Happy Birthday. Electric mobility in MINI style.
Exactly 64 years ago, on August 26, 1959, the first classic Mini was presented. Plenty of interior space with the smallest possible external dimensions, room for four occupants, impeccable driving characteristics, low fuel consumption and an affordable price – these were the specifications followed by the creator of the Mini, designer Sir Alec Issigonis.
Since the brand’s relaunch with the market introduction of the New MINI in 2001, the principle that was valid 64 years ago has been confirmed: A superior concept convinces in many ways. This is still true today for the MINI 3-door, MINI 5-door and MINI Convertible small cars, for the MINI Clubman and the MINI Countryman in the premium compact segment. They all display individual strengths and each has its own unique character, but at their core they are above all one thing: a MINI.
In 2008, for the first time at MINI, the motto is: Full driving pleasure, zero emissions. With the MINI E, the BMW Group set a milestone on the road to mobility independent of fossil fuels. A total of more than 500 units of the all-electric MINI were handed over to selected customers in a pilot test.
Since 2017, the MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 (fuel consumption combined: 2.0 – 1.7 l/100 km; electricity consumption combined: 14.0 – 13.1 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 45 – 40 g/km) has been the first MINI model in which a plug-in hybrid drive system opens up the possibility of purely electric and thus locally emission-free mobility and delights with sporty agility and superior versatility. The plug-in hybrid system of the robust all-rounder consists of a three-cylinder gasoline engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology, which directs its power to the front wheels, and an electric drive acting on the rear wheels. Together they generate a system output of 162 kW/220 hp.
With the MINI Cooper SE (power consumption combined: 17.6 – 15.4 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km), which will be launched in 2019, MINI is once again providing groundbreaking impetus for urban mobility. The spontaneous power delivery of the 135 kW/184 hp electric motor, the model-specific chassis tuning and the low center of gravity of the vehicle help the MINI Cooper SE achieve the agility typical of the brand. The lithium-ion high-voltage battery positioned low in the vehicle floor enables a range of 203 to 234 kilometers determined in the WLTP test cycle.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible (power consumption combined: 17.2 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km) is the world’s first locally emission-free premium convertible in the small car segment. The electric drive system accelerates the MINI Cooper SE Convertible smoothly from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. With a range of 201 kilometers determined in the WLTP test cycle, open-air excursions are possible well beyond city limits. It shortens the transition to the all-electric, digital and distinctive next-generation model family.
