Buckle up, EV enthusiasts! The iconic Mini has electrified its presence in India with the exhilarating Cooper SE, and the booking frenzy is already in full swing. But before you dash to the nearest dealership to secure your spot, join us as we dive into an in-depth review of this electrifying gem.

Are you still not sure about buying an EV? Now, I know this question sparks endless debates until we have a robust infrastructure in place. However, the absence of a perfect charging ecosystem isn’t deterring manufacturers from unleashing new and premium EVs. And today, we have one such premium offering on our hands—the Mini Cooper SE, the electric incarnation of the iconic Mini. Launched in India in February 2022 at a price of Rs 47.20 lakh, this limited edition Cooper SE arrived via the CBU route, with only 30 units available nationwide. Surprisingly, all 30 units were snatched up instantly, leaving us even more excited. Why, you ask? Because it was the first time a car got booked before we journalists had a chance to review it. But fear not, we managed to get our hands on the Cooper SE, complete with buzzing electric motors under its stylish hood. Allow me to assure you, we’re not here to simply compare it to its outgoing petrol-powered sibling, the Cooper S. Instead, we’re on a mission to uncover what sets the Cooper SE apart and makes it an enticing choice for prospective premium EV buyers. So, let’s kick things off with its captivating aesthetics.

THE LOOKS
The Cooper SE retains the iconic silhouette of its petrol counterpart, the Cooper S, with a touch of electrifying charm. Up front, you’ll notice the familiar Cooper S design, but with horizontal glossy slats taking the place of the grille, proudly adorned with zesty yellow S lettering. Below, the neatly integrated vertical air inlets add a sportier touch. As you walk around the side, your gaze will be drawn to the distinctive 17-inch alloy wheels. Interestingly, the wheel design was originally named “Corona Spoke,” but was changed to “Power Spoke” due to, well, obvious reasons. Complementing these eye-catching wheels is a zesty yellow surround. At the rear, the Cooper SE maintains the classic Mini appearance, with a few notable distinctions signalling its electric nature: the absence of exhaust pipes, zesty yellow S lettering, and the “wall-plug” badging on the boot lid. Overall, the Cooper SE retains the adorable Mini charm, with subtle design tweaks and the green registration plates serving as the only hints of its electric powertrain.

THE ELECTRIFIED POWERTRAIN
The Mini Cooper SE is equipped with a 32.6kWh battery pack, delivering power to the front wheels through a single electric motor. The combined peak output of the Cooper SE stands at an impressive 184hp and 270Nm of torque. Yes, that’s 8hp and 10Nm less than the Cooper S, but here’s the exciting part—the Cooper SE manages to shave off a remarkable 0.8 seconds from its 0-100km/h time, despite the additional weight. In just 7.3 seconds (claimed), this spirited electric Mini can hit a century. The credit for this performance boost goes to the T-shaped battery pack, which increases the weight but also lowers the centre of gravity by 30mm. Speaking of weight, the Cooper SE remains unchanged in terms of length, width, and height, but its ground clearance has been raised by 18mm. When it comes to driving modes, the Cooper SE offers four options: Green+, Green, MID, and Sport. Green+ is all about efficient driving, and optimizing electric range by deactivating the climate control system. Green mode prioritizes driving range while still maintaining climate control. MID mode strikes a balance for city and highway driving, providing decent throttle response. Finally, Sport mode, although lacking the aggressive exhaust note of its petrol siblings, offers sharper pedal response—just be prepared for a slight adjustment period. But that’s not all; the Cooper SE also brings regenerative braking to the table, with two levels of regen available. Engaging level one allows for controlled deceleration, while level two brings the progressive and aggressive regen, capable of bringing the car to a complete stop without even touching the brakes.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—the electric range. According to ARAI claims, the Cooper SE offers a range of 270 kilometres, though real-world conditions will undoubtedly influence this figure. Allow me to share a personal experience: when I picked up the car for our road test, the system displayed a range of 175 kilometres at 98% charge. Despite rigorous usage, testing different driving modes, and engaging level one regen while cruising at city speed limits, I was delighted to find that I still had 49% charge left, with an additional 96 kilometres of range. And that’s not all—before heading to our shoot location, I made a quick pit stop at an 11kW wall box charging station. After just 30 minutes of charging, the battery level soared back to 79%, with the estimated range now showing 129 kilometres. Impressive, isn’t it? Now, I understand that these numbers may not appeal to prospective buyers who have other EV options with more range, especially considering the price tag. However, what those alternatives might lack is Mini’s undeniable driver-centric experience and the sheer excitement it brings. Moreover, the Cooper SE allows you to enjoy spirited drives with zero tailpipe emissions, turning heads at every traffic signal.

COMFORT AND SAFETY 
Step inside the Cooper SE, and you’ll find a familiar layout inherited from its petrol sibling, the Cooper S. The only visible distinctions marking it as an all-electric model are the green accents on the gear lever and ignition switch. Just like its ICE counterparts, the Cooper SE features a toggle switch to start the vehicle, which swaps the usual red for a vibrant green colour with silver surrounds. The gear lever proudly displays the P, N, and D lettering, as the Cooper SE pairs with a single-speed transmission. The interior upholstery is available in Black and Pearl White leatherette, offering a premium touch. Notably, the Cooper SE comes with a range of standard features, including a Mini’s wired package with a navigation system, a wireless charging dock in the armrest, an integrated wireless Apple CarPlay, and a Harmon Kardon speaker system. These features, which often require additional expenditure in the ICE versions, come as part of the standard package in the Cooper SE. Safety-wise, the Cooper SE ensures your well-being with standard features like airbags for the front passengers, brake assist, dynamic stability control, crash sensors, an anti-lock braking system, cornering brake control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The cabin of the Cooper SE offers both comfort and security and while rear space might be a bit cramped like in the Cooper S, you can easily make up for it by reserving the second row for kids or shorter passengers.

RIDE AND HANDLING 
Unlike its petrol siblings, the Cooper SE hits the right notes when it comes to dynamics. The ride is firm but not punishing, striking a balance between comfort and sportiness. Despite the added weight, the Cooper SE maintains its go-kart-like feel, allowing you to manoeuvre through corners with confidence. Thanks to the shifted weight distribution, now favouring the rear, the Cooper SE exhibits excellent stability and improved cornering abilities. With an increased ground clearance of 18mm, you can glide over bumps without scraping the underbelly. And if you’re worried about protecting the battery, rest assured that an outer shell shields it from potential damage on rough terrain. The Cooper SE’s handling is a delight, with a noticeable amount of body roll, sharp and direct steering, and a good amount of feedback. The 17-inch wheels handle undulations with ease, and the stiff yet short-travel suspension setup keeps the Cooper SE composed even in challenging conditions. Braking performance is efficient and responsive, delivering the necessary stopping power when needed. Overall, the Cooper SE retains that legendary go-kart-like feel, whether it’s electric or gained a little weight.

VERDICT 
The BMW-owned Mini has already exhausted the initial bookings for the Cooper SE in India, and details about the next allocation are still scarce. If you’re eagerly waiting for your chance to buy one, you’re making the right choice—especially if you’re in the market for a fun-to-drive, premium electric vehicle without breaking the bank. The Cooper SE offers a unique package: an EV that doesn’t compromise the Mini experience and comes at a more accessible price point compared to other premium brands’ electric offerings. While electric range might be a concern for some, it’s essential to remember that Minis have never been known for practicality or value-for-money propositions. Purchasing a Cooper SE isn’t about range anxiety or squeezing the most out of your investment—it’s about embracing the Mini spirit, enjoying a sufficient range for your urban adventures, and thrilling the enthusiast within while contributing to a greener future. And, ultimately, that’s what truly matters: finding excitement as an enthusiast while making a positive impact on the planet.