NEW Mini Cooper Electric REVEALED! + Mini Countryman! - best Minis ever? | What Car?

#Mini #MiniCar #ElectricMini #SmallEV #WhatCar
The new Mini Cooper Electric has been revealed, and so has the Mini Countryman! What's new, what are they like, and are they the most important Minis ever?
Save thousands on your next new car with What Car? at www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/
New videos are uploaded to What Car? each week. Don't miss a single one. Subscribe now: bit.ly/2Obgxjd
Visit our website at www.whatcar.com/
What Car? is the UK's biggest car-buying brand and has been helping Britain's car buyers make purchasing decisions for more than 40 years. Our tests are widely regarded as the most trusted source of new car advice.
This channel brings you trusted reviews on all the new models on the market, all the latest first drives, reader reviews, and great car-buying advice.
All reviews are available in full online at Whatcar.com - the UK's leading car-buying website, offering trusted reviews and data on every new car. The website also offers advice on car leasing, new car deals and new and used cars for sale.
Follow What Car? here:
LIKE What Car? on Facebook: goo.gl/yv5jF8
FOLLOW What Car? on Twitter: goo.gl/SJzmT8
Check out our full video catalog: bit.ly/2W81iu9

[@gijsroge]

A physical button for 'experiences' rather than climate controls screams out, some out-of-touch managers pushed their ideas on this car.

[@douglaskinloch6272]

Totally, I love my Mini SE right now, this is not an improvement.

[@zeberday1]

Touch screen climate isn't an issue

[@gordon1201]

Truly laughable. What the hell were they thinking

[@gordon1201]

​@@zeberday1the issue is the designers priority. Physical buttons for "experiences" and touchscreen for climate control? It should be the other way around

[@zeberday1]

@@gordon1201 fair enough

[@666JGNotts]

That dashboard looks awful in my opinion. The lack of physical buttons really annoys me as well. I’d much rather have the old model but with the better range.

[@aacmove]

Overpriced junk made from reused tampons!

[@savedfaves]

100%

[@adrvapor9433]

the mini design was perfected in the last generation with the union jack taillights. it seems anything after that is going to be a step down. this gen changes the design in ways that didn't need to change, and for worse, imo

[@deanwhiteley3065]

Totally agree

[@DrMikeOxgreen]

Shows how subjective design is. I thought the last generation was the worst one to date. Mainly due to the front overhang and bonnet line being so high for the size of the rest of the car. New one is much better, though not a patch on the r53 or the real Mini

[@Darx97]

true

[@douglaskinloch6272]

The Union Flag lights is a problem in a number of countries with a negative experience under that flag. That was always going be an issue in places like Ireland, for example.

[@mariniam]

fully agree

[@cabottaxi]

42k to 47k for a mini estate. Beginning to think some manufacturers are in a different world.

[@FirstLast-rh9jw]

A world where they can charge that much for such a plain, drab, disappointing interior.

[@brandonpollard8928]

​@@FirstLast-rh9jwbut I'm sure you love Tesla's interior

[@birilol]

@@brandonpollard8928lmfao where’s the logic in that?

[@Antody]

They aren't pushing for electric cars for no reason. It was planned all along that instead 20k car it would be 50k and everyone is supposed to be ok with that.

[@Ambienfinity]

That interior is hideous. Tesla's minimalism has taken its toll on EV design.

[@bryanwhite74]

Was so looking forward to this, but the inside has just deflated me....what a shame.

[@eroche913]

Keeping those textured fabric finishes clean will be an absolute nightmare. What a rotten environment to have to live with day-to-day

[@davidmehlhorn726]

Having the climate controls in the infotainment system should be banned on safety grounds. Forcing the driver to take his/her eyes off the road to change the HVAC levels is crazy. Just have the HVAC controls with buttons/dials that can be used by feel.

[@prz98]

It should absolutely have buttons, but at least you can also control it with voice. Others cut buttons and force to use touch without other (voice) options.

[@concinnus]

Nearly everything has steering wheel controls now, which with a mode switch could be used for HVAC. This would be even better, at least as long as they're tactile/haptic.

[@mikecollins8640]

Air blowers and temp control need to be on hard switches. Madness Mini.

[@chrisneville5884]

OMG what were they thinking, the new mini electric inside the cabin looks awful. Externally I can’t fault it and the range is much better (and so it should be), why try and fix something that isn’t broken. Would have considered this as my first EV but not now

[@herme99]

I was looking forward to this as I really liked the Mk1 electric Mini, but the range was no good for me. But that new interior is totally unappealing. I shall continue to wait for a 3 door electric with decent range and good looks, inside and out!

[@11202]

They had a good thing to iterate and improve on. Maybe a generational tweak to the previous design if they liked (not that I want that). A Mk1 with improved battery and the aesthetic we know and love. Physical buttons and the best of both worlds was perfect. Instead we get this cooperate meddling abomination. Go futuristic and make a new line with a new name. Or keep it classic and modernise the power system by making it electric. These companies literally have more money than sense and we lose good decision making in the process. Infuriating.

[@jonathanw844]

That dash looks guff

[@deanwhiteley3065]

Interior is awful. What were they thinking?

[@jamespaul2587]

What is guff?

[@infamouselixir90]

The lack of contrasting plastic wheel arches is what’s making it look funny. It’s been a feature since the mini returned and without it just looks like a mess

[@crismam1531]

Different us an understatement.. it's horrendous inside..

[@sargfowler9603]

Good to see a price reduction with greater range. Nice one!

[@jonathanmoore994]

The interior has gone from being the interior you'd expect from Waitrose, to an interior you'd expect from Lidl. What are they thinking about? It's a disaster. What's with that dinner plate bolted to the dashboard?

[@dnshable]

How are you supposed to have your snacks while on the move?

[@js-hl5hv]

I've owned an SE for over 3 years now. A few minor corrections. It is nearly impossible to get 100 miles out of it. You would have to be going round Brands Hatch. I get up to 150 every charge, and 140 if driven like a hooligan It is also much quicker than the quoted 7.3 0-100. The 0-60mph (with silly ft rollout) is 6.0, with 0-100 more like 6.5s. A real pocket rocket The best thing, however, is the weight. Being so light (compared against most other EVs), it handles "like a go kart".Put track tyres on, and you won't go faster round a corner until you put another zero on the price. I truly hope the new MINI hasn't thrown the baby out with the bathwater by increasing the weight and dulling the handling. Electronic aids to allow drifting don't excite me. Give me a car that sticks to the road anyway. I won't be getting rid of mine ina hurry, but I am sure this little beast will sell well. Good luck MINI!

[@POVDrivingTour]

I just sold my 2023 Mini Cooper SE L3 that I convert to JCW front and rear bumper and rear spoiler, as well as the JCW alloys. Sadly, had to sell it a few days ago as the insurance renewal was sky high, not justifiable for a 100 mile range car. I got it in Dec 2023, so I was seeing 100 mile range pretty much everyday. I always drove it in Sport mode because why not, I loved how the front lifted up when accelerating in Sport mode. So bloody addictive and opposite drivers look shocked. I hope the new model has this. I'm contemplating on getting the 2024 Peugeot e-208 GT, the current price is £24,000, reduced from £32,000 when launched in January 2024. It's got the same range as the new Mini and comfortably sits 5. I had the 2022 Peugeot e-208 GT but sold that for the Mini Cooper SE, stupidest mistake I've ever made. From 217 mile range to 100 mile range, although I drove for 30 miles on 0% the other day, and then Mini roadside assistance helped recover and transport the car to the nearest charger for free. Peugeot wouldn't do that.

[@GinoFoto]

My comment from two years ago: "That tiny infotainment screen in the middle of the dashboard just shouts for a proper bezel-less circular OLED."

[@davidbenstead5112]

As you say there is nothing wrong with the current good looking electric MINI (inside and out). We love our current electric MINI and the range for us is not an issue when it's your second car. The interior of the new Cooper looks very tacky. The exterior is just OK becoming a Euro box like other manufacturers. Being built in China will put many MINI owners off buying a new MINI. It's not a true MINI unless it's built in Oxford. So there's no temptation for us to be ordering one in near future.

[@fmulleady]

And want if it's built in Germany?......

[@piglet5287]

Sorry to be a V Meldrew but the interior is a big letdown after its gorgeous predecessor. It's showing the malign influence of Tesla minimalism. The switches below the screen look really messy but perhaps hark back to the 1959 Mini? Not keen on the wheel design either. At least the price hasn't risen

[@deanwhiteley3065]

Totally agree. Interior design is awful compared to previous model 🥺

[@piglet5287]

@@deanwhiteley3065 perhaps the previous interior was too expensive to make

[@rickeaston8963]

Well, that's Mini ruled out as a potential new EV then. That interior 😞

[@Cheneyjoan]

Very disappointed about the elimination of physical controls. What we don't need in cars is more distracted driving when finding controls on a touch screen.

[@thezanzibarbarian5729]

I've had 5 Mini's previously. All ICE powered. I'd never have brought the previous Mini EV due to it's woeful range. But I still won't buy this new one either. The interior looks cheap and horrid. Nothing like a _real,_ ICE Cooper. Though Mini are trying to make it look like the first Minis that appeared with their single, circular, central display, they've failed. And if they're going to change the interiors of the new ICE Coopers to look like this, then it's no more Mini's for me.

[@mariniam]

what's all this nonsense about cartoon dogs and avatars. Its a car not a bloody mobile phone. Also hate the so-called trendy suitcaselike boxes, fabrics and straps. The current JCW interior is one of the greatest ever imo.

[@pqvid]

Big kudos for your review style! No frills, quick, very informative, excellent camera work! That's the quality for everyone else to look forward to and to learn! 👍👍

[@leewilcox4044]

I’ve owned a Mini Clubman (with the suicide door on one side) and a Mini Countryman and loved them. But I knew this touch-screen assault interior was coming for new Minis and their BMW counterparts, so I just purchased a BMW 1 series which has physical controls for heating and fan speed and has the great control wheel like my Countryman had that stops you having to use the touchscreen on the move. It was either that or the Mini Clubman but with the last few of these available it started to feel its age driving it compared to the slightly newer BMW 1 series, which is a Mini underneath anyway. I simply don’t understand Mini and BMW (as BMW are about to ruin the 1 series by removing all physical buttons and the control wheel, like they have already done to the BMW 2 series Active Tourer). Haven’t they learned anything from the awful customer feedback and review after review of modern VW’s for example that consistently bemoan how enfuriating and dangerous using touchscreens are on the move? I bought my BMW 1 series just before they ruin that too. It’s just arrogance and a failure to listen to what their customers actually want. With all lower tier Beemers and all Minis having this touchscreen only interior, it looks like I’ll be keeping my current model 1 series for a long time. It’s such a shame as I’ve really enjoyed my time with Mini, but there’s nothing I want here. And I don’t want a Countryman thats many inches longer. The current Countryman was a perfect size IMO. It could comfortably sit 4 x 6ft adults and had decent load space. It was a very practical car and yet was the same footprint, surprisingly as my new BMW 128ti. They’ve got this all wrong IMO. Maybe the Americans will buy them. Interestingly when I told the BMW salesman why I wantedto buy a BMW 1 series before they ruined that too by getting rid of physical conrols and putting heating on the touchscreen, he said, “yes, but you can use voice conrol.”. I tried it yesterday and it didn’t understand what I wanted. SoI’m sticking to the physical buttons and control wheel. Why oh why Mini and Beemer, when you were so much better at interiors than anyone else, did you have to ditch the very thing that made them superior to other manufacturers? Now you’re just the same as everyone else. End of rant!

[@fmulleady]

A perfectly relevant rant!

[@mynameIan]

Agreed. I’m so sad that they ended the Clubman. I would have bought another. Now I’ll have to switch brands.

[@anakinskywalker4113]

That dashboard looks rather naff too me. Also being made in China I’m not so sure about the quality control.

[@rabbitazteca23]

Most cars are made in China now including tesla

[@anakinskywalker4113]

@@rabbitazteca23 hence I don’t trust the quality control. To me Tesla are overpriced for what they are.

[@drunkenwhiskeyeu]

That new Countryman looks pretty decent, I will for sure test drive it when we are looking for a new company car. The X1 is perfect in every aspect so if this comes in cheaper than that, it should be a good choice.

[@LizzyFerretOfficial]

Before you even mentioned it I was telling myself not to be silly, there was no way it had anything to do with the Ora Cat and so the fact I thought it was alike from the side & back was just me being daft. And then....🤨 The fact they apparently don't share any parts also raised the eyebrows... perhaps there isn't a crossover from the parts bin but there definitely is from the artists easel, which in my view is a real shame. As for styling, I honestly don't get what they were thinking with that dashboard. It looks like a dinner plate has embedded itself in yer granny's cardigan. Utterly bizarre.

[@angelocosta3776]

Regarding the mini electric interior, it is a step back! It is horrible! I will buy the old model before they disappear.

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

or something else 🙂

[@Krieky]

Those interiors? Sorry, it’s a no from me. It looks like a primary school crafts project.

[@1510km]

Why are car manufacturers not listening to consumers.. why are the climate controls on the screen, it's the most annoying change ever in new cars

[@Qibilii]

Rear lights of the Cooper S will take time to grow on me. My first car was the R53 "06 MINI S, loved the curves between the rear tyre fender and windows. Glad they kept this design language with the new ones. All in all, I love this MEANIE!!!! 😍

[@mbak7801]

Price is not too bad. More or less a Renault Zoe but with better performance. My problem is already owning an EV there is no pressure to change in two or three years. There is little to wear out or incentive to change. I can see existing EV owners being a sticky market so sales growth has to come from new converts.

[@80y3r9]

Especially if you already own a car that does about 200miles, another 200mile car with unimpressive charging and downgrade interior isn't appealing! Oh and a shared platform - no ta

[@stephenwakeman3074]

The EV market is still in its infancy. In a few years you’re going to start to see the effects of battery aging. Batteries are chemical products and considered a wearing / consumable component. Faced with the prospect of a very costly replacement or accepting a significant range reduction (think 20-40% less range), that is going to the incentive. ICE vehicle range will generally be the same from the time the engine has worn in to the time the vehicle is scrapped. That is absolutely not the future in store for EVs.

[@toyotaprius79]

If this Mini were a 5 door I could definitely see it as a Renault Zoe competitor.

[@joepitt1192]

⁠@@stephenwakeman3074I’m afraid you’re wrong my friend and have swallowed the fossil fuel industry propaganda hook line and s(t)inker. My 5 yr old Zoe 30000 miles has suffered from a 3% degradation in battery. And that’s charging it always to 100% as when we bought it there was no advice on battery management. Relative to ICE cars it costs peanuts to run both in fuel and maintenance which is basically just tyres.

[@80y3r9]

Wider.. great said no one on a 4 seat car Only reason I would have bought one of these was the interior and they look 💩 now Premium automakers deciding to save €.5 per switch to piss off their customers is mental and no they have not taken things from the funky cat but tbh the interior looks better than the mini now

[@ArslanAndArslan]

I currently own an F55 SD 2017 and love it I generally keep my cars for 6 years or so I’ve been pushing back my upgrade for a little bit in anticipation of the new mini but sadly I’m not a fan of the new one but that could change with time however if they don’t make a diesel version they will lose a life long mini customer! I have a good relationship with my local dealer and have been told my the general manager that 70% or so customers are repeat customers but from what I can see and tell from even the sales staff that no one is keen on losing the ICE versions, with production being in china is also a big deal especially for uk customers. So sad to see mini go in this direction. 😢

[@stucam8110]

One of the best thing about the current mini is a proper handbrake , buttons and switches, I’m going to stick with my 2014 Mini Cooper SD, at 120k miles it’s just getting worn in, also I can get over 700 miles per tank of fuel.

[@POVDrivingTour]

700 miles!? Good god. I was lucky enough to get 100 miles from my 2023 Mini Cooper SE L3. Sold it last week though and range anxiety has been relieved.

[@firebolt2310]

Modern electric MINI can't replace old school Mr Bean's MINI !!

[@H.K_R]

The interior will grow on me and many others besides. It took a while for people to get used to the change from the R56 to the outgoing F56.

[@deanwhiteley3065]

Interior is awful compared to previous model but each to their own 🤷‍♂️

[@mariniam]

Not a chance

[@FirstLast-rh9jw]

Problem is its a quantifiable reduction in premium-ness, the price reductions are out of shame for what they've done...

[@brandonpollard8928]

The new interior is dope people just wanted the big round AC fans to feel like a badass in a plane I get it but you can just buy the older car

[@joshuaduarte4505]

In what way is this interior better than the older one? It looks worse. It’s less premium. It’s less practical. The screen is definitely bigger I’ll give you that.

[@alanwayte432]

Climate controls in screen ...no no no

[@neilhollands4863]

Although the new mini electric has got a much better range as we all expected I still think they have missed a trick by not offering it as a five door. Although no doubt it will still sell like hot cakes.

[@joehampson2527]

I would guess the thought behind not offering a five door is that they'd rather trade people up to buy the Countryman

[@chasf3433]

Driving controls or lack of clearly aimed at the city living run your life on a Smart Phone generation and not drivers, definitely not a true Cooper S then.

[@gaiusvarro4692]

Nice German/Chinese car

[@richardwarner5491]

When will they be available to order in the UK ?

[@alecporter1784]

Like everything apart from the dash, missing the toggle switches too.

[@tOki3y0xpoP]

Can’t wait to upgrade my 2018 Mini Countryman for the newer one. Looks nice!

[@schrimpf]

Profound review. Thanks!

[@richardcarter1000]

Looks like the quality has taken a dive. I couldn't buy a Chinese Mini, let alone an EV. Shame, they were great cars.

[@CameronSWhitelaw]

These cars are cool but doesn’t feel like ‘mini’. I have a Mini Cooper sport 2019 model and love it.

[@nonnygb]

I love the exterior design as its a back to basics look without being too far from the outgoing F56 model. I'm mixed about the interior. At 6ft 3 the seats look like they'll be comfy but I'm not sure about the dash textures. I miss the hidden compartment features! Have a feeling it might look better in a darker tone and this light one is just a bit BMW i3? It's one of those things you'll need experience by sitting inside

[@moonlightfilms5279]

I’m 6’5 and my daily is a F56 S. I couldn’t have a model with a sunroof because the support beam in the middle would hit my head, but it does look like they’ve moved the support farther back in this model which is a bonus. I do agree though that the new dash looks like a downgrade

[@stanleyfederer]

I just purchased a 2020 SE, I am happy what I did :)

[@mihnealazar7039]

10:51 the dash is quite different though? It only has the same display and steering wheel, but the dash is not "virtually identical"

[@daholmes1]

Lack or driver instrument display and everything on the touch screen, going the Tesla way has ruined it. It’s the reason I dislike Tesla (plus lack of front ‘face’). I’ve seen some good aftermarket driver binnacles for Tesla, but I think I’ll stick to a little more traditional interiors. I like screens, just want some physical buttons, and a driver binnacle.

[@coree74]

RIP Mini 😔

[@zzhughesd]

More new minis. Good or bad. More new cars.

[@oris247]

Mini, ruined

[@HuhWhat101]

Good review. BMW mini should listen to this guy. He's made some very good points.

[@toth1982]

5.2 miles/kwh on WLTP. That is quite great. It is a small car, but still.

[@ianrobinson9243]

Personally not a fan of these new designs and certainly not the interior but I’m sure they will appeal to some. As with all EV’s they are stupid prices. Nearly 50K for the range topper. There is an awful lot of other cars I’d have before that.

[@tobybushnell]

They’ve ruined it by copying Tesla on the minimalist interior. Gutted. All I wanted was the current model with longer range! The exterior looks wrong too with the longer wheelbase.

[@fmulleady]

An option for a Countryman PHEV with 40 miles plus electric range and the existing interior would have been great. The new interiors are a huge step down. The new Countryman pricing is ludicrous too. I can see used Mini values going up because of fhese new models.

[@makeroftoys]

Mini is growing the market for used Minis.

[@bobbinsnest]

Such a shame, I was waiting for mini Cooper 5 door. What about the Aceman, any information on that?

[@rasherbasher8203]

Oh course it has nothing to do with the funky cat😂😂🙄 the inside looks cheap and nasty...

[@danduntz2539]

There’s a reason why I still have my r53. All the subsequent bloated versions that came out, plus now the Chinese are building and designing? No thanks, except for mine, I’ve officially checked out of the mini brand and will find a nice classic and that will be the extent of it.

[@charlesuk5358]

Looks like BMW really dont want to sell cars... that interior is awful

[@5impleSteph]

New mini looks ok but looks like there may not be enough physical buttons and I’m not a fan or the rear

[@CupOfSweetTea]

Does the new mini default to broken like the last?

[@cheekythrillz]

The back end of the countryman gives me Ssangyong vibes.

[@scarry776]

Don't hate the interior, and I do like the fabric but the remaining plastics now look cheap! I have an f56 and the plastics feel high quality, whereas these ones feel like plastics you'd find in a fiat 500

[@carlwhittaker2353]

If this is what the petrol version is going to look like I won't be buying another I've had 6

[@philiphawkins4684]

How come the release is not in the UK Oxford.

[@user-ch1yy2vo9h]

Horrible !! A mini is all about sporty looks ,fun and smart interior and that e mini is the total opposite!

[@MikaelJSandersson]

I really would've wanted a 5 door Cooper. And AC controls outside of screen.

[@tskuhac]

Beautiful looking car and love the interior

[@localreviewking134]

Perhaps, they should be called the MAXI, the modern Land Crabs? as they keep getting bigger with each new model.

[@the___truth8038]

Um, this is smaller than its predecessor lol.,

[@louiec.9782]

I'll purchase it only if it's a lot more expensive than the previous

[@robertd2363]

Bit disappointed about the new interior, why no switches for climate controls?? Big step backwards! Outside Looks OK though

[@mikethebest6]

Finally as soon as this comes with NACS conector I’ll replace my current ICE Countryman ❤

[@tonybarton3746]

Should have called the mini traveler the mini maxi it’s mahoosive 😂👍

[@Pontiakos]

Is it coming to the US?

[@smarte.r.1450]

Had Countryman PHEV and then onto the X1 PHEV .. this newer Countryman EV has come a little too late as we now have a Mercedes EQB on order.... three years time, and if that interior dashboard setup has improved it will be on my list.. the dash is VILE!

[@julian_b]

Apart from the larger screen, I much prefer the current one. Also, touch screen climate control is a terrible idea. Whoever thought of it obviously doesn’t drive much. Finally, unless it’s designed and made in the UK, it’s not really a Mini.

[@nr5494]

I don’t like any part of it. The Nest stat on the revolting dash & the ridiculous interior door handles are the lowlights. And in a few years they won’t even be built in the UK, because the Chinese, who control battery supply, would rather make them in China.

[@stephenclay6852]

Good points on the outside looks ok, range is a real improvement but that interior from looking at the video looks cheap we’re the old one was very retro but felt quality. But I will reserve my judgement until I see one in the metal.

[@TheOnlyJizz]

Definitely in the running to replace my Zoe GT Line, but come on Mini, there's no way it's going to average 5.2mpkWh, which means the quoted ranges are nonsense

[@rtfazeberdee3519]

That Mini is not longer mini

[@Jmcg1959]

Mini by name only ,

[@aacmove]

I don't know how you can compare a fiat 500 to a mini when the top price of the fiat is the starting price of the mini.

[@Spaxxist]

Well it’s a lot like a cat, an ora funky cat to be specific haha

[@grahamcook9289]

Active thermal battery management? Heat pump? Small range and slow DC chraging. Bad combination.

[@alfons6350]

What exactly is english about this car?

[@gregj7916]

So much for going back to the design basics of the original, it's a bloody heavy thing....

[@MrRogaro]

I am sad about the MINI Brand. I have the actual MINI 5 Door model but sadly i will not change to this new ones. They look very very boring and too clean. Everything what MINI stands for, is almost gone now. Thats not fun to look at. Looks nice, but too minimalistic, like Tesla or Volvo.

[@Steve30x]

When you design the mini you make it medium size but still call it mini. Just make it slightly bigger lads. It's just a name after all. Then the interior design team go off smoking joints and design the interior while absolutely smashed on cannabis.

[@davidtones4917]

7:49 - the word maximum is mistyped 😮

[@markdawson4625]

Looks like the accountants have had a big say on finish and equipment. BMW have missed a trick, more buttons and storks please, not less. And please build it in Oxford.

[@smax13]

So its basically not an ora cat with mini badges.

[@PhanoftheShow]

i’m really looking forward to the Countryman in the US if it will work on the Tesla supercharger network

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video 😊

[@toyotaprius79]

The Butcher's Apron rear lights must at least be an option 🙄