Mini Cooper SE

Overview

The 2021 Mini Cooper SE zapped onto the scene as Mini's first all-electric firecracker, blending iconic British charm with zero-emission city driving. Perfect for urbanites, this SE trim emphasized fun-sized agility and that classic go-kart handling Mini is famed for. While production has ceased, it’s a hot ticket on the used market, with the provided data showing an estimated price around $16,850. It’s all about stylish, peppy commuting rather than marathon road trips, making it a distinctive choice in the compact EV segment for those who prioritize personality.

What's New for 2021?

For its sophomore year, the 2021 Mini Cooper SE didn't get a massive overhaul but did snag some neat upgrades. The headliner was a sleek new digital instrument cluster, previously an option, now standard, giving the cockpit a more modern, techy vibe. Mini also shuffled some option packages, making it easier to spec your perfect electric runabout. Core electric guts, like the battery and motor, remained the same, so it was more about refining the already cool electric Mini experience for US buyers wanting that funky city flair.

Design & Exterior

Rocking that unmistakable Mini look, the 2021 Cooper SE is pure eye-candy with an electric twist. The SE trim flaunts unique yellow accents, a distinctive closed-off grille, and cool 17-inch 'Power Spoke' wheels. Bright LED headlights and signature Union Jack taillights complete the posh yet playful vibe. It's perfectly proportioned for city life at 151.4 inches long, 68 inches wide (no mirrors), and 56.4 inches tall. This isn't just a car; it's a fashion statement on wheels, screaming Mini from every angle, but with a silent, zappy secret.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Jump inside the 2021 Mini Cooper SE, and you're greeted by Mini's signature quirky, circular-themed design and surprisingly decent materials. The standard 8.8-inch central touchscreen handles infotainment, featuring Apple CarPlay (sadly, no Android Auto back then). That new-for-2021 digital driver display really spruces up the dash. It's a cozy 4-seater, though rear space is tight. Cargo-wise, you get 7.5 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to 25.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. No frunk here, so pack smart for your urban adventures!

Performance & Driving Experience

This electric Mini is a proper pocket rocket! The 2021 Cooper SE, with its front-wheel drive (FWD) setup, uses a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) dishing out 135 kW (around 181 hp) and 199 lb-ft of instant torque. Mash the pedal, and it’ll scoot from 0-60 mph in just 7.0 seconds, topping out at 93 mph. True to its heritage, it offers that legendary go-kart handling – super agile and an absolute blast in city traffic. Regenerative braking has multiple levels, letting you pick your preferred one-pedal driving feel.

Range, Battery & Charging

The 2021 Mini Cooper SE is built for city sprints, not marathons. It features a 28.9 kWh usable battery, offering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 114 miles. Efficiency is rated at a respectable 3.94 mi/kWh. Juice it up at home using the standard 7.4 kW AC on-board charger, and you're looking at a full battery in about 4-5 hours. Out and about? The CCS Type 1 port supports DC fast charging up to 49 kW, zapping the battery to 80% in roughly 35 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While specific NHTSA or IIHS crash test ratings for the 2021 Cooper EV SE weren't widely publicized, the gasoline Mini Cooper on which it's based generally scored well. For peace of mind, the SE typically came standard with essential active safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rear parking sensors. Buyers could often upgrade with optional packages to add driver aids such as adaptive cruise control and a parking assistant system, making city driving even more stress-free and secure in this compact EV.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Mini typically backed the 2021 Cooper SE with a 4-year/50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty. The crucial high-voltage battery usually received an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, protecting against significant capacity loss, which is pretty standard. Powertrain coverage often matched the basic warranty. Mini USA frequently included complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first 3 years/36,000 miles. As an EV, expect lower maintenance needs overall, adding to its city-friendly appeal and potentially saving you some cash down the road.