First Drive: 2021 Mini Electric Review

The news that come 2030 conventionally fuelled vehicles will no longer be sold in the UK was an undeniable blow for the automotive industry, but one that has been long-anticipated. In fact, some manufacturers had already taken it upon themselves to electrify their fleet by or before the new deadline.

Announcements have come thick and fast over the past couple of years, with Bentley pledging recently to go all-electric by 2030, while Honda said last year that every model it sells in Europe will be at least partially electrified by 2022. Meanwhile, both Volvo and Toyota revealed that within five years, their respective sales will be at least half made up of electric vehicles. The future is bright.

And BMW is one brand that has been leading the charge (pardon the pun) in the electric stakes, with the hatchback i3 arriving in 2013, followed the next year by the radical i8. But even before that, back in 2010 and very early on in the manufacturer’s Project i, Mini tentatively debuted an experimental fleet of 600 Mini Es. With 200PS electric motors and a 35kWh lithium-ion battery, it had a range of 100 to 120 miles, and would take 10 hours via a normal 13-amp household socket, or half that if from a 32-amp ‘fast charger’.

Now the Mini E is back, this time in a far more efficient and prolific guise, a range of up to 145 miles, and an 80 per cent fast-charge from zero in just 36 minutes.

Put simply, it’s a Mini. There’s no unnecessary futuristic faff here, only subtle ‘e’ badging to denote its environmentally-friendly credentials, plus a closed version of the hallmark wide grille – the model requiring less cooling than a conventional car.

It retains the iconic Mini body and can be specified in any manner of ways. Our test model was finished in the archetypal Chili red, with a panoramic sunroof and 17-inch black Cosmos Spoke alloys.

Driving the Mini Electric is as simple as can be. Press the start button and it silently leaps to life – so silently, in fact, that you have to wonder if it’s even on yet. There is ‘acoustic pedestrian protection’ (now required under EU law), which delivers a sound at low speeds to alert pedestrians of the car’s presence, however it’s all but inaudible inside the cabin.

Propelled by BMW Group’s synchronous electric motor, which in turn is powered by a 32.6kWh 12-module lithium-ion battery (more on that later), the Mini Electric makes a maximum of 184PS (135kW) and 270Nm (200lb ft) of torque. Nought to 62mph takes 7.3 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 93mph.
While these figures aren’t exactly going to set the world alight, it’s worth remembering that electric cars are famed for delivering all of their torque from zero, and the Mini Electric is no exception, unleashing its silent potential from the moment you put your foot down. In the fruitiest of its four driving modes, Sport, it’s an absolute hoot to drive, with immediate acceleration throughout its rev range and direct, fast steering. However, the fun certainly comes at the expense of the already short range, and I was alarmed to see the battery level, (displayed visibly on the screen behind the steering wheel) dropping quickly. In just 33 miles I ate through almost 50 per cent of the battery.

Mid mode is a happy medium, extending the range accordingly, while Green and Green+ are just increasingly sluggish. For a crawl home mode its fine, but frustrating on any other occasion. The modes are further configurable through the 6.5-inch centre circular touchscreen, with options such as climate control available to activate and deactivate.

The regenerative braking is switchable, and in the most aggressive mode is certainly intrusive, especially under 60mph. After this, it doesn’t cut in quite as hard, which is a welcome relief when travelling at motorway speed in heavy traffic. Another gauge behind the steering wheel displays the amount of regeneration happening.

Despite its battery pack, and additional undercarriage protection, the Mini Electric is only 145kg heavier than a current Cooper S three-door auto, at 1,365kg. Combined with a 30mm lower centre of gravity, and revised weight distribution, with less over the front end, it boasts all the characteristics of Mini’s trademark go-kart drive – agile, squat to the ground and with minimal body roll.

The model also features switchable Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which purports to improve traction when pulling away and stability when in brake regen mode and also when accelerating from tight bends. While there’s certainly no jerky forward motion when the brake regeneration kicks in, it’s still easy to get the wheels screeching on roundabouts.

Climbing inside felt familiar, the low seat, enclosed cabin and thick doors fostering a comfortable sense of security. As with the exterior, there is little to differentiate the Electric from any other Mini, with the typical faff-free facade featuring only the required switches and screens in a wonderful circular design. There’s nothing intimidating about this EV, and the predictable design will certainly be a selling point when it comes to converting previous Mini owners.

Our test model was the top-of-the-range edition, featuring the ‘MINI Yours Leather Lounge upholstery’ throughout. While it was of a high quality and smart design, it was already surprisingly saggy in places for a 2,000-mile car. The seats themselves were comfortable, if slightly on the firm side.

Technology courses through this car, with a battery pack made up of 12 modules of lithium-ion cells arranged in a T-shape within the chassis, the wider section at the rear. A total capacity of 32.6kWh powers the BMW Group’s synchronous electric motor, which produces the aforementioned of 184PS and 270 Nm of torque. The battery and electrics are protected from speed bumps by a reinforced bumper and an oversized bashplate.

From launch, the Mini Electric is available in three trim levels, Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3, beginning with the Level 1 at £24,900 (after Govt grant). The Level 2 sits in the middle at £26,900, which adds a Driving Assistance Pack, rear Park Distance Control and camera, logo projection, heated seats, plus aesthetic effects of cloth/leather-look upholstery and further body colour and wheel options. The £30,900 Level 3, as tested, brings, among other elements, a Harmon Kardon sound system and head-up display, parking assistance, wireless phone charging, Matrix LEDs and an upgrade to the standard 8.8-inch touch screen. In terms of style, it adds a Panoramic Sun Roof, leather upholstery, and the choice of six body colours and five alloy wheel designs.

For a short-journey city car the Mini Electric is a brilliant, relatively affordable option, costing less than £25k where an entry level Honda E is more than £27k. It boasts the traditional Mini architecture, design and appeal and will make for a gentle first step into the EV world for many pre-existing Mini owners. Likewise, it’s easy user interface will make it a viable option for many drivers switching from other brands.

Of course, the battery will drain quickly if you rag it around in sport mode, but with an 80 per cent charge possible in just 36 minutes at a 50kW DC fast-charging station, that’s really not the end of the world.