Mini Cooper SE

Overview

The 2024 Mini Cooper EV SE marks the end of an era for this electric pocket rocket, offering iconic style with zero-emission thrills. As the SE trim, it packed a punch with instant torque, making it a hoot to drive around town. While now discontinued, it’s a sought-after used buy, with prices around €15,850. Its compact dimensions and classic Mini go-kart handling made it a unique proposition in the small EV segment, perfect for urban adventurers who value style and fun over outright range.

What's New for 2024?

For 2024, the Mini Cooper EV SE was largely a carry-over model, marking its final year of production before an all-new generation arrived. This means buyers got the familiar, much-loved package of retro-modern styling and zippy electric performance that defined this generation. No significant feature changes were introduced for this last hurrah, but it solidified its place as a characterful city EV. The focus shifted towards the next-generation Mini Cooper Electric, which promises a ground-up redesign and improved tech.

Design & Exterior

The 2024 Mini Cooper EV SE retained its undeniably cheeky and iconic Mini silhouette. Think classic bulldog stance, circular headlamps (often with Union Jack LED tail lights!), and a contrasting roof option. The SE trim typically sported unique alloy wheel designs and subtle "E" badging. It’s a compact machine, measuring 3850 mm long, 1727 mm wide (excluding mirrors), and 1432 mm tall, making it a doddle to park. It’s a design that screams fun before you even step inside, turning heads wherever it zips.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Mini Cooper EV SE blended retro charm with modern tech. The signature circular central display housed the infotainment system, usually an 8.8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay, though Android Auto availability could be inconsistent. Quality was typically good, with funky design touches. It's a strict 4-seater, with rear space best for kids or short trips. Boot space is city-car typical at 211 litres, expanding to a more useful 731 litres with the rear seats folded. Unfortunately, there's no frunk for extra storage.

Performance & Driving Experience

This electric Mini is all about that "go-kart feeling"! The SE trim, with its front-wheel drive (FWD) setup powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM), delivers a lively 135 kW and a punchy 270 Nm of torque. This translates to a grin-inducing 0-100 km/h dash in just 7.3 seconds, making it feel very nippy in urban traffic. While the ride can be on the firm side, true to Mini’s character, it’s engaging and fun. Regenerative braking is usually adjustable, enhancing the driving experience.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Cooper EV SE features a 28.9 kWh usable battery pack, offering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 185 km. This makes it primarily a city companion, boasting an efficiency of 6.4 km/kWh. For charging, it sports a CCS Type 2 port. At home, the standard 11 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery in approximately 3 hours. On the move, DC fast charging maxes out at 49 kW, meaning a 10-80% top-up will take around 35-40 minutes under ideal conditions.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While specific Euro NCAP ratings for the Cooper EV SE are not listed as available for this final model year, Minis generally offer good occupant protection. The petrol-powered Mini Hatch, sharing its core platform, scored 4 stars in Euro NCAP tests back in 2014, though testing standards have since become more stringent. The SE typically included essential safety features, with driver assistance like parking sensors and a basic cruise control, while more advanced systems were often optional extras on this trim.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

As a BMW Group product, new Mini Cooper EVs typically came with a 3-year/unlimited km vehicle warranty in Europe. The crucial high-voltage battery usually received an 8-year/160,000 km warranty, covering degradation below a certain percentage. Electric Minis benefit from reduced maintenance schedules compared to their petrol siblings – no oil changes! Reliability for this generation has generally been good, but as it's now a used prospect, a thorough check and service history are always wise for peace of mind.