Mini Electric

Is the MINI Electric a good car?

Just like the original MINI changed the way people thought about small cars back in the ‘60s, the MINI Electric could change the way you think about electric cars today.

In size and shape it’s the same as any other three-door MINI hatchback, plus it has the look and badging of the sporty Cooper S model, but its 32kWh battery and electric motor help it travel up to 145 miles between charges. That’s a little further than a Honda e, but short of the cheaper Peugeot e-208 or Renault Zoe.

If you are not sure about EVs, MINI has tried to keep its design as ‘normal’ as possible. Sure, you can have eye-catching three-pin-plug style wheels and fluorescent accents if you wish, but if you don’t want to stand out, then you can have all the usual MINI wheels and paints instead.

Aside from a fluro starter button and drive selector, the only major giveaway that this MINI is a bit different inside are some fantastic new digital dials. They’re almost oval in shape and have a classy matte finish, displaying your range, power use and speed and trip info clearly.

Otherwise, you get the same funky design with MINI’s trademark circular centrepiece on the dash, plus a very good fit and finish. You’ll also find MINI’s usual infotainment system, that includes sat-nav with charging station info and Apple CarPlay and is controlled via touch or a rotary dial and menu shortcut buttons between the front seats.