Latest teaser images shows the Cooper SE with the same disguise as the Countryman. Image: Mini
Despite the emergence of several images last month showing the all-new Mini Cooper completely uncovered, parent company, BMW, has continued to tease the newcomer wearing the same candy-coated disguise as the incoming new Countryman.
Due to make is official reveal this month, the teasers don’t make any reference to the actual styling language, apart from reinforcing the availability of three-doors.
Along with the images though, final information of the powertrains that will power the Cooper E and Cooper SE were detailed pertaining to both battery capacity, power and range.
As is known by now, the Mini will officially adopt the Cooper name as part of its naming structure and in Cooper E guise, derive motivation from a 40.7-kWh battery capable of producing 135 kW and delivering a range of 235 km.
Next up, the flagship Cooper SE will employ a 54.2-kWh battery resulting in an output of 160 kW and a claimed range of between 300 km and 400 km.
Rumoured for unveiling at a later stage but not confirmed outright, is a fully electric John Cooper Works (JCW) versions some reports have alleged could produce as much as 184 kW.
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While no details were made public as how the electric powertrain would impact the Cooper E and Cooper SE’s dynamics, BMW stated that the characterised go-kart feeling has not only been retained, but elevated as a result of the instant electric torque and lack of any delays due to there being no traditional manual or automatic transmission.
Despite emphasis being largely placed on the electric model ahead of the Mini brand becoming entirely EV before 2030, an internal combustion engine model will still be offered, but with electrical assistance in the form of a 48-volt mild-hybrid setup.
As reported two months ago, the combustion engine Cooper won’t be made alongside the electric at the Oxford Plant in the United Kingdom as the case has been until now.
Instead, both the Cooper E and Cooper SE will be manufactured on a separate, dedicated all-electric platform in China as part of a joint venture between BMW and Great Wall Motors (GWM).
The opposite will, however, apply to the Countryman that will be made entirely, regardless of propulsion, at the former BMW i3 and i8 plant in Leipzig, Germany.
Besides the dual platforms, a configuration the next generation BMW 3 Series will also adopt when it premieres in 2025, the electric Cooper and combustion models will differ aesthetically as evident by the mentioned undisguised images obtained by Britain’s Auto Express last month.
The main difference involves the rear facia where, compared to the petrol models, both the Cooper E and Cooper SE receive an X-motif design to the light clusters connected by a full-width logo bar brandishing the Cooper S nomenclature.
A flush lower apron without any exhaust outlets and the ‘S’ finished in yellow rounds the Cooper SE off, in addition to identifying it as an EV.
Inside, the retro-inspired cabin that has been a Mini trademark ever since its rebranding as a marque under BMW ownership 22 years ago, will undergo a number changes to not only to the materials, but also the infotainment system and range of features.
BMW’s only reference to the interior for now focuses on boot, it says will be expanded to offer space while still providing seating for four.
At present, it remains to be seen which derivatives BMW will allocate for South Africa, but chances are that a third or fourth quarter premiere could happen as the combustion engine Cooper and Cooper S models are only slated for unveiling in July.
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