Next-gen Mini Cooper SE EV First Look: New Design Language, Cleaner-looking EV

• New Mini Cooper SE bears a cleaner design with retro styling cues on the front end. 

• Seems to follow the same “Charismatic Simplicity” design language as the Aceman concept. 

• Should get features such as digital companion, larger infotainment screen, heated front seats and wireless phone charger. 

• Global premiere should be sometime in 2024, India arrival likely by 2025. 

The Mini Cooper SE only just received a convertible variant, so the EV isn’t due for a replacement anytime soon. Nevertheless, its future replacement is in the works, and much ahead of time, we’ve got a first look at the next-generation electric Mini in a handful of images that have surfaced online. The Mini EV will likely make its global debut sometime in 2024, and should be on its way to India around 2025. 

First Glimpse At 2024 Mini Cooper SE EV 

The new Mini Cooper SE (aka Mini Electric) has a minimalist, clean design that features more smooth curves and minimal body lines and creases. The electric Mini hatchback seems to follow Mini’s new “Charismatic Simplicity” design language that goes for a more pared-back look. 

At the front, the electric Mini features large, circular headlights with the same LED halo as before, but it features a pair of straight lines above and below the main headlight units. The design harks back to the original Mini from the 1960s with its bulbous bonnet and fenders. The nose features a larger “grille” that’s mostly covered-up and gets a clean octagonal surround in this electric version. 

Over on the sides, the Mini Electric gets the same floating roof design as before, but the profile looks even cleaner and more uncluttered owing to the smooth, crease-free bodywork. The wheels lose their aero fins for a cooler dual-tone, rimless look and, if you haven’t noticed yet, there is no side cladding on the new Mini electric. In a bonus, the sunroof almost seems like a panoramic unit for a car of this size. 

• 5 Things To Know About The Mini Aceman Concept

The new Mini Cooper SE gets a completely different rear-end design from the current hatchback. While the existing EV goes for a bulbous lower tailgate, its successor has a flatter rear end with triangular LED taillights. That said, the trademark Union Jack insignia for the tail lamps have been retained but are presented in a much cooler format. 

Expected features and powertrains 

Current-gen Mini Cooper SE interior for representation only

With its launch still miles away, Mini is yet to reveal the nitty-gritty about the EV’s features. Nevertheless, the basic kit should be carried over from the existing model, including heated front seats, a wireless phone charger, multiple airbags and driver-assistance systems (ADAS). 

Mini Aceman concept interior for representation only

Moreover, we could see select features previewed by the Aceman concept in the Mini EV, too, such as a dashboard with dynamic LED lighting and a circular infotainment screen (the current EV has an 8.8-inch unit). 

The existing Mini gets a 32.6kWh battery pack good for around 270km of range. The e-motor is good for 184PS and 270Nm, good enough to achieve nought to 100kmph in 7.3 seconds. While the performance is adequate for an EV, we expect the carmaker to improve on the range, which is lower than similarly priced rivals. 

• Mini Cooper SE Convertible Revealed, Limited Production And Exclusively Slated For Europe

• Next Generation MINI Cooper SE EV Makes Teaser Debut; Expected Unveil Later This Year

The new Mini Cooper SE should arrive in India sometime in 2025 as a replacement for its existing namesake EV that costs Rs 52.5 lakh (ex-showroom) currently. It’ll be a rival for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volvo XC40 Recharge, among other electric models expected to arrive over the next two years.