On September 1st, Mini is set to unveil the new generations of its Cooper and Countryman models simultaneously. The highly anticipated debut will take place during a live broadcast from Munich, Germany, at 11:00 a.m. CEST (5:00 a.m. EST). The spotlight will first shine on the electric vehicle (EV) variants, leaving the internal combustion engine (ICE) models for a later reveal.
Key Points
- The new MINI Cooper and Countryman EVs will be officially revealed on September 1st.
- The Cooper EV will be available in two variants, the Cooper E and Cooper SE, with the latter having a more powerful electric motor and a larger battery pack.
- The Countryman EV will also be available in two variants, the Countryman E and Countryman SE ALL4, with the latter having dual electric motors and all-wheel drive.
- Both models will share a 64.7 kWh battery pack.
- The Cooper E will have a range of up to 300-400 km (186-249 miles), while the Countryman SE ALL4 will have a range of up to 450 km (280 miles).
- The new MINI EVs will be based on the BMW X1 and iX1 platforms.
- The Countryman EV will be 130 mm (5 inches) longer than its predecessor.
- The new MINI EVs will feature a round OLED touchscreen as the centrepiece of the minimalist dashboard.
- The interior will be made with sustainable materials.
These two Mini models will also be showcased at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, starting on September 5th. Production of these new models is scheduled to commence at the BMW Group’s Leipzig plant in Germany.
Despite the anticipation, Mini has given us only a sneak peek, featuring the evolutionary silhouette and distinctive lighting signature of the Cooper and Countryman EVs. However, we’ve already caught glimpses of these models in the flesh. In addition to official images of camouflaged prototypes, Mini has provided a look at both the exterior and interior designs of the new Cooper, while the undisguised Countryman has been spotted on the roads.
Now, let’s recap what we know so far about these exciting new models:
MINI Cooper E and SE:
The new MINI Cooper retains the iconic three-door hatchback design, a rarity in today’s automotive landscape. Its recognizable exterior features include the classic round headlights, a large grille, black pillars, and the signature white roof.
Inside the Cooper and other models in the new MINI lineup, a central round OLED touchscreen takes centre stage on a minimalist dashboard. This 9.4-inch display runs on the Android-based MINI Operating System 9 and comes with a virtual assistant called Spike. The system also offers various “experience modes” with different skins. The cabin emphasizes sustainability with the use of eco-friendly materials for upholstery, floor mats, and other components.
Under the hood, the entry-level MINI Cooper E boasts a single electric motor generating 181 horsepower (135 kW / 184 PS) along with a 40.7 kWh battery. On the other hand, the Cooper SE steps up with a 215 horsepower (160 kW / 218 PS) electric motor paired with a larger 54.2 kWh battery. There’s also an exciting fully electric JCW variant with even more power, though exact specifications remain undisclosed. These models are estimated to achieve a range of 300 to 400 kilometres (186 to 249 miles).
MINI Countryman E and SE:
The forthcoming MINI Countryman shares its underpinnings with the BMW X1 and iX1, offering both electric and ICE powertrain options. This crossover is notably 130 mm (5 inches) longer than its predecessor, resulting in a more spacious interior.
The Countryman E is equipped with a single electric motor producing 188 horsepower (140 kW / 191 PS). Meanwhile, the more powerful Countryman SE ALL4 features dual electric motors that combine to deliver an impressive 308 horsepower (230 kW / 313 PS), aligning with the BMW iX1. Both EVs share a common 64.7 kWh battery pack, granting the less powerful variant a range of up to 450 kilometres (280 miles).
As the countdown to the official unveiling continues, stay tuned for more details about these exciting new MINI EVs. The video presentation on September 1st promises to provide even more insight into these innovative vehicles.
