Video Summary
Here is the requested summary of the video:The Mini Cooper Electric is a British vehicle owned by BMW and built in China by GWM.
Two versions of the hatchback arrive in Australia around August and start at $54,000, which is significantly cheaper than the current models.
The design is stripped back, classic looking, and absolutely fantastic.
The biggest design departure is the back, with the new matrix LED brake lights.
Alloy wheel designs are attractive but British racing green is only available on top-spec SE models.
Two mild and medium spiciness powertrains are offered with a single e-motor driving the front wheels, through a single-speed automatic transmission.
The SE model has more power and torque than the entry-grade one.
A JCW model is hoped for with twin e-motors and all-wheel drive.
The base model gets a 300 km range; the SE version gets a 400 km range.
The smaller battery allows faster charging, estimating 30 minutes from 0-80% with a fast DC charger.
An 11-kilowatt wall box takes about 5 hours.
The interior is cool and instantly draws the eye to the unorthodox digital display, an 9.4-inch digital frisbee.
Australian models include this striking display with high computing power, giving it good screen refresh rates and a high resolution.
Menu systems are intuitive.
There’s an absence of a digital driver's display, but a head-up display compensates.
Build quality is solid, and the door handles and Harmon Kardon sound system are well-made.
Common electric car models also are built in China.
The sports seats and new steering wheel feel high quality, and stand-out unique.
Three-door hatch provides limited rear amenities with only one cupholder, a code hook, and a light; no USB ports, and not much space.
Around town, vision and ride comfort are impressive, while the well-tuned suspension balances bumps smoothly.
Steering is direct, heavy, and gives drivers some feel, although the tires give out early.
Brakes lack feel and bite.
The synthesized engine audio is pretty weird, but provides personality.
Powertrain response off the line is a little slow at 6.7 seconds to 100 km, but is really quick while rolling.
Autonomy works well, and augmented reality nav is really cool.
The overall conclusion is that despite the unusual origins, and some caveats in comfort, range, the blended tech and tradition to great effect makes for an entertaining vehicle.
