New 2024 MINI Cooper EV - is the retro supermini better than ever?

MINI has reinvented its iconic hatch for its fifth generation. The characterful Cooper supermini retains its eye-catching retro design, but comes with updated interior technology and will be offered with both full-electric and petrol powertrains. Only available as a three-door, prices start from £30,000 for the MINI Cooper Electric E and deliveries set to begin in spring 2024 with the petrol-powered model following shortly.
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[@InteriorDesignAnderson]

2x Mini owner and really not a fan. Unfortunately it lost to much of the minis character. Interior is alright but with everything going into the touch screen it makes the whole cabin look dull. As customer I’ll not be trading up any time soon !

[@blackadder1996]

See I thought the more recent minis were overly designed; different strokes for different folks!

[@InteriorDesignAnderson]

@@blackadder1996 think that was part of their charm. My current Mini dates from 2016, my previous Mini from 2009 so I do like the cars. My opinion is if I wanted a Tesla design I’d buy a Tesla not a Mini trying to look like a Tesla.

[@rhemy1]

It’s strange to hear people say something loses its character when it is modernized. The mini can’t stay exactly the same forever.

[@thecarotate]

I have had 2 Mini Cooper S and love them. I have been waiting for the new mini with the extender driving range. Unfortunately I find the style of the new electric version disappointing. It no longer looks European and looks like a cheap Chinese car . 1. Disgusting looking tail lights 2. Interior looks like cheap plastic and a touch screen for controls is plain dangerous. The interiors always reminded me of a very expensive handbag and now it looks like a cheap plastic shopping bag. My current mini has beautiful seats with piping. Yuck - I am now searching for a beautiful small stylish electric car that unfortunately will not be a mini now. Sorry, I hate it.

[@jeanr6948]

Eeeech! The dash looks like a 1940s kitchen! What on earth is that “fabric”? What on earth is that infant school dinner plate thingy? The front has gone Ford but with a hint or attempt at the current BMW enormous “grills”. The rear end has gone totally wrong and dated - hints of E93A? The Styling Department has gone Mad……….😢

[@fvnt0miix953]

And in another video they said the new Minis will be made in China… I’m glad I got the German made Mini

[@pawild8399]

I love my Mini SE (23). But I think it is a lot better than the new one. The spartan look, the lack of an instrument cluster, and the continuation of the only thing I hate in my car, which is the HUD, is a major deal breaker for me. The clam shell hood is missing, and the tail lights on either side are symmetrical (the Union Jack isn't)! They got the tail lights right in the older version of the mini. I was hoping to trade in my SE for the newer version in a few years, but I don't think I will!

[@lawrencecolwell5527]

This is not Mini anymore, I actually saw this model at Goodwood Revival today. Inside it feels nothing like a Mini, the removal of all current features is a mistake, I just hope when the petrol version is up to view, the dash, is different. Hate the rear lights, what we're BMW thinking, it looks like to many other superminins out there. I currently own a jcw so maybe that version will change my mind, but so far its a big No from me😢

[@mihaicostinpetcu]

I saw it in reality, too. It lost the premium feeling. The materials feel very cheap inside.

[@samsexton4039]

I too, sat in the new JCW countryman, hard plastic everywhere no soft touch. Shame because even my F56 has soft touch and makes it feel like the premium product it’s meant to be.

[@JiroEtens]

Can I put the touchscreen to my other plates into my dishwasher or should it be cleaned separately? ... I don't like this new design. It has somehow lost its typical charm. I hope the next facelift will fix it.

[@micha3045]

Those new taillights… sacrilege!

[@EM.1.]

Yeah, they should just give it the same lamps as the Countryman.

[@schrimpf]

Much better than the former ones.

[@thecarotate]

They look cheap and more like an Asian styled car.

[@richard7071]

I had two 1960s Minis. The interior of this seems to hark back to those models, which were minimalist to the extreme - ooh, you want a heater? AND a radio? I’m severely tempted by this.

[@rxs87]

The outside looks good, but I think the old interior looks more premium. This minimalist interior looks cheap.

[@fvnt0miix953]

The front looks fine, but I love the old union jack taillight. The current Mini SE is perfect in every way EXCEPT the range, that’s all Mini needed to change.

[@997turbo2]

It looks much cheaper, all the stuff you said its cool it looks cheaper

[@fvnt0miix953]

And they will be made in China… the current Minis are made in Germany

[@stevencilia7284]

Even though I love the sporty interior of the 23 model, the new dashboard is actually the closest Mini has come to the original dashboard. They might have removed exterior Classical pieces, but the dash is back to the 50's. Some will appreciate this, but many won't. Depends on one's taste.

[@HOXXAS]

I am big MINI fan for more over 10 years. Very disappointing for this new design. Overall, I feel it looks cheaper then previous gen.

[@gluttonousmaximus9048]

The new electric will definitely be worse than the previous electric model in every way, no exceptions.

[@rjvicious3317]

​@gluttonousmaximus9048 how? The new Solid state batteries will blow the old Ion Batteries out the water.

[@ferhatdp6250]

🤢🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@gary_michael_flanagan_wildlife]

I own a first gen Cooper s manual and 2016 convertible S manual. Both have a lot of character. The newer model is more comfy and plenty more power. I had no interest in the automatics. These cars are for enthusiasts and I would think the electric models would just be boring to drive. I may be wrong. I actually don’t mind the new look. But if it’s auto it won’t be as much fun

[@mrgrummpy29]

I've had two brand new mini cooper s cars, as far as I'm concerned they have ruined the iconic car. It's hideous I will won't be buying this new design. Yuck 🤮

[@heatherjohnson955]

2 car mini owner. SE and Countryman. I am not feeling this redesign one bit. :-( I will hang on to my cars.

[@adamdonovan5633]

Design by committee of adolescents on sugar high. Will be totally anonymous in a few months. Had planned to buy one. Now I know it was a good idea to wait. BMW has been on a roll lately making one design gaff after another. Here is another of their faux pas.

[@dkpirie]

The interior is so basic and cheap looking it is just horrible.

[@mikemacdt1]

He’s desperately trying to sell it, but I’m afraid it looks dreadful

[@RobbieBoy80]

He probably needed to say “cool” a few more times 😂

[@dorispeabody]

The front is far to heavy design wise to the rear, looks like it needs a boot/trunk rather like the old hornets and elf’s

[@OkayJose]

SOLD

[@bloodynorahvan2203]

i think this interior is closer to a 1970s mini in it's simplicity, rather than the previous generation feeling more like a Rover/90s mini. I actually don't mind this and design-wise think it's an improvement over the previous model. Good to finally see more battery capacity, but in the future as batteries become more power-dense, it would be a good idea to back the weight off again for handling.

[@karmahunden]

car looks like a tamagotchi ...that's the direction we're heading. I'll be buying a petrol car for the time being. I'm not ready for a bigger, heavier, fully-loaded-tech-obnoxious machine yet.

[@DavidDatura]

It’s very nice overall, even if I’m still on the fence pertaining to the new rear lights, that just don’t look like those of a Mini 🤷‍♂️ but it’s a minor gripe. My bigger one is the range. I would of thought by now, any new EV being introduced, would have a solid 300 mile range at a minimum.

[@PneumaticFrog]

Just replace the tail lights with other ones. The aftermarket for it will most likely be huge.

[@cbenson513]

I think for mini, a city car, the new range is good. I'd rather have 200mi range and a lighter battery and resulting better handling in the bends, than lug the extra weight around. But, I know some need more range.

[@Sidmi5utc]

@@cbenson513 Totally agree. Those that are complaining that the range should be enough to take you to the moon and back need to remember it's a Mini. You want more range ? Look at a different car.

[@cianareid5034]

It is fashionable to "dechrome" new cars, but doing this to a MINI, takes away it's MINIness, around the lights, the door handle that bit on the boot that illuminates the license plate, these are signature to the brand. Im all for giving customers options, but I think it is a huge mistake to take these details away completely. The new shape is growing on me, but BMW needs to put back some call backs to the original. (Also the shape of the rear lights needs work)

[@sunnyday8567]

is this kind of modern design inevitable? Can anyone design a better looking new Mini while retaining its classic looks?

[@danduntz2539]

Frank Stephenson, the designer of the first gen new MINI sure could, as opposed to whatever clowns they used for this one.

[@johnborges5938]

They've removed so much articulation from the exterior shape that it now looks like every other soap-bar design. It's like a poorly done imitation of an actual Mini. And the interior looks like the antithesis of a driver-focused vehicle cockpit. That hideous dash material looks like the upholstery from a 1970's Herculon sofa. Overall, I'd say that they've somehow managed to remove just about everything from the earlier Minis that I liked.

[@Chrisb8s]

It’s a teslafied mini

[@chrisc6867]

The design has been becoming flatter and longer over the years. This design may have finally broke me. It's getting so far away from what I think of as a MINI that I am not sure "brand loyalty" would even apply anymore if I wanted another MINI. The trimless design is an another example of this company becoming a follower and not a leader. The "claustrophobic" interior this presenter seems to despise is what use to make the MINI unique. It's all unfortunate as I am going to be in the market for a new car this spring. Huge letdown.

[@d3xbot]

Aw man, I was really hoping the new Cooper EV would be a better road tripper. Between the lack of primary dash gauges (what's with cars doing a digital speedo on the center screen? That's so bad!) and the anemic charging, this thing won't be as much of a mile muncher as I'd imagine most people had hoped. They do win some points for what appeared to be a HUD, but I think this'll be a miss for the US market, and even some markets in Europe.

[@clueadoption7610]

Screens are cheaper. They try to sell it as premium, but it's just about saving money. Same with touch screens.

[@volocty]

Interesting for sure. Removing the center info gauge is a mistake. Cloth on the dash is a mistake. Worried about cost too, as a $50k Mini Cooper will be difficult to sell. I'll pass.

[@ingopaul67]

That round screen stuck on the dash is plain daft.

[@kadirsar4713]

Mini was already an iconic vehicle with its exterior and interior visuals, I don't understand why they tried to ruin it. Do all electric vehicles have to look like Tesla with boring design?

[@colinrenfrew48]

Just been to see this at a local dealer. The car on show was £43k. Nope!

[@karlreading3201]

That’s about as “mini” as the log I crap out after six days at an all u can eat buffet!

[@hoagy_ytfc]

If I took a drink every time he says the word "cool", I'd be pretty smashed by now!

[@RobbieBoy80]

Trying to appeal to the hip younger generation…

[@jamiep61]

Thank you for heading to Germany for the European Launch ahead of its display at the Munich Motor Show 😊

[@Magnus_Magnusson_702]

Dear God, I never thought I would say this but I am trading my Tesla Model 3 for a Mini S model 2 door fully loaded, I don't care if it's gas I am IN LOVE with this car!! I never gave them much thought until I saw one on the road the other day fully loaded with like the panoramic roof and I'm like wow that is a really nice sexy car and then I drove it and fell in love and I'm going to trade in the Tesla now holy crap this is going to be weird!!

[@LouisSipher]

I have a 23 se the interior looks so much better than the 24, in my opinion, I love the interior in the 23 one of the selling points

[@oraleholmes1263]

Yeah, but what about the range hahaha

[@LouisSipher]

@@oraleholmes1263

[@LouisSipher]

I bought it because I didnt want to put miles on my supra, its a daily driver. I love the car and I think it looks much better than the 24, but I cant lie, the range is not good at all. I knew it going in, but I like the way they look. and electric did it for me.

[@oraleholmes1263]

@LouisSipher yes I agree with the looks..I just wish it has more rage..at least 4hr drive lol

[@fvnt0miix953]

Same here! I have a 22 SE and I’m glad I went with that one despite the low range. The 24 design looks cheap and ugly. I wanted an EV with physical buttons and no huge screen, and the Mini was love at first sight. I love the union jack taillight, the toggle switches, the cool color changing LED lights around the screen and the overall quality and look of the car. Like you said, I bought the car knowing its low range and I use it for daily commute. The range was surprisingly good in the winter. We had -40 degrees for 2-3 days and it still performed better than expected. I wish they could just add range instead of redesigning the whole car. The good thing is I’m even happier with my purchase because the salesman told me to lease/finance the car (with very high interest rate) because the 24 will have a better range, but I still chose to buy it.

[@marcosarf5142]

U G L Y ! The interior is just dreadful plain and uninteresting… I can’t even

[@iangould1862]

I can just about live with the exterior...but the interior just looks cheap and nasty. A touchscreen to control almost everything is just plain dangerous to my mind...takes your eye off the road for too long when trying to use it.

[@pauldyson5121]

Doesn't look like a mini anymore - isn't that the point of a Mini - the retro looks? Isn't it a Great Wall platform anyway?

[@wisuit-citatansathit7760]

It break my heart . To be honest, I think BMW make a huge mistake on shaping off MINI original character; click switch, tail light, door handle, etc. I hope they bring it back on the new Mini next model with the high capacity battery pack.

[@sammyt3514]

The exterior is great but the interior ruins it for me; that trend that Tesla started whereby the dashboard/center console are replaced by one gigantic screen that has all the features/functions needs to be phased out of interior design. Not only does it look terminally boring, it's also not practical since if something happens to the screen, and it will, you lose all functionality! Not good.

[@andreiavasi7600]

erh, i love minis because they have a certain design and they're quirky, with the dash, quirky buttons, stoplights and everything. This is not that. I am fine with no dash dials in some cars but not here. Overall looks like a Honda E, which I thought I liked before I saw it in real life. I'll move on, no loss.

[@shanerodgers1399]

My wife’s reaction… ugghhh. They look horrible! And she has loved everything about the three Minis (F60 and two F56’s), that we have had. Not a great start. Mini - you have go it wrong this time. Bland outside bland and poor quality inside. We’ll be looking elsewhere next time, sadly!

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

I prefer my current 2023 Mini JCW Convertible over the 2024 EV. This new one looks like Mini cheaped out. Way too much cost cutting.

[@Neil2022]

Did I miss the bit that mentioned RRP?

[@tommyking207]

Love the new look! Its actually a car id buy now.... it looks custom...... so much cleaner. 👌

[@krishnakanthcake]

Sad super sad .

[@mikeshafer]

Is it NACS or CCS? I'm NACS or bust now.

[@ericcarson342]

So is it a 2024 or a 2025 Cooper electric? Other publishers are calling it a 2025. When does this all new electric drop? Will it be later 2024 as a 2025?

[@leejordanful]

It is not Retro any more and it lost it's Mininess a long time ago

[@daz6n]

Maybe not the exterior but that interior is based purely on the original Mini dash, one round binnacle and a bank of switches below

[@wayneheyes904]

Regardless that it was “designed” on the uk the platform is Chinese the interior and quality is Chinese

[@daniellabadia300]

No , no and no, your statements all wrong, designed in Germany, alliance platform german chinese, German quality like always

[@thecarotate]

Will need to see in the flesh - I am all for new but I it sure does look cheap

[@kimchee411]

They've stripped the Mini of its character. Sad!

[@bloomvikung]

Totally agree

[@TheNewYorkDreamer]

The Mini used to be so quirky and cute and this new generation has totally lost that. Shame as the Mini was so unique and now bmw has made it like every other ev on the market.

[@Edu1923]

10000%

[@davidperry7128]

They did that decades ago.

[@Tabac-en-paris]

lol same old moaners said the same thing 25 years ago, say the same thing every time something new comes along. We have the current generation one and this looks like a great update.

[@Shark00n1337]

Will the non-ev look the same?

[@shanerodgers1399]

I hope not, but sadly they most likely will. A crying shame

[@addsfour3499]

Isn’t that a world first round touch screen inside?

[@BedazzledChanclas]

Those wheels are nightmare-ish :)

[@Chick3nSalad]

What have they done to the mini?!

[@FCJOC]

Removed the engine. Sad!

[@mrgrummpy29]

Ruined it, removed the engine & the Gears it's not an mini anymore it's..... a boring box on wheels & now its ugly. Im looking for a new car next year it won't be a mini.

[@Chick3nSalad]

@mrgrummpy29 Right?! It's hideous! I drove a mini a few years ago, and it was beautiful and such a joy to drive. I was hoping to get another mini next year, but it looks like I won't be getting one now 😢

[@bigblackking1]

Looks like the f56 was the last one lucky for me I’ve got one and it’s beautiful 😊

[@cp4512]

Really not sure about looks or interior of this new Mini. Will have to see what it’s like when I see it for real. Definitely not interested in this EV with such a short range. Reviewer said it’s more expensive than Fiat 500 (no surprise) but didn’t say what the actual price is. Not impressing me so far 🫤

[@wayneheyes904]

Petrol? No mention of It

[@marcogentile3392]

There will be eventually, but the launch model is Electric

[@flavio-p]

Feels very Kia-ish. Shame.

[@9256steven]

Show me the petrol version please.

[@philtucker1224]

All made in Cowley now, not sure about the very minimalist body design and for me, an S has to have the bonnet scoop..

[@skellener]

What are you doing Mini? 🤦‍♂️ Have you lost your mind? 🤮🤮🤮

[@Mika-lr4zh]

Okay, so I think a good thing is the black wheel arch linings being removed, but, the grill I don’t like along with the rear lights which do not say Mini to me. Overall it’s yet another step away from the fantastic original BMW Mini design. More proof if any was needed that BMW cannot design a good looking car anymore.

[@oraleholmes1263]

Why do some show the old model as a 2024 and others show this model as the 2024 lol

[@pavelskala8634]

I am owner of Mini cooper SE from 2020 in level 3 and I need to say sorry , there is no one improvement in the major area Go cart feeling in the city , the S version ist within larger battery pack from 30,2kw to 40kw is 100 kg heavier that my one with 1300kg (3 years older ) and the same range 145miles as my ? The stronger SE version has for 214HP weight of 1600kg ? My Cooper has ratio HP/weight =7HP/kg, the SE new 7,5hp/kg ??? The nice hardware is new OLEd DISPLAY only ....thx

[@Prada-Princess]

It looks like someone tried to described a Mini over the phone

[@stevewhite9653]

The back is terrible m, especially the lights!

[@replica1052]

(should have been 4wheel drive or at least rear wheel drive )

[@troop73oo]

Does this guy work for Mini. Is he on commission?

[@anglosaxonmike8325]

Shopping trolley, if the shop isn't too far away. Half a ton of battery to drag around.

[@MinskUK]

I think that the downsides of price, range, weight, crazy wheel designs and door handles from a 2 series active massively outweigh the upsides which are, em, ah, I’ll get back to you….

[@isaackoh-lg8lg]

Nice Suzuki Swift Sport

[@philipbrown4602]

Just get the Ora, the car this is based on. More stuff, better build, cheaper, and IMHO looks better.

[@tomquimby8669]

oled display - fail, shame the rest looked interesting.

[@HiiImChris]

above all else, the range is going to be a big determiner of if this vehicle is even worth anything. currently 110 mile ev range is so abysmal it should be illegal. it needs at least 250 range to be a genuinely awesome car edit: the freaking mini dash having a circular screen is just what we needed

[@Chick3nSalad]

I traded mine in for that reason. The range was an absolute joke. Even worse in the winter! A joy to drive though!

[@georgebrown697]

No jcw?

[@dazmcd70]

What would be the point? lol 😂

[@thereallotharmatthae]

1600 KGs for a Mini - wow! My 335d F31 weighs 100kg more.

[@ArgentoRAWRz]

Only the interior is nice but the gear selector isn't practical at all

[@ru55laye]

I have no idea who the presenter is, but as someone who has owned a Mini Cooper Diesel and petrol versions, the word cool for the interior is not one I would use. Who ever has redesigned this Iconic brand has destroyed it. I was looking at moving to an EV, but it defiantly will not be a New mini. I might just get a second-hand diesel and keep that going for as long as possible.

[@dude12778]

This is not Mini.😂 this is Asian Car. The Fact, Designer is Korean People😂.

[@dude12778]

Malah koyok daihatsu Aila.

[@arndsan]

The big downer are the back lights. bullschitt

[@thereallotharmatthae]

Man I‘d hate not having a proper gearstick. This tiny button to go from D to N or R, come on. Super annoying. No normal instrument cluster, no proper tactile switches - I‘ll stick to my Mini F56 and BMW F31. BMW Group is losing me, sadly.

[@amirleokim3620]

It will be nice that BMW puts new mini's interior into gasoline mini models

[@bdgrandin]

Is he really short is the car tall. He’s got Huge space above his head when he sits in there car. It’s ridiculous. I have an F55 and thst is about as tall as I want a mini to get. I expect the 3 door to be slightly shorter in length than 5 door. But this new electric seem scaled wrong. It seems to have the right shape but seems Huge. Or again that guy is tiny

[@W.J.Blythe]

The whole point of the mini was it was a U.K. icon built in another country loses that

[@donwhiteside2101]

looks like a kia hope it looks better in real life

[@catalina141107]

Looks boring and cheap, plus having to look to your right to check your speed is dangerous, especially now that you have to keep an eye on speed more than ever because of 20mph areas

[@richard7071]

There is a HUD, so you can look straight ahead

[@VgAce135]

I think it looks rad. Just a shame that we won't get it until 2027 in the US because of trump's disastrous trade war with China that we are still dealing with. But in 2027 I will trade in my 24 SE for this model for sure. I love my Mini but 114 miles just isn't enough sometimes.

[@dave4803]

Is it too much to ask for a proper hand brake and a proper gear selector rather than all this touch button crap that makes the car feel like a laptop on wheel rather than a real car?

[@wayneheyes904]

That armrest is cheap and not supportive

[@th42]

Still too big. Was hoping electrification would help make the mini the city car it should be. Not this gargantuan horror.

[@bellfrost]

They stripped out the fun. Looks boring inside. Armrest looks pathetic. HUD is old tech and in the way…where’s the cool digital speedometer. Cool car… but geez they stepped backward. Maybe the next one will be perfect with way better range and faster charging.

[@horseridingwithconfidences4696]

nice looking car

[@JB-xo1bd]

Fab looking Mini, ruined by lack of a speedo. DUMB!

[@GrooveTasticThang]

I like the clean design, plenty of Mini in there-do the rear light have a 5star red flag mode from the factory 🤔

[@Insight-qg1pu]

😆

[@michaelkilbride2927]

If its as bad as older models it will be broken down at the side of the road more often that not

[@eininw]

The benefit of electric is you don't break down on the side of the road very often. Less moving parts, less failure points. A lot of people with mini EVs were new to EVs and hadn't learned to manage range yet, but that's not a breakdown like a gas vehicle.

[@michaelkilbride2927]

@eininwildmagic3874 built to fail just outside warranty and there's the fire risk and the fact its not really green when you have to dig up all these toxic compounds to.make battery I am a mechanic 40 years I see these things I have done training on electric cars they are a con

[@ElmoBHD]

Front screams Suzuki Swift, the rear is horrendous. The inside needs a 6 year old to work it.

[@kin9225]

I love it!!

[@Kept939]

So basically a mini without a soul

[@MrVideeeooo]

Meh :/

[@colinallan1962]

This review is all about how it looks ( a toggle for different experiences! ) not how practical it is. With everything in the centre touch screen unless you can afford the extra for a heads up display this car is going to be distracting and dangerous to drive.