Fresh details for the incoming 2024 MINI Cooper Electric SE have surfaced that confirm the battery-electric hatch will again be sold alongside combustion-engined models, but based on a separate platform developed by parent BMW and China’s Great Wall Motors.
According to Autocar, this time there will be two versions of the MINI Cooper EV – one with 135kW of power and a second model with 160kW.
A John Cooper Works (JCW) flagship will arrive later, featuring a more powerful dual-motor powertrain capable of 300kW.
Two battery packs will be offered – 40kWh and 54kWh, the latter providing a range of up to 240 miles (386km).
That’s a useful upgrade over the unremarkable 235km the current MINI Cooper SE can cover with its smaller 32.6kWh battery.
Leaked undisguised photos that emerged more than a year ago showed how MINI plans to evolve its next-generation hatch, which will keep classic styling cues such as its oval-shaped lamps and wide body with short front and rear overhangs.
The centre of the dash will be dominated by a huge round OLED touch-screen, while a large head-up display is expected to be used in lieu of a traditional instrument cluster.
Leather trim will be banned for more eco-friendly and sustainable materials.
Locked in for a May 2024 debut, the new MINI Cooper EV will be priced around £30,000 ($A53,000) in the UK.
The next-gen MINI Countryman SUV is also set to land early next year, offering an EV powertrain option for the first time.
In 2025, the all-electric MINI Aceman small SUV will launch, replacing the previous Clubman wagon and also featuring a fast 300kW-plus JCW version.