Mini Cooper S E 2019 revealed

Mini has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with the reveal of its Cooper S E, which combines a familiar 3-door hatch design with a zero-emissions powertrain. 

Under the bonnet sits an all-electric motor that delivers 135kW and 270Nm, sending power directly to the front wheels, and allowing the German small car to sprint from zero to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.

The lithium-ion battery spends 13.2kWh of energy per 100 kilometres, and can provide 270km of driving range between charges.

It takes two and a half hours to recharge to 80 per cent from a standard plug, but when connected to a fast-charging station, it takes just 35 minutes.

The all-electric Cooper SE features model-specific interior details including a unique digital instrument cluster.

Pricing and specifications for the Australian market are still under wraps, however, it is expected to come in around the $50,000 mark.

For reference, the current Mini 3-door Cooper range kicks off at $29,000 plus on road-costs for the base model, while the high-performance JCW starts at $49,900.

The S E retains the classic Mini Cooper exterior design, but gives away its EV status with yellow body accents reminiscent of the concept car shown at 2017’s Frankfurt motor show. 

It also features stylised alloy wheels and Mini Electric badging, while the charge port is positioned in the same place as its conventionally powered siblings (rear-right quarter panel).

Inside, the Cooper S E sports a model-specific instrument cluster with a 5.5-inch digital screen behind the steering wheel, which alters in apperance depending on which of the four driving modes are selected. 

Drivers can change between Sport, MID, Green and Green+ modes, which adjust the vehicle's performance and efficiency settings.

The cabin also gains a model-specific gear selector on the centre console, and is fitted with an electronic parking brake as standard.

Standard kit includes LED headlights, two-zone automatic climate control, a 6.5-inch touschscreen infotainment system with sat-nav and auxiliary heating. 

Optional extras include a larger 8.8-inch display, leather upholstery and a number of interior and exterior styling packages.

When the Cooper S E goes on sale, it will be the second electrified Mini in Australia alongside the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Countryman S E All4 ($57,200).

Would you take the Mini Cooper SE over a BMW i3? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.