Mini, like so many carmakers, is going electric, confirming its new EV will be available to buy in Australia next year and a rival for BMW’s i3.
Mini Australia has confirmed it will launch the new fully-electric Mini Cooper SE here mid-2020.
Making its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show this week, Mini’s electric Cooper is a full-production follow up to its experimental Mini E of ten years ago, with better range and functionality.
The three-door hatch arrives as the current-generation Mini is readying for replacement, but the new electric car will suit city drivers well with a useable claimed 235-270km driving range supplied by a T-shaped, floor-mounted lithium-ion battery. Thankfully, given the Mini’s small size, the battery’s configuration doesn’t take up any extra space in the cabin or boot.
In place of a petrol or diesel engine, an electric motor drives the front wheels, producing 135kW of power and helping pull the British EV from 0-100km/h in a spritely 7.3 seconds.
Mini has unveiled the fully-electric vehicle on its 60th anniversary, and like the original compact car, the Mini Cooper SE will be built in Oxford, UK.
Mini Australia general manager Brett Waudby said that the new Mini marks a change of direction for the brand into the future.
“The Mini Cooper SE Hatch marks a new era for our brand in providing our customers with a progressive mobility solution wrapped in a package that is unmistakably Mini in its look, feel and the way it drives,” he said.
“We look forward to introducing this exciting and game-changing member of the Mini family to the Australian market next year.”
Mini will launch the model next year at an estimated price range of around $50-60,000, though pricing and specification details will be announced closer to launch.
