Mini Cooper Electric Hatchback

160kW SE Classic [Level 2] 54kWh 3dr Auto [2025]

Since BMW bought it, Mini has reinvented itself without losing what made it such a much-loved brand.

Yes, nowadays, the Mini isn’t as mini as it was. But BMW retained its classic shape, combining modern aesthetics with a retro design, a bit like old-fashioned-looking kettles and toasters that have become popular again in recent years.

But now, Mini has taken things to a new level.

The electric model was previously the same as the petrol version, with the engine replaced by an electric motor.

The electric version has been redesigned and is on a new platform, which was born from BMW’s partnership with the Chinese company Great Wall Motor.

What is also intriguing is that, with this new version, the Mini Cooper has become what must be the first car ever to change its name... without changing its name.

Before, 'Mini' was both the brand name and the name of the car - and the second part of the monicker, such as ‘Cooper’, was merely the model derivative, effectively a trim level.

Mini has now decided to call the car itself the ‘Cooper’.

And that means that what was (in most configurations, at least) the Mini Cooper is now... the Mini Cooper.

For the car we're testing, there are also a couple of letters to consider: E and SE.

Both are electric models, with E being the base model and SE getting more power.

We are interested in the E, so let's hop inside the Mini - or, rather, the Cooper.