MINI unveils entry-level electric Cooper E Classic
Featuring a 188-mile range and rapid charging, the Classic starts form £30k
MINI has announced a new, entry-level ‘Classic’ variant for the electric Cooper E. Order books are open now, with prices starting at £30,000. Under the hood, the Cooper E Classic is equipped with a 40.7kWh battery pack, a more compact option compared to the 54.2kWh battery found in its more powerful sibling, the Cooper S E.
This setup delivers a commendable driving range of up to 188 miles on a single charge.
The front-mounted electric motor generates 181bhp and 290Nm of torque, enabling a brisk acceleration from 0 to 62mph in just 7.3 seconds, closely competing with the performance of the electric Abarth 500e. The vehicle supports rapid charging speeds up to 75kW, allowing the battery to be replenished from 20 to 80 percent in approximately 28 minutes, ensuring that drivers spend less time waiting and more time on the move.
The exterior of the Cooper E Classic is distinguished by its LED lighting at both ends and comes with a standard silver paint finish. Additional color options, including Sunny Side Yellow, Nanuq White, and Midnight Black, are available for an extra £550, while the option to switch the roof color to black is offered free of charge. It rides on 16-inch ‘4-square spoke’ alloy wheels as standard, with an option to upgrade to 17-inch rims for an additional £550, adding a touch of sophistication to its already charming aesthetics.
Stepping inside, the Cooper E Classic showcases an inviting interior with a choice of black and blue or grey and blue color schemes for the vegan leather and fabric upholstery at no extra cost. A highlight of the cabin is the innovative 9.4-inch OLED circular screen positioned centrally on the dashboard, reminiscent of the classic Mini’s speedometer, blending heritage with modernity.
The car comes generously equipped with features such as automatic dual-zone air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure warning, a rear-view camera, integrated satellite navigation, and compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring a comfortable and connected driving experience.
In terms of technology, the Cooper E Classic comes in three available packages. ‘Level 1’ options package priced at £2,000 adds a head-up display, adaptive LED headlights, heated front seats, and wireless smartphone charging. ‘Level 2’ meanwhile, available for £4,000, includes all features from ‘Level 1’ along with an upgraded sound system, a panoramic roof, tinted windows, and MINI’s driving assistance plus system, providing an unparalleled level of comfort and safety.
It comes after the firm recently unveiled an ice-powered version of the new MINI.
The base model, dubbed the Cooper C, is equipped with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine delivering 154bhp and 230Nm of torque.
For those seeking more vigour, the Cooper S variant boasts a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 201bhp and 300Nm of torque, which reduces the 0-62mph acceleration time from 7.7 seconds in the Cooper C to just 6.6 seconds in the Cooper S.
Both variants are mated exclusively to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with no option to opt for a manual instead.