Mini cars has just unveiled the next-gen Cooper hatchback and Countryman SUV globally at the IAA Mobility 2023, Berlin. Interestingly, both models have been revealed in their pure electric avatars, giving us a glimpse into the future of the brand. The new Mini Cooper SE and the Mini Countryman SE get refreshed styling, overhauled interior and added features.
New Mini Cooper and Countryman: Exterior Design
The new Mini Cooper SE largely retains its iconic silhouette, but has completely refreshed for a more modernised look. At the front, it gets a smoother and simpler design than the current model. The signature round headlights stay while a new body-coloured strip runs across the grille. Moving to the side, the Cooper’s profile remains the same with the wheel-at-each corner stance and short overhangs. The rear end features new triangular LED tail lights which retain the Union Jack motif but have been slightly simplified.
It is a similar story for the Mini Countryman SE as well. While it is a much newer model, Mini has given the third-gen SUV an evolutionary design change than a revolutionary one. It gets revamped headlights which have an edgier shape, and octagonal grille, new alloy wheels, and redesigned tail lights. The silhouette stays identical to the current model, like the Cooper.
New Mini Cooper and Countryman: Interior Design and Features
Inside is where the changes to the new Mini Cooper and Countryman are immediately noticeable. Both models’ dashboards are now covered in funky-looking fabric which can be customised with multiple colours and patterns. There’s also a new twin-spoke steering wheel as well. In terms of features, there’s a new 9-inch infotainment system which also functions as the digital instrument cluster and climate control unit. Additionally, voice commands can also control most of the major functions.
The Countryman will notably become the first Mini model to offer Level 2 ADAS system that includes semi-autonomous driving at speeds of up to 60 kmph.
New Mini Cooper and Countryman: Powertrain Details
As mentioned above, Mini has revealed the new Cooper and Countryman in their electric versions. The former will have two variants, the E which uses a 40.7 kWh battery pack and the SE which gets a larger 54.2 kWh battery pack. This allows the Cooper E to have a claimed range of 306 kms, increasing to 402 kms in the SE. Both models use a single electric motor setup, with the Cooper E and SE pumping out 184 bhp and 218 bhp of peak power, respectively.
The Countryman in comparison gets a larger 66.4 kWh battery pack, with both single-motor and dual-motor variants on offer. The RWD-only model makes 204 bhp with 250 Nm of peak torque while the AWD variant pumps out 318 bhp with 494 Nm of max torque. Mini claims a fully-charged range of 462 kms and 433 kms, respectively.
Both the Cooper and Countryman can be fast charged at speeds of upto 130 kW.
New Mini Cooper and Countryman: Launch Date
The new Mini Cooper and Countryman are expected to go into series production early next-year, with the global launch sometime around the second quarter of 2024. Both models will likely arrive in the Indian market around late-2024.
