As an electrified version of a Mini Cooper 3-door, the SE Hardtop model offers the same dynamic driving experience as gasoline-powered models. Minis are already known for being zippy and sharp-handling cars, although the additional battery weight distributed throughout the floorboard will affect that. Moreover, the interior, while cramped, is stylish and features all of the same hallmarks expected from other Minis.
The electric Mini target buyer is different from that of most EVs. With a peak torque rating of 199 pound-feet and horsepower of 181, the motor is far less powerful than some of the top-rated EVs on the market, and its admittedly very low range of just 100 miles pales in comparison to any Tesla as well as most other EVs on the market. Yet, for the right customer, this car is perfect. That customer likely lives in a crowded city and rarely leaves the city or even ventures into the suburbs. Parking is at a premium and small cars make fitting into cramped spaces much easier.
Driving in congested cities, especially in Europe, is where this car does best. With aggressive regenerative braking, stop-and-go traffic can be done almost without ever needing the brakes and the motor offers plenty of power to get the tiny car to push through lanes of traffic with ease. The biggest selling point of this car is the price. At a base price of $30,750, it is the most stylish and best-equipped of any EV in its range.
