Mini Cooper vs BMW i Series
What's the difference?

Mini Cooper

$44,990 - $65,990

2025 price

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BMW i Series

$88,900 - $233,400

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2025 Mini Cooper

2026 BMW i Series

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.3L/100km (combined)

Electric range

805 km

Energy consumption

18.8 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

108.70 kWh

Seating

Likes

Lively powertrains
Brilliant dashboard
Fun to drive

Great driving range
Spacious cabin for the whole family
Excellent real-world efficiency

Dislikes

Expensive
Petrol-powered Minis aren't a great leap forward
No manual gearbox availability

Optioned wheels hurt range
Fussy ride on rough roads
Missing features for flagship grade

2025 Mini Cooper Summary

Can it be possible that, between 1959 and 2023, there have only been four distinct generations of Mini?

Besides the 1959 British Motor Corporation (BMC) original, it’s just been a trio of hatchback versions under BMW stewardship – the R50 of 2001, 2006’s R56 and the 2014 F56.

Now, in 2024, that number has suddenly jumped to six.

The F56 has morphed into the lightly restyled and solely petrol-powered F66 Cooper range in F66 three-door (3DR) and coming F65 five-door (5DR) hatchback guises like before.

Meanwhile, the completely new and electric-only J01 Cooper 3DR joins the fold, along with its J05 Aceman 5DR crossover spin-off.

Despite their shared name and similar styling inside and out, the British-built Cooper and electric Cooper from China are two different cars. You can read all about the latter in another review, as this is about the petrol-powered Cooper range.

More of a thorough makeover and less of a total redesign, has it changed enough? Let’s find out.

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2026 BMW i Series Summary

We’re in the new BMW iX3, the first production model to arrive on BMW’s Neue Klasse (new class) EV architecture. We’re testing the flagship 50 xDrive, and it begs the question: has BMW actually managed to make its next generation of EVs feel like a proper Bimmer? Buyers expect a lot from that badge when it comes to ride and handling, so does this electric SUV actually deliver?

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Mini Cooper 2026 BMW i Series

Verdict

The new petrol Cooper range very gently evolves the upmarket Cool Britannia cliché BMW invented with the R50 back in 2001 and fostered with every iteration since.

More of the same, only slightly updated and just improved enough to justify trading the old one in. If this appeals to you, then go for it. This is the best petrol version yet. Probably.

But the Cooper’s real spark literally and metaphorically lies within the EV version.

Two very different Minis indeed.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is a seriously quick electric SUV that earns points for its family practicality, while its impressive range could go a long way towards easing range anxiety. The ride isn’t always as settled as I’d like, but for the most part, this is a well-executed premium EV.

Mini Cooper vs BMW i Series What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mini Cooper vs BMW i Series
What's the difference?