The Chinese regulator exposed the new all-electric Mini Cooper. It is available in a three-door version with two powertrain options for 135 kW and 160 kW. The new Mini Cooper will be assembled in China by the joint venture between BMW and Great Wall Motor (GWM).
The production of the Mini Cooper started at Spotlight Automotive’s plant in China in October 2023. Spotlight Automotive was established in 2019, with BMW and Great Wall Motor each holding 50% of the shares. The two sides shared they would jointly develop and produce cars. But manufactured products will be sold separately by each side. The latest product from this JV is the Mini Cooper EV.
Mini Cooper EV details
The new Mini Cooper follows the brand’s distinguishing design language with cool round headlights and an oval-shaped grille. The blackened pillars of this hatchback create a suspended roof effect. Flush door handles improve aerodynamics. Mini applied only for the three-door version of the Mini Cooper EV. From the back, it has triangle-shaped taillights, a small wiper, and a Spotlight Automotive (光束汽车) inscription.
The Mini Cooper EV’s dimensions are 3858/1756/1458 mm with a wheelbase of 2526 mm. For clarity, it is 18 mm shorter, 29 mm wider, and 44 mm higher than the Mini 3D Hatch. With an optional front bumper, the Mini Cooper EV’s length reaches 3863 mm. Depending on bumpers, this funky hatchback boasts 14/29 and 14/28 degree approach/departure angles. The Mini Cooper EV can seat up to four people.
The Mini Cooper EV has wheel-size options. The wheel specs influence its front and rear tracks.
- 195/60 R16
- Front track: 1537 mm
- Rear track: 1533 mm
- 205/50 R17
- Front track: 1523 mm
- Rear track: 1519 mm
- 225/40 R18
- Front track: 1517 mm
- Rear track: 1513 mm
Mini Cooper EV offers two trim levels with different powertrain options. They both adopt electric motors from Bosch and ternary NMC batteries from SVOLT, the GWM subsidiary.
- Mini Cooper: 135 kW (181 hp), 160 km/h top speed
- Mini Cooper S: 160 kW (214 hp), 170 km/h top speed
The Mini Cooper’s curb weight lies at 1,605 – 1,640 kg. The gross weight is 2,055 kg. According to previous information, the Mini Cooper electric offers two battery options: 40.7kWh and 54.2kWh. It supports 11 kW AC charging and 95 kW DC charging. Previously, a batch of Mini Coopers was spotted on the trailer in China. So, these cool hatchbacks are ready for delivery in China.
Source: MIIT
