Launched in Malaysia with more aesthetic and equipment options for 2023, the MINI Electric, or also known as the MINI Cooper SE.
The EV was first launched here in August 2020, then got updated in June 2021, and recently in January 2023 with the latest.
Now, despite some of the new touch-ups, it is still generally the same model that has been on sale locally, since June 2021.
Prices (OTR, w/o insurance) start at MYR 193,834 for a standard two-year warranty, and MYR 199,164 for an optional extended four-year warranty and service package.
Three exterior colours. Midnight Black and White Silver (existing), and Nanuq White (new). All paired to either the classic black roof or new panoramic glass roof.
Weighing in at 1,440 KG, the 2023 MINI Electric stands at 3,850 MM long, 1,727 MM wide, 1,432 MM tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,495 MM.
Electrifying from every angle with elements exclusive to itself, its exterior exudes sleek seamless lines and a dramatically edgy outlook.
Familiar, the front-end is commanded by the huge hexagonal grille with the gaping maw’s black framing featuring a chromed-out inner outline.
The rear-end complements the whole outlook. Clean, curvy lines and sporty looking, the smooth rounded design emphasises nicely on its wide rear-end.
Featured is a simple roof-edge spoiler, diffuser-integrated bumper with matching cladding that goes all around, and other elements that identify its character.
The circular headlamps with darkened internals are simple yet appealing, a key feature to the classic MINI face.
Installed are adaptive LED units with matrix high beam and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL).
Elongated and slightly rounded, the tail lamps with the Union Jack light graphic are iconic for the MINI. Installed are full LED units.
The side mirrors come either in yellow or black caps, featuring blind spot-indicators, power adjustments, auto-fold and -dimming functions, and MINI logo floor projection.
Surges on a set of MINI Electric exclusive, 17-Inch Electric Power Spoke with RFT, two-tone alloy rims, wrapped in run flat tyres.
Dashboard of the 2023 MINI Electric is exclusive to its model, covered in Piano Black illuminated surfaces and soft-touch panels.
Unique and sporty, commanding the centre is the circular infotainment unit, flanked on each side by a set of round and rectangular air-conditioning vents.
Blessed with the MINI Electric treatment, the unit’s illuminated centre ring features a laser-etched Tetris-like black and yellow design.
Further accentuating the cockpit is the multi-colour ambient lighting system (illuminated surfaces), fitted under the dash decor and in the oval door trims.
All the elements are placed strategically and driver centric, for a better driving experience. Overall, the craftsmanship is premium.
A MINI Electric exclusive, installed in a sleek Black Panel design is a five-Inch full digital colour instrument unit, paired to a Heads-Up Display (HUD).
The four-seater comes with a Carbon Black leatherette upholstery, matched to an Anthracite Black headliner.
Fitted up front are sport seats with manual adjustments and a heating function, while the rear gets standard seats with a 60:40 split-folding configuration.
Head and shoulder spaces are adequate, and while the front legroom is a bit snug, the rear legroom is less so, due to its slightly wider build towards the rear.
Overall, considering it to be an e-hatchback, and is not meant to be a people carrier, space in the cabin is satisfactory.
Fitted is a three-spoke leather sport steering wheel with flat multi-function controls, tilt and telescopic adjustments, and an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.
Sufficient storage areas are present. A decent-sized glove box, side door and backseat pockets, and centre console and front centre armrest compartments.
There are two cup holders located at the front centre console.
It comes with two USB ports, and one 12-V power socket located at the front centre console, and a wireless charging tray in the front centre armrest.
It has up to 211-Litres (seats up) and 731-Litres (seats down) of boot space.
The 2023 MINI Electric features the following Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Lane Departure Warning, Approach Control Warning, Light City Braking, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Automatic Stability Control+Traction (ASC+T), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), and Dynamic Cruise Control, and the Parking Assistant Package.
Passive safety includes six airbags, seat belts (reminder, pretensioner, force limiter), ISOFIX, central locking system with electronic immobiliser and crash sensor, reverse camera, Attentive Assist, auto-dipping interior mirror, and a regenerative braking system.
Four drive modes accessible via the MINI Drive Mode Selector – Sport, MID, GREEN, and GREEN+. Accompanied by one-pedal-driving (regenerative braking).
Another MINI Electric exclusive, installed is an 8.8-Inch high-resolution full-colour touchscreen infotainment system.
It supports the MINI Navigation System, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and other vehicle settings.
The suite of ADAS, along with the accompanying systems will make the emission-free driving experience a light and breezy task, and most importantly, safer.
Fused in the 2023 MINI Electric is a front-mounted electric motor, producing 184 HP/135-KW and 270 NM of torque.
Married to the e-motor is an automatic transmission.
All power is transmitted to the front wheels, via a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) system.
Dashes from 0 to 100 KM/H in 7.3 seconds, and has a top speed of 150 KM/H.
Juicing up the system is a 28.9-KWH T-shaped Lithium-Ion battery, providing up to 232 KM of driving range (WLTP).
0% to 100% State-of-Charge (SoC) via AC charger (Type 2 - 11-KW) takes two and a half hours. 10% to 80% SoC via DC fast charger (CCS - 50-KW) takes 30 minutes.
The 2023 MINI Electric comes with keyless entry, engine start/stop button, auto-headlamps, auto-wipers, multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, reverse camera, electronic parking brake, auto-dimming exterior rear-view mirrors, auto-dipping interior rear-view mirror, MINI Navigation System, voice control, wireless charger, and regenerative braking.
The ride quality is good, very responsive and agile, boasting the MINI Go-kart handling well.
Also, the seats are supportive and well-bolstered for all that torque in that petite build, especially the front sport seats.
Plus, its overall engineering, aside from offering an emission-free drive, is safe and suitable as a daily driver or for long adventures.
Good sound insulation with the NVH aspects accounted for. The cabin is able to suppress unwanted noises well and make them barely noticeable, even when cruising through bumpy asphalts.
The 2023 MINI Electric surges with a new character, offering new updates inside and out, further expanding its fun side.
Strikingly electrifying, the exterior boasts a very edgy outlook, with sleek and smooth proportions, accentuating its petite curvy body.
Contemporary yet laid back, the interior is refined with highly-premium craftsmanship, and enough advanced connectivity to suit the daily driving needs.
Overall, tagging at the price that it comes with, the 2023 MINI Electric or MINI Cooper SE is satisfactory, especially with all the bells and whistles it has.