Now that electric cars have become mainstream, we see manufacturers push the limits of their technical ability with batteries that stretch hundreds of miles in range. The levels of technological research involved in their development have resulted in practical EV's mainly being reserved for the luxury field. While extra range is excellent to have, with the rapid adoption of DC fast chargers and many Americans living in urban areas, it just isn't always necessary.
The average consumer is looking for a reliable, comfortable, and efficient car to get them to work and back while cutting out fuel costs, and this is where the Mini SE excels. A compact body with a decent range creates a perfect option for individuals looking for an EV to daily drive at a reasonable starting cost.
10 The Perfect Amount Of Range
While The Mini SE's 110-mile range may fall short compared to the numbers of some big-name EVs, it is perfect for the average American completing day-to-day tasks. The average U.S. driver covers 32 miles every day, well within the capability of the Mini SE. Urban drivers who spend most of their time idling in traffic the Mini SE could substantially cut their fuel costs while providing a reasonable amount of range to go through their daily tasks.
With enough range to conquer the urban jungle, the Mini can be charged at home and be ready to start the day all over again the following day. Thanks to most modern apartment buildings offering level 2 EV chargers, the Mini SE is a perfect option for city-dwellers.
9 A Low Starting Price
Most new EV's are the product of a company creating an entirely new platform through extensive research and development costs, contributing to high MSRP's. The Mini SE is built on the existing Cooper platform, with batteries and the electric motor coming from the BMW i3. With the time and money saved on development, the Mini SE rolls out with a base price of $29,900, a number lower than even the Nissan Leaf.
Furthermore, in the United States, the Mini SE still qualifies for a $7,500 federal tax credit. With potential savings driving the cost down to $22,400, the Mini SE becomes the most affordable EV on the market. For this price, you also get all of the luxuries that have made Mini the most well-known premium compact, like a state-of-the-art infotainment system, premium upholstery, and even a complete LCD gauge cluster.
8 DC Quick Charging Compatible
While the SE features enough range for daily tasks if consumers find themselves on a journey lasting more than 110 miles, the SE can be charged to an 80% battery in just 35 minutes using a DC quick charger. Nowadays, DC rapid chargers can be found almost anywhere along major roads and even in many urban parking garages, allowing drivers to quickly top off while running an errand for a sum much cheaper than using fuel.
While not ideal for longer trips, the SE can handle a 2-300 mile journey with little fuss as consumers can find DC quick chargers at many roadside travel stops. You just have to decide if a 30-minute break every 100 or so miles is worth the savings, not a bad tradeoff for a great daily driver.
7 The Perfect Size for the Urban Jungle
Another critical factor that contributes to the SE's urban practicality is its size. Mini has always been known for building cars designed to take on the city. The tight streets of England are directly responsible for the premium British compact we love today. Today that same heritage has helped create a car that can navigate urban settings anywhere in the world.
It features a compact exterior designed for parking in the city and squeezing through traffic in traditional Mini fashion. At about 12 feet in length, the SE is ready to squeeze into tight alleyways and parallel parking slots. Being one of the few true subcompact EV's available in the United States, the Mini Cooper SE quickly becomes one of the best urban options for driving practicality.
6 Hatchback Versatility
The Mini Cooper SE is a proper hatchback. Mini consolidated the car batteries to sit in the car's floor pan while riding a few inches higher than the regular Cooper; they were able to preserve interior space. Even with the rear seats up, the SE can swallow 8.7 ft³ of cargo. With the rear seats folded down, the SE can hold up to 34 ft³, good numbers for any car and great for a subcompact.
The wide rear hatch opening reaches each corner of the interior with a flush lip, allowing for added versatility. Small business owners or even delivery drivers that transport items like flowers or baked goods could find the SE to be a practical option for hauling goods around the city.
5 One Pedal Driving
Driving in urban areas can be stressful and exhausting. Stop and go traffic is one of the worst pains experienced driving in the inner city. The Mini Cooper SE offers a unique benefit compared with its ICE competitors, proper one-pedal driving. The SE provides drivers the ability to configure the intensity of the regenerative braking system. In its highest setting, consumers can drive the car with just the accelerator pedal.
When the driver lets off the accelerator pedal, the car's regenerative braking kicks on, using the energy from the already turning wheels to feed power back into the batteries while bringing you to a quick stop. The brake lights are activated like usual, and when you reach a stop, the regular brakes hold you in a stopped position to keep you from rolling. Not only does this make city driving more relaxing, but it also stretches out your overall range. If drivers want a traditional feel, they can turn the braking system off. A faux "creep" feature allows the car to mimic the feeling of driving a standard car as well, offering something for everyone.
4 Incredible Handling
The Mini Cooper is already a great driver's car. Its compact but wide body gives it a great stance that allows it to hold on to the road. In the SE, most of the car's weight resides with the batteries tucked beneath the car in the floor pan, giving the car an extremely low center of gravity.
With cornering even further exemplified, the SE becomes unlike any other car in the corners. Phenomenal go-kart-like handling allows consumers to jet through urban with sports-car-like control.
3 Compact but Comfortable Interior
The Mini Cooper SE offers a compact but spacious interior, with four adults seated comfortably. Soft-touch materials are abundant with extensive use of premium materials that buyers can't find in the car's competitors. Unique toggle switch at the bottom of the center stack control most main functions, while an LED trimmed infotainment system sits in a round pod up top.
A head-up display over the LCD gauge cluster provides all necessary vehicle information plus navigation guidance. The driver also receives a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel to aid in passive comfort.
2 Unique 'Green' Touches
While at a glance, the SE doesn't offer a much different look than the standard Cooper. A stark contrast to the ultra-futuristic BMW i3 that shares its batteries and electric motor. Besides a lack of engine noise, the only identifying queues are the car's green exterior touches. Mini added just enough to remind consumers they were buying a truly "green" car.
The distinct lime-colored trim transverses across the grille and makes it to the side mirrors. An 'E' badge on the rear signifies the car is electric. The vehicle also features unique plug-like wheels trimmed with the same lime stripe. This theme is expected to carry on to future Mini EV models.
1 An Incredible Sound System
A car's sound system is almost as crucial as its drivetrain. The Mini cements its premium status with an available Harman/Kardon audio system. Harman/Kardon has created an optimized sound experience for all of Mini's models following a longtime alliance between the brands.
Featuring 12 speakers, the 360-watt system transmits sound through the compact interior with breathtaking ability. Designed around the passengers, the SE features one of the best sound systems found in an EV.