its improved range. The standard Cooper E comes equipped with a 40.7 kWh battery offering a WLTP-rated range of approximately 190 miles (305 km), while the Cooper SE features a larger 54.2 kWh pack good for about 250 miles (402 km).
These figures represent a substantial improvement over the previous generation, which struggled to exceed 110 miles in real-world driving.
The range increase addresses one of the primary criticisms of the earlier model and brings the MINI Cooper Electric into contention for those who need more than just a city runabout.
Charging capabilities are similarly enhanced. Using a 130 kW DC fast charger, the Cooper E can recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, while the larger battery in the SE takes about 35 minutes under the same conditions.
For home charging, the onboard 11 kW AC charger can fully replenish the battery in about 4 hours for the Cooper E and 5 hours for the SE when connected to a compatible wallbox.
Interior: Minimalist yet Premium
Step inside the MINI Cooper Electric, and you’re greeted by an interior that balances minimalism with premium touches.
The centerpiece is MINI’s circular infotainment display, a nod to the center-mounted speedometer of classic Minis, reimagined as a high-resolution OLED screen with newly developed EV-specific interfaces.
Physical controls have been thoughtfully retained for primary functions like climate control and driving modes, bucking the industry trend toward eliminating tactile buttons entirely.
“We recognize that some functions simply work better with physical controls,” notes interior designer Emma Wilson. “Touch screens are wonderful for certain interactions, but not everything needs to be hidden in a menu.”
Materials throughout the cabin reflect an increased focus on sustainability. The upholstery options include a new textile made from recycled polyester, while the dashboard and door panels incorporate materials derived from natural fibers.
Traditional leather has been replaced by a high-quality synthetic alternative in keeping with the vehicle’s environmentally conscious positioning.
Space utilization remains a MINI strong point, with the packaging of electric components creating slightly more room than one might expect from the compact exterior dimensions.
That said, the rear seats remain best suited for shorter journeys or younger passengers, and the trunk capacity of 8.4 cubic feet (238 liters) is adequate rather than generous.
Technology and Features
The 2025 MINI Cooper Electric comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of technology features. The aforementioned central display runs MINI’s latest operating system, which includes real-time energy consumption monitoring, charging station location (with live availability data), and predictive range mapping that accounts for topography and traffic conditions.
Smartphone integration is seamless, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the range. An upgraded Harman Kardon sound system is available for audiophiles, while ambient lighting with customizable color schemes allows owners to personalize the cabin atmosphere.
Driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automated emergency braking, and parking assistant.
The optional Driving Assistant Plus package adds more advanced features like traffic jam assist, which can handle acceleration, braking, and steering in slow-moving traffic situations.
One particularly clever feature is the MINI Digital Key Plus, which allows the car to be unlocked and started using just a smartphone or smartwatch, even if the device’s battery is depleted.
Driving Experience: Still a MINI at Heart?
The quintessential MINI characteristic has always been its engaging driving experience—the so-called “go-kart feeling” that makes even mundane journeys entertaining. Does the switch to electric power preserve this character, or does battery weight dull the experience?
After extensive testing across various conditions, the verdict is positive. The MINI Cooper Electric retains the quick steering and agile handling that define the brand, with the instant torque of the electric motor adding a new dimension to the experience.
The low-mounted battery actually improves stability compared to combustion models, reducing body roll without requiring overly stiff suspension settings.
Multiple driving modes allow the character to be adjusted according to preference and conditions. Sport mode maximizes responsiveness with sharper accelerator mapping and heavier steering, while Green mode extends range through more conservative power delivery and enhanced regenerative braking.
A unique “Go-Kart” mode sits between these extremes, calibrated to deliver the most engaging driving experience without excessive energy consumption.
The regenerative braking system offers two settings: a milder option that feels more like engine braking in a conventional car, and a stronger setting that enables one-pedal driving in most situations. This flexibility allows drivers to adapt the car to their preferences rather than forcing a particular driving style.
Road and wind noise are well contained, making the MINI Cooper Electric a surprisingly refined cruiser despite its compact dimensions.
The suspension strikes a commendable balance between communicating road texture and isolating occupants from harshness—a difficult balance that MINI has largely mastered.
Pricing and Positioning
In terms of market positioning, the MINI Cooper Electric occupies an interesting middle ground. Starting at $37,500 for the Cooper E and $42,800 for the Cooper SE before incentives, it’s neither the most affordable electric option nor a premium luxury product.
This pricing places it in competition with vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.3, Hyundai Kona Electric, and the lower end of the Tesla Model 3 range. What MINI offers against these rivals is a more distinctive character, both visually and dynamically, plus the cache of the MINI brand, which continues to command strong loyalty.
Customization remains a MINI hallmark, with numerous paint colors, roof combinations, wheel designs, and interior themes available.
The “Yours Customized” program even allows owners to have personalized side scuttles, door sills, and light projections created to their specifications.
MINI Cooper Electric : Electric Evolution Done Right
The 2025 MINI Cooper Electric successfully translates the brand’s distinctive character into the electric age. Rather than simply replacing an engine with motors and batteries, MINI has thoughtfully evolved the entire package, addressing previous shortcomings while maintaining the fun factor that makes a MINI a MINI.
The improved range removes a significant barrier to adoption, while the retained driving dynamics ensure that existing MINI enthusiasts won’t feel alienated by the switch to electric power.
The interior strikes a successful balance between minimalist design and practical functionality, with sustainable materials that reflect the vehicle’s eco-friendly mission.
Is it perfect? Not quite. The premium pricing means it’s not the most cost-effective route to electric mobility, and those who regularly need substantial cargo space or adult-friendly rear seating might find it too compromised for their needs.
But for urban dwellers, commuters, or those adding a second car to their household, the MINI Cooper Electric offers a compelling blend of character, capability, and conscience.
In a market increasingly crowded with somewhat anonymous electric crossovers, the MINI Cooper Electric stands out by staying true to its heritage while embracing the future—proving that sustainability and driving enjoyment need not be mutually exclusive.
Alec Issigonis might not have envisioned his creation with an electric heart, but one suspects he would approve of how his revolutionary approach to small car design continues to evolve over six decades later.