The MINI Cooper SE Electric Hatchback Will Reach Our Shores On This Date

• The electric hatch can do a 7.3-second 0-100kmph sprint and top out at 150kmph.

• Can run up to a WTLP-claimed 233km on a single charge.

• Supports up to 50kW fast charging that gives a 0-80 percent charge in 35 minutes.

• Looks identical to the petrol-powered Cooper S, with different 17-inch alloy wheels and optional yellow inserts being the differentiator.

• Features to include an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, connected car tech, digital driver’s display and dual-zone auto climate control.

• Prices are expected to start from Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Better mark your dates, as MINI is all set to launch the Cooper SE hatchback in India on February 24. Based on the internal combustion-engined three-door Cooper S, it’s the first all-electric model from the carmaker and is the second EV launch of 2022 from the BMW Group after the BMW iX electric SUV.

What separates the Cooper SE from its ICE counterpart is obviously electric propulsion. An electric motor, coupled with a 32.6kWh battery pack is capable of 184PS power and 270Nm torque. That’s enough for a 7.3-second 0-100kmph sprint and a top speed of 150kmph. Three drive modes are on offer: Green, Green+ and Sport.

It can go up to a WLTP-claimed 233km range on a single charge. Charging options include a 2kW home charger, giving off two percent charge per hour;  7.4kW public charger, giving 20 percent juice per hour; and 50kW fast charger, juicing the electric hatch to 80 percent in just 35 minutes. 

You’ll be hard pressed to find differences between the petrol-powered Cooper S and Cooper SE EV, with the circular LED headlights, mustache-like front grille surround, and Union Jack tail lights, pretty much unchanged. But the Cooper SE does manage to have some form of its own identity, thanks to a unique set of wheels, and yellow elements (optional) on the ORVMs.

The cabin will be largely similar to the Cooper S, with features including an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital driver’s display, connected car tech, Apple CarPlay, and ambient lighting. 

The MINI Cooper SE will likely be priced from Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom, India) onwards. It’ll be a niche offering for the time being, with no real rivals in the country.