Electrifying performance: MINI unveils the new MINI Electric

MINI has unveiled its fully electric model - the MINI Electric. Production at the Oxford plant will begin in late 2019, with first deliveries in March 2020. With performance close to the hot-hatch MINI Cooper S, demand is expected to be strong.

The MINI Electric is based on the same body shell as the 3-Door Hatch, with a few specific differences. An embossed MINI Electric logo appears on car's side scuttles, as well as on the tailgate and front radiator grille.

The exterior mirror caps are finished as standard in Vigorous Grey or optionally in yellow, as is the horizontal blade on the front radiator grille. All exterior finishes can be combined with roof and exterior mirror caps in body finish, black or white. Customers will also have a choice of alloy wheels in 16 or 17 inches, including a new, model exclusive Corona Spoke alloy.

Propelling the car is the latest, powerful version of the synchronous electric motor developed by the BMW Group and provides a maximum output of 181bhp and maximum torque of 270Nm. As a result, the car accelerates to 100km/h in just 7.3 seconds with top speed limited to 150km/h.

The battery pack has 12 modules of lithium-ion cells arranged in a T-shaped unit in the vehicle floor between the front seats and below the rear seats, providing a battery capacity of 32.6kWh. At a 50kW DC fast-charging station, an 80% charge is reached from zero in 35 minutes. 

Power electronics are shielded by a reinforced bumper carrier and the motor support frame, while the high-voltage battery is protected by a solid base plate. With an unladen weight of 1,365kg, the MINI Electric is only 145kg heavier than the current MINI Cooper S 3-Door with an automatic transmission.

Electric drive takes the trademark MINI go-kart driving feeling to new heights, thanks to new suspension technology designed for this model. With a centre of gravity that is at least 30mm lower than in the MINI Cooper S and reduced weight over the front wheels thanks to the electric motor, close to perfect weight distribution helps the new MINI Electric achieve exceptional driving dynamics.

Boot volume can be compromised in electric cars, but the MINI Electric retains the full MINI Hatch's boot space of 211 litres, which expands to 731 litres when the rear backrests are folded down.

On the technology front, the new MINI Electric will sport a new digital dashboard with a 5.5-inch colour screen behind the steering wheel.

Road speed is shown at the centre in figures with a peripheral scale band, as well as information on the charge level of the battery, the selected Driving Mode, the status of the driver assistance systems and check control messages.

In addition, details of the available range and current drive power are displayed, along with traffic sign detection reports and directions from the navigation system.

With the new dashboard, it is now possible to display the available range and the charge status, as well as charge completion time if the vehicle is connected to a power socket or charging station.