The BMW Group is going all-electric, which means its spunky British subsidiary, Mini, will follow suit. The iconic British automaker has long offered an electric vehicle (EV) variant for the Mini Cooper, but it's expanding its efforts with a range of new all-electric models over the next few years. At the 2023 IAA Mobility conference, Mini revealed more than one new EV, including the all-electric Mini Cooper, a car with immediately recognizable styling, go-kart-like handling, and a striking interior design.
Mini offers the all-new 2025 Cooper in a 3-door body style. Four trim levels are available: Essential, Classic, Favoured, and John Cooper Works. Two powertrain configurations are available, including the Cooper E with 184 horsepower and the Cooper SE with 218 hp. The car also gets a new technology interface, updated driver-assistance systems, and DC fast charging capability.
Mini is one of those brands whose legacy is so strong that it's challenging to implement changes without receiving pushback. The automaker has managed to massage the Cooper over the years, giving it modern styling while maintaining the look and shape fans know. The electric Mini Cooper's 3-door design is no exception, featuring the brand's signature round headlights and friendly face. All variants get LED daytime running lights, and Mini offers an upgraded system with three light modes and welcome/departure animations.
Mini says it reduced the number of exterior styling elements to give the car a more focused look. The headlights no longer have chrome accents, and the automaker simplified the side styling with more body-color elements instead of black. Each trim level gets unique exterior styling, such as the Favoured's optional two-tone paint with contrasting roof or the John Cooper Works trim's red roof and racing stripes.
The new Mini Cooper's interior is minimalist and a throwback to the original car. There's no traditional gauge cluster, as Mini installed a head-up display in its place. The iconic round instrument cluster in the center of the dash remains, though it houses the infotainment system here. Mini says it created the recycled polyester dash material using a unique knitting process with two-tone color options and notes different trims come with different color options. A panoramic glass roof is available, and the car offers up to 28.25 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat.
Each trim gets a unique interior theme, such as the Essential trim's black sport seats with colored accents on the dash and patterned cloth. The Classic trim gets 2D knitted fabric with contrasting leather, and the Favoured trim gets houndstooth two-tone accents.
Two powertrain configurations are available in the new Mini Cooper EV. The base Mini Cooper E has 184 hp and 214 pound-feet of torque and, according to the automaker, can run zero-to-62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.3 seconds. The upgraded Cooper SE has 218 hp and 244 pound-feet of torque, giving it a claimed zero-to-62-mph time of 6.7 seconds. Mini promises 189 miles of range for the E and around 250 for the SE. Mini generated those estimates using the WLTP standard in Europe. The EPA's estimates are usually more conservative, so we'll likely see adjusted range numbers when the car comes to the United States.
While the performance numbers aren't the most impressive on paper, the Mini Cooper has always been more about handling and agility over raw speed. The automaker promises more of that with the new EV, touting its increased track width and sporty suspension. Mini mounted the battery deep in the floor to give the new Cooper a low center of gravity, and new wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches.
Several drive modes are available, including Go-Kart mode, which Mini says gives the car sharper handling and response, and Green mode, which the automaker says optimizes the powertrain for range and efficiency. Each mode changes the interior displays and lighting that reflect the "attitude" of each configuration. Charging speeds reach 95 kW in the Cooper SE, which Mini says is good for a 10- to 80-percent charge in under 30 minutes.
Mini offers a range of new driver-assistance systems in the 2025 Cooper, including active parking assistance with 12 ultrasonic sensors and four cameras to find parking spaces and maneuver into them. The system also works with the Mini app, allowing owners to park the Cooper from outside the car. Other standard safety features will likely include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and LED headlights.
Mini's new Operating System 9 runs on a high-resolution OLED display atop the center stack. The display has grown to 9.6 inches in diameter and houses all vehicle functions. Users can control the system with touch or voice, and Mini says the interface shifts depending on the drive mode.
The new Home screen design features customizable widgets and persistent icons for navigation, media, phone, and climate, making it possible to select any of the functions with one tap. Mini's navigation system is active and receives weather data to precondition the battery for charging and reroute directions accordingly.
As of this writing, final pricing details for the U.S. Mini Cooper EV aren't available, but expect it to be quite affordable. Its price, range, and body style put it in competition with the Hyundai Kona Electric, which has a slightly longer range and more interior space. The Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV are both solid alternatives. However, they don't carry the enthusiast appeal and funky styling that the Mini offers.
Mini is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of September 7, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker's website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
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