2025 Mini Cooper EV now comes with an all-new interior

Kenneth John Updated: October 09, 2023, 06:09 PM IST

The first new Mini Cooper to hit the market in 2025 will be battery electric, in keeping with the brand's goal of being all-electric by 2030; however, a petrol version will be available eventually. The new Mini Cooper EV reveals an enhanced range as well as a massive, spherical OLED screen hovering in front of the dashboard. The new three-door electric hatchback is built on an individual EV chassis, as opposed to the previous Mini Electric, which was a direct ICE to EV conversion.

Mini Cooper EV: Design

We see that the Mini Cooper has ditched its signature arches and chrome for a more modern appearance. The lack of side arches makes the new car appear a touch bare. It also has a higher raked windscreen than ever before, which is clearly for better aerodynamics. The same may be said about the now-flushed door knobs.

Round LED headlights and a new octagonal front grille, similar to the one found on the new Countryman, are featured up front. The daytime running lights may be altered to generate multiple light signatures and perform the popular animated dance. The most noticeable difference is in the back, where the lighting is funkier and more dynamic.

In terms of measurements, the wheelbase has risen to accommodate the battery, while the total length has decreased. The Cooper has bigger wheels ranging from 16 to 18 inches in diameter, as well as a floating roof.

Mini Cooper EV: Powertrain

EVs will only enhance the go-kart driving experience that Mini is based on. The standard Cooper E is powered by an 184 PS electric motor with 290Nm of torque. Step up to the Cooper SE for 160 kW 218PS and 330Nm of torque.

The Cooper E with its tiny 40.7 kWh battery has a range of 190 miles on the more favorable European test cycle. The SE has a battery capacity of 54.2 kWh and a range of 250 miles. Fast charging is up to 75 kW for the E and 95 kW for the SE and should bring the cars from 10 percent to 80 percent charge in 30 minutes.

Go-Kart mode allows you to experiment with different steering and traction control settings, while Green mode optimizes all systems for efficiency. There are new interior driving noises to match each mode, as well as new jingles, signals, and warning sounds.

Mini Cooper EV: Interior

Inside, it's all about the 9.5-inch circular OLED screen and the most recent operating system, which can be accessed through voice command by saying "Hey Mini." It's a long cry from Alec Issigonis' original spherical instrument cluster, which he developed in 1959, but it pays respect by improving the distinctive feature.

There is no driver display behind the steering wheel; instead, drivers can utilize a head-up display or the large circular screen for speedometer and other important information. A permanent status bar at the bottom allows for rapid access to navigation, media, phone, and all applications, while a tool belt with customisable favourite features may be swiped up - or invoked via the star button on the wheel.

Toggle switches around the bottom of the curving dash are also straight from the original. They have, however, developed and now house important functions such as the start/stop button, gear selection, parking brake, and volume control. Housing the shifter in this location frees up more space in the centre console for bigger cupholders and other storage.