Advantages 👍
- It handles like a Mini.
Many who adore the Mini do so for one of two reasons: it's adorable or it's fun to drive. Or you might do both. And, if anything, the electric Mini is much more enjoyable to drive. The center of gravity is even lower than in a gas-powered Mini because of the large, T-shaped battery mounted low in the car's frame. That gives it even more of a go-kart feel—albeit a quieter one.
- It's upbeat.
The electric motor produces about 180 horsepower, which is enough in the real world. When you combine that with the instant torque provided by an electric motor, there's no need to wait. It has the right amount of power for a fun, zippy car. The Mini Cooper's handling and responsiveness have also improved thanks to the electric drivetrain.
- Quiet.
After a week in the Cooper SE, we didn't miss the sound of the exhaust.
- The interior design is fantastic.
There's enough space for two people and a puppy. Seriously, this isn't a vehicle that can meet everyone's requirements. If you have two children, skip it. If you only have one child, skip it. The back seat is available, but you won't be using it on a regular basis. It's better to fold it down and give your Shitzu free reign. However, if you typically drive alone or with one other guy, this is a nice car with a unique interior. It's part steampunk, part video game, and part plane from the 1940s. It isn't a mature family vehicle. But you don't really want one of those, do you? The new digital instrument cluster is vivid, transparent, and a step up from the old gauges.
- Suitable for two people.
Despite its lower center of gravity, the Mini Cooper SE sits slightly higher than the gasoline Mini Cooper. It's a little easier to get in and out of now. Just a smidgeon. The cabin is comfortable but not claustrophobic once inside. Since the windshield is positioned too far forward, the gap appears to be larger than it is. The seats are well-bolstered and provide adequate comfort.
- Parking is easy.
When you drive a Mini in a neighborhood, you'll feel elated at the prospect of fitting into a parking space that a Toyota Corolla will have to give up. It's a sensation that never gets stale.
- The cost.
Though electric cars can be expensive, the Mini Cooper SE is a good value. The base model, which comes with a fair amount of equipment, costs less than $30,000. That's before you factor in federal and state rebates. So you're looking at the low $20s. The $7,000 "Iconic" kit, which includes a head-up display, premium music, navigation, active headlights, and a slew of other comfort and convenience features, came standard on our test car. After rebates, that still leaves an actual cost of somewhere around $30,000 at $37,750.
Disadvantages 👎
- There's a lot of variety.
Except for the variety, we like all about the Cooper SE. It's a little more than 100 miles. That was last year. Actually, it's not that dissimilar from the 2008 Mini E prototype. Mini is trapped in the past with what is limited to a commuter vehicle, with cars like the Nissan Leaf and Kia Niro now offering range easily into the mid 200s, all but removing the idea of range anxiety. What is the reason for this? Mini's parent company BMW isn't exactly flush with cash due to low revenue, but they're stretching what they've got as far as they can.The last-generation BMW i3 drivetrain was on the market. “We'll take it!” exclaims the group. They try to make up for it by pricing the car lower than some of the more advanced battery-electrics listed above. And, of course, driving is more enjoyable. However, for most people, it restricts the automobile to a "second car" or a car for people who travel short distances and live in a city where a 40-mile trip is never expected on the spur of the moment. It's a lot of fun to drive. It would be a spectacular car if it had a 250-mile range.
- There is a lack of protection.
Forward collision warning and city-speed automatic emergency braking are available on the Cooper, but blind spot warning and highway-speed automatic emergency braking are not. In 2020, that's a bummer.
- Firm Ride.
The Cooper SE is a lot of fun to drive on a twisty lane, but the ride is a little firm. So, if you live in pothole country, think about it.
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