The BMW-Mini Thread

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Mini hatchback prepares for fourth and final petrol outing

Oxford-built hatchback, spotted in JCW guise, will be sold alongside the new Chinese-built EV

Mini is readying a heavily refreshed version of its combustion-engined Mini Hatchback before it bows out once and for all, as the marque pushes forward to become an all-EV brand by the early 2030s.

New spy shots have emerged of a prototype Hatch testing in heavy camouflage, giving clues as to how Mini will update the current three-door in line with its newer electrified models. The fourth-generation Fiat 500 rival will arrive more than a decade after the current car – which has undergone two facelifts – went on sale.

The new petrol-engined hatchback will be sold alongside a visually similar (but mechanically unrelated) electric version built in China launching next year. Mini's final combustion-engined car, launching in 2025, is expected to be the next-generation convertible, which will be based on the hatchback testing here but is not yet confirmed to share a production line.

Mini hatchback prepares for fourth and final petrol outing | Autocar

Oxford-built hatchback, spotted in JCW guise, will be sold alongside the new Chinese-built EV

www.autocar.co.uk

 

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Honda e vs Mini Electric vs BMW i3 review - RSymons RSEV

 

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2024 Mini Convertible to be built at Oxford plant

Oxford factory will make the next-generation convertible, plus EVs from around 2027

The next-generation Mini Convertible will be built at the Oxford plant, the firm’s boss has confirmed.

Stefanie Wurst said production of the Convertible will switch to Oxford from the Netherlands in its next generation in 2024 or 2025. It will be built there alongside petrol-powered versions of the upcoming three- and five-door Mini models in their next era, due to launch from November 2023.

“The Convertible is coming home,” said Wurst on the decision.

The next-generation of Minis will span six different models built on three platforms in three different factories. In Oxford, there will be petrol versions of the three-door, five-door and Convertible models. Leipzig will build electric and petrol versions of a new, bigger Mini Countryman. As part of Mini’s tie-up with Great Wall in China, there will be an electric version of the three-door hatchback and a new, larger five-door model called Aceman.

2024 Mini Convertible to be built at Oxford plant | Autocar

Oxford factory will make the next-generation convertible, plus EVs from around 2027

www.autocar.co.uk

 

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Mini Electric review

WHAT'S THE VERDICT?

“A surprisingly rounded EV. Fun to drive, uncompromised inside, and still every bit a Mini”

The Mini Electric is a very complete little EV. It preserves pretty much everything we like about a standard Mini Cooper S, but it’s more accelerative where it matters, and has zero local emissions. It proves that the hot hatch will have a future as an EV. And it reinforces something we learned with the VW e-Golf – that an electric car doesn’t have to be wantonly radical to be a success. Stuffing a car we already know and like with battery cells can, with the correct execution, be a good tactic.

However, the Mini asks you to understand a few home truths. BMW could have given it more range. But, that would have made it heavier, more expensive, taken longer to charge, and invade cabin space. So, it’s studied a lot of Mini owner data, sussed out the average Cooper S travels 26 miles a day, or around 180 miles a week, and moulded the Mini Electric’s performance to suit that brief, needing only a couple of recharges to slip into the average Mini audience’s life unnoticed.

It feels like a strong addition to the Mini family. We’ve always championed the weight-saving, space-giving packaging of the now retired BMW i3, so now it’s over to Mini to see if the conventional approach can do the numbers.

Mini Electric Review 2023 | Top Gear

A surprisingly rounded EV. Fun to drive, uncompromised inside, and still every bit a Mini

www.topgear.com

 

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Mini is bringing the manual gearbox back to the USA, and teaching Americans to drive

Mini USA wants to teach Americans to drive stick with a new ‘Manual Driving School’

Fresh off the back of announcing that it will bring the manual gearbox back as an option in the USA, Mini has now set up a ‘Manual Driving School’ at the BMW Performance Center in California.

Mini USA quietly killed the six-speed manual option for what it calls the Hardtop 2-door (a car we know as the 3-door Hatch on our shores) in May 2022, citing supply chain issues as the reason for its demise.

However, it has now confirmed that it’ll be an option again, starting with cars built this month. Hurrah! And to help shift a few units, you’ll be able to take a manual driving course in California to really get the most out of your Cooper, Cooper S or John Cooper Works.

Mini is bringing the manual gearbox back to the USA, and teaching Americans to drive

Mini USA wants to teach Americans to drive stick with a new ‘Manual Driving School’

www.topgear.com

 

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Mini Cooper S 3-door Resolute Edition

The exclusive design and equipment features of the Resolute Edition particularly highlight the characteristic features of the MINI 3-door - expressive design, inspiring driving pleasure, premium quality and individual style. As of now, the new bodycolor Enigmatic Black with its mysterious aura underscores the self-confident appearance of the MINI Cooper S in the Resolute Edition.

The MINI 3-door is the original in the premium segment of small cars. The classic body concept of the MINI Cooper S emphasizes the Resolute Edition with a clear commitment to the brand's historic roots. The design features typical of MINI, such as the surrounds of the headlights, taillights and radiator grille, as well as the edition-specific hood stripes, are finished in Resolute Bronze and feature the "RESOLUTE" lettering. The roof and mirror caps are optionally available in black as well as Enigmatic Black or can provide an exciting contrast in Pepper White.

Under the stylishly designed hood is the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology and a peak output of 131 kW/178 hp with a maximum torque of 280 Nm. Thus equipped, the energetic MINI Cooper S in the Resolute Edition stands for traditional sportiness and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h from a standstill in 6.8 seconds. Top speed is reached at 235 km/h. The vehicle's agile handling is supported by a 6-speed manual transmission as standard or a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with dual clutch as an option.

https://www.netcarshow.com/mini/2022-cooper_s_3-door_resolute_edition/

 

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Mini Hatch review

WHAT'S THE VERDICT?

“The moustachioed Mini is an excellent grown-up hatch, if not the most practical choice”

The Mini Hatch remains a cut above the rest of the class inside, has superb drivetrains and a very well-sorted chassis to handle whatever poke is provided by the chosen motor up front. The facelift has certainly provided a bolder face (naturally), but it’ll hardly alter its showroom appeal and the almost limitless Mini Yours Customised options list guarantees that it’ll still fly out of showrooms.

The 211-litre boot is particularly tiny and obviously the three-door can only seat four, but you absolutely won’t be buying a Mini Hatch for the practicality. The infotainment has been well updated and the JCW remains fantastic to drive. The Cooper S provides the same big-engine, small-car level of fun too, and it’d be easy to make the One and Cooper your own.

Mini Hatch Review 2023 | Top Gear

The moustachioed Mini is an excellent grown-up hatch, if not the most practical choice

www.topgear.com

 

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Redline Reviews review of the 2023 Mini Electric

 

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MG 4 vs Nissan Leaf vs Mini Electric - Electrifying

 

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Mini Cooper SE Convertible

Following the positive feedback on the unique specimen presented in summer 2022, MINI is now going ahead with a small series of the all-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible which represents another big step in the direction of electric mobility. The world's first locally emission-free premium convertible in the small car segment shortens the transition period to the introduction of the next-generation all-electric model family. From April 2023, the MINI Cooper SE Convertible will be available in Europe in a limited number of 999 vehicles.

"Three years ago we launched the all-electric MINI Cooper SE, and today one in five MINI sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible within only a few months. I'm delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling," says Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI Brand.

The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is available in Enigmatic Black and White Silver. Door handles, side scuttles and the surrounds of the front and rear lights are finished in Resolute Bronze. The MINI logos and the model lettering feature in elegant Piano Black to match. The E logo familiar from the MINI Cooper SE is found on the front apron and on the rear, thereby visually underlining locally emission-free driving fun.

Further edition-specific equipment details also adorn the door sill trims and side scuttles and, with the 1 of 999 lettering emphasising the exclusive character of the limited edition open-air MINI.

https://www.netcarshow.com/mini/2023-cooper_se_convertible/

 

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2023 Mini Electric Convertible goes on sale at £52,500

Drop-top EV, which is claimed to be first pure-electric convertible, is limited to just 150 UK models

A limited-run, convertible Mini Cooper SE will arrive later this year, with a hefty price tag of £52,500.

The BMW Group-owned firm claims it is the first convertible to be sold with electric power, with only the Fiat 500 Cabrio EV its closest competitor, but that has only a landaulet rear.

It follows a one-off Mini electric convertible prototype built last year to, as the firm previously said, “test the waters of emission-free, open-top driving with Mini”. Tested by Autocar, the “impressive” prototype “looked and felt like a proper production car”.

Now, just eight months on, this production version is the result, albeit launched as a special edition and limited to just 150 models in the UK; 999 in Europe. Mini has not revealed if the model, arriving in April, will have a global presence.

Like the prototype, the convertible gets the same 181bhp single-motor set-up as the standard Mini Electric, pushing it to 62mph in 7.3sec. It also shares the same 32.6kWh battery, albeit with 20 fewer miles of range at 125.

The limited-run model is nearly identical to its combustion sibling, with the same dimensions (at 3863mm in length, and 1727mm wide), boot space (160 litres), and electrically powered, Union Jack-embossed cloth soft top.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/2023-mini-electric-convertible-goes-sale-£52500

 

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The new Mini Electric Convertible is a £52k limited edition soft-top EV

Only 999 of these little city chariots will be built, with 150 coming to the UK

Mini has revealed a new car. It is called the Mini Electric Convertible, and in a surprising turn of events, it is a Mini that is both ‘electric’ and ‘convertible’.

Building on the reception received by last summer’s one-off electric Mini drop-top concept comes the full production version. Short production version, mind: Mini is only building 999 of these pocket EVs, and just 150 are destined for UK shores.

Likely they’ll be snapped up pretty quickly, too, because apparently one in every five Minis sold in Europe is an electric one, and this’ll be on sale just in time for summer 2023. So, what does your outlay – which we’ll come too shortly – get you?

Most obviously, an electrically-powered fabric soft top in place of fixed metal, able to open and close at speeds of up to 18mph. You can even set it as a sliding roof, much like the Mini Electric Convertible’s chief rival, the Fiat 500e Convertible. The latter still has a roof frame, mind, but still – both are open top, both are little, both are electric.

The new Mini Electric Convertible is a £52k limited edition soft-top EV

Only 999 of these little city chariots will be built, with 150 coming to the UK

www.topgear.com

 

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Mini Cooper SE Convertible goes electric

Do you remember the one-off electric Mini Convertible shown off last summer? The one that was never meant for production and was only meant to showcase the idea of an electric convertible from Mini? Guess what? It went into production.

BMW owned MIni performed a big U-turn on its one-off project and thanks to a rather convincing response from the public, the company decided to put last summer’s “just an idea” into a limited-run production of just 999 vehicles.

The limited run is not only in numbers but in choices as well, there are only two colors available - you can have it in White Silver or Enigmatic Black. All models have door handles, light surrounds and grille surround finished in Resolute Bronze.

As for the powertrain choices - there is only one. Single electric motor puts out 184 hp (135 kW) and works the front wheels. That is enough for the Mini to sprint from nought to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds. It won’t break any records but it is sufficiently sprightly for a fun driving experience.

That experience though, might not last too long if you’re too happy with your right foot being in charge. The WLTP claimed range of 125 miles (201 km) can only be achieved with a lot of care and some serious tailwind. In real life you will never see the 200 km mark which is a shame but the company uses the same 32.6 kWh battery as is used in the non-convertible Cooper SE.

Mini compares driving the new electric Cooper SE to the experience of driving a go-kart. Sure, all Minis are nimble and handle really nicely but a nearly 4-meter long and at least 1,250 kg go-kart is a bit of a stretch of imagination.

Mini Cooper SE Convertible goes electric

Mini has snatched the title of the world’s first electric convertible thanks to its limited run electric Mini Cooper.

www.arenaev.com

Zero-emission open-air driving fun: The first all-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible.

The world's first convertible with a purely electric drive is a MINI. From idea to small series in less than 8 months. The MINI Cooper SE Convertible sets another strong impulse on the way to becoming a fully electric brand.

www.press.bmwgroup.com

 

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Mini Introduces the Only Convertible EV You Can Buy, But *You* Probably Can't Buy It

Only 999 drop-top examples of the all-electric Mini Cooper SE will be built, and they're all destined for Europe.

The Mini Cooper SE continues to be an affordable entryway into all-electric motoring that nobody really talks about. I drove one a little more than a year ago, and it was fine — totally fine. But Mini is hoping to reinvigorate the conversation with a drop-top version, called the Cooper SE Convertible. The only catch? Mini won’t make any more than 999 of them, and they’re all destined for Europe.

The Cooper SE Convertible dates back to last summer, when Mini prepared a one-off version that, at the time, the company did not plan to bring to market. Eight months later, the limited-run model will be rolling out of the company’s plant in the Netherlands. It’s working with the same 184 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque as the hardtop version, with the same 32.6-kWh battery pack. It also only comes in black or white, which doesn’t scream “Mini” to me, but I digress.

Mini Introduces the Only Convertible EV You Can Buy, But *You* Probably Can't Buy It

Only 999 drop-top examples of the all-electric Mini Cooper SE will be built, and they're all destined for Europe.

jalopnik.com

 

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Mini Cooper SE Convertible 2023

Mini Cooper SE Convertible 2023

MINI is proceeding with the small series all-electric Cooper SE Convertible which represents a big step in electric mobility.

www.carmag.co.za

 

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Official: New Mini Cooper EV brings 215bhp and 240-mile range

New hatch, now named Cooper, to get petrol and electric power; Summer 2024 launch confirmed

The reimagined Mini Cooper hatchback will provide the foundation for a “revolution” of the BMW-owned brand’s wider line-up as it pushes towards full electrification by the end of the decade.

Along with the Aceman crossover – the car maker’s first electric-only car, position to take on the upcoming Jeep Avenger – and the larger new Mini Countryman SUV, the freshened three-car range is a statement of intent for new Mini boss Stefanie Wurst, who took over the reins from Bernd Körber last February.

“It is the beginning of a new era. Mini’s 100% electric range has to start somewhere; this is a bridge for us to go fully electric,” Wurst told Autocar at a recent preview event, where the trio was shown under heavy camouflage ahead of a succession of reveals over the next 12 months (see picture below). With this new line up, the brand is targetting an electric sales split of 50% by mid-2025 (up from 15% now).

The new era will kick off with the launch of the Countryman (in both electric and ICE forms) next February, followed by the electric Cooper in May 2024, the combustion Cooper in July 2024, and the “ticks-all-the-boxes” Aceman in January 2025.

Official: New Mini Cooper EV brings 215bhp and 240-mile range | Autocar

New hatch, now named Cooper, to get petrol and electric power; Summer 2024 launch confirmed

www.autocar.co.uk

 

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The next all-new Mini will be called the Mini Cooper and it'll arrive in 2024

No longer a trim but the umbrella name for all petrol and electric three-door, five-door and cabriolet cars

Mini has announced that an all-new generation of its smallest model will be unveiled later this year, with cars hitting the road in early 2024.

Rather confusingly though, the little hatchback will no longer be called the Mini Hatch, or the Mini One, or whatever it’s known as right now. It’ll actually be called (drumroll please)… the Mini Cooper.

Yep, Cooper will cease to be a trim level/variation of the little icon and will now become a family name, with three-door, five-door and cabriolet Coopers all under the same umbrella. Makes sense, no?

Here’s where it gets even more confusing though, because we’re told by Mini boss Stefanie Wurst that the trim levels on offer for all Coopers will be E, SE and JCW. Now, that’s rather odd given that – with the three-door at least – you will be able to choose between an all-electric or combustion powertrain, which means you could have an entry-level, petrol-powered Mini called a ‘Cooper E’. We need a lie down.

The next all-new Mini will be called the Mini Cooper and it'll arrive in 2024

No longer a trim but the umbrella name for all petrol and electric three-door, five-door and cabriolet cars

www.topgear.com

 

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https://twitter.com/x/status/1639630169513115648

 

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https://twitter.com/x/status/1643151903134564354

 

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https://twitter.com/x/status/1643233416140275713