We recently put the J01-series Mini Cooper SE through its paces. Does it address the previous all-electric Cooper’s shortcomings, and is it SA’s best premium compact EV?
We like: Cool factor, energetic driving experience, cabin design, improved powertrain, greater range
We don’t like: Impractical load bay, better value elsewhere in the range
FAST FACTS
- Model: Mini Cooper SE
- Price: R802 000 (May 2025)
- Engine: Single electric motor
- Transmission: Automatic
- Power/Torque: 160 kW/330 Nm
- 0-100 kph: 6.7 sec (claimed)
- Claimed consumption: 14.1 kWh/100 km
- Luggage capacity: 210-800 litres
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Where does the Mini Cooper SE fit in?
If there’s a brand that epitomises the modern, premium electric lifestyle, Mini ticks all the boxes, doesn’t it? Sure, it has a variety of BMW compact car powertrains to lean on and, yes, those internal-combustion engines are well suited to Mini models, but a Cooper and an electric motor seem to be a great pairing.
Mini is not new to electrification, with this being the 2nd iteration of the Cooper SE. The Oxford-based brand has already won numerous awards, such as the Electric Car category of the 2045/25 Cars.co.za Awards, sponsored by Absa, which saw the larger Countryman outgun the BMW iX1 and the Volvo EX30.
But, back to the F56-series Mini Cooper SE (this car’s predecessor) for a moment. While we enjoyed its driving experience – read/watch the Mini Cooper SE (2022) Review – its premium price point (around the R710k mark in 2022) and lack of realistic range (around 175 km) relegated it to a fashionable yet pricey city commuter. As it happens, the variant demands far more reasonable prices as a demo these days.
The J01-series Mini Cooper SE is a more substantial and capable offering by comparison. BMW Group and GWM co-designed a small electric city car platform (the Spotlight Automotive joint venture); both cars (the GWM Ora 03, which debuted 1st, followed by the Cooper E and SE) are produced in China.
See also: GWM Ora 03 GT Video Review
The newcomer’s styling is simpler and slicker, without losing any of the key Mini design elements, such as the circular headlights. Fun takes centre stage thanks to rather charming features (examples: if you unlock the car, the headlamps “wink” at you, plus you can choose from several front and rear lighting signatures). It’s all so cute and endearing, and few vehicles offer such a level of personalisation.
Globally, there are 2 derivatives available: the Cooper E and the Cooper SE. The latter, which offers more range and performance, is the only version offered in Mzansi. In terms of rivals, there aren’t too many options; the Cooper SE competes with its Ora cousin, but it’s also worth considering the Volvo EX30.
Compare the specs of the Mini Cooper SE with those of the GWM Ora and Volvo EX30
How the Mini Cooper SE fares in terms of…
Performance and efficiency
The 2025 Cooper SE is powered by a single electric motor that produces 160 kW and 330 Nm. Those are generous peak outputs for a small city car, so we were keen to experience the Mini’s performance on our test track. After engaging the obligatory go-kart mode (with its cute sound effects and racy lighting and graphics), the test unit duly dashed to 100 kph in 6.47 sec – a few tenths quicker than the claimed figure.
For electric cars, efficiency and range are critical figures. Based on the WLTP and (older) NEDC cycles, the Cooper SE has claimed ranges of 402 km and 362 km, respectively, but expect around 370 km, depending on driving style. The 54 kWh battery has 95 kW DC and 11 kW AC charging capabilities.
Sure, we would have liked faster charging rates, but the battery is fairly small, so waiting times don’t feel excessive. For what it’s worth, a 95 kW DC box will charge the Mini from 10 to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Remember that for electric cars, the rate at which the range reduces is notably higher at freeway or open-road speeds, because the vehicles have to work harder to punch through the air. They’re at their most efficient in traffic/at urban speeds, as long as you keep full-bore acceleration bursts to a minimum.
The latter proved quite a challenge, considering the Cooper SE’s fun-to-drive characteristics. However, by the time the Mini completed its stint in our test fleet, we saw an indicated average consumption figure of 14.9 kWh/100 km, which was impressively close to Mini’s claimed figure of 14.1 kWh/100 km. Bravo!
Ride and handling
Contemporary Mini Cooper (hatch) models are much bigger than their pint-sized predecessors from the ’60s, yet their engaging driving experiences have endeared the Oxford-based brand to many consumers.
Thankfully, despite the addition of a heavy battery and the fact that the electric motor has different power-delivery characteristics compared with the turbopetrol-powered Cooper S, the Cooper SE retains plenty of playfulness. The J01-series range topper is 320 kg heavier than the Cooper S (watch a video review of the 2025 Cooper S), but remember the former is based on a dedicated electric platform.
Not unexpectedly, the downside to nimble (oh-so-chuckable) handling was a ride quality on the firm side of pliant. The Cooper SE’s suspension setup is stiff, so much so that it felt as if the test unit “hopped” over bumps and ruts. Perhaps that is unavoidable, given the hatchback’s 1.6-tonne-plus kerb weight.
Still, the cornering capability is impressive. The Mini corners with negligible body roll, and you don’t need to activate the sporty drive mode to enjoy a spirited drive on our favourite stretch of blacktop. If you do select Go Kart, the drivetrain’s throttle responses sharpen up, and the steering action becomes heavier.
This car is as entertaining to drive at 50 kph as it is at triple-digit speeds. Instant acceleration and a quick, responsive steering setup make this vehicle as hands-on and smile-inducing as they come.
Features and practicality
When you climb inside the latest-gen Mini products, you’re likely to be dazzled by the cabin’s vibrant ambience and detailing. The unorthodox circular infotainment screen will catch your eye, and like us, you may marvel at its responsive OLED setup. It’s unlike anything else in the market and it just looks and feels ahead of its time… There’s no instrument cluster either, but you can spec a heads-up display. Cheeky!
Thankfully, the learning curve of the infotainment system, minimalist fascia console (and, sans head-up display, the speedometer being at the top of the circular screen, we imagine) isn’t steep – current and past Mini owners will feel right at home, while newcomers will be up and running pretty quickly.
BMW Operating System 9 is an Android-based software in the majority of BMW Group products, but Mini has worked hard to make it an engaging, immersive and even charming interface, replete with playful colours, sounds and fonts. The details are extraordinary, from the digital assistant – Spike the Dog – to the car’s regenerative mode icon being a spinning flower; everything just feels fun and lighthearted.
But it’s not perfect. While it’s easy to be wowed by the screen’s graphics and sounds, Mini has gone the same route as many brands by incorporating most controls for the in-car functions into the touchscreen.
Adjusting the climate control’s temperature while you’re driving requires a few attempts, not to mention taking your eyes off the road, which is not ideal (note that you can also use the voice-control function to initiate some actions). Thankfully, there are a few physical buttons: for toggling between drive modes (called Experiences), adjusting the audio volume/skipping tracks, and front and rear screen demisting.
Many of you will be wondering about Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and yes, they’re both available wirelessly, but the screen integration feels like an afterthought, because it’s just a plain block in the middle of the circular display, which frankly ruins the aesthetic of that pretty infotainment screen.
Build quality is excellent; we noticed no rattles and squeaks during the Mini’s tenure in our fleet, which was impressive, considering the car is so stiffly sprung. The Mini cabin designers have leaned heavily on recycled fabrics, which not only cover common touch areas, but cleverly hide cheap-feeling plastics.
At this price point, you get a fair whack of standard safety features. There are 7 airbags, along with electronic traction- and stability control and semi-autonomous emergency braking, and you can opt for the Driving Assist Plus (R10 900), which adds on additional driving tech, such as adaptive cruise control.
Like all premium car brands, Mini offers a variety of options, and while there’s no official Mini Cooper SE configurator, the online store does display add-on prices. You can choose from 3 trim grades: Classic, Favoured and John Cooper Works, and numerous colour choices, which are priced around R8 800.
The heads-up display costs R9 500, 2-tone 18-inch alloys R10 100, adaptive dampers R6 300 (worth considering to make the ride quality more pliant), and heated seats R4 700. What exactly do you get as standard on the SE? A Harman Kardon audio system, wireless charging cradle, heated ‘wheel, climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, drive modes and parking sensors, to name a few features.
Criticisms? Considering that the Cooper SE is a 3-door hatch, aft passengers’ comfort isn’t a priority, unsurprisingly. They have to squeeze in behind the front seats (when folded forward), and while kids will love sitting at the back, there’s not enough legroom for adults, no armrest and no rear ventilation vents.
What’s more, the load bay is one of the smallest we’ve ever encountered, plus if you transport the AC charging adapter and AC-to-AC charging cable, cargo space is further compromised. There’s enough room to accommodate a laptop bag, some shopping bags and maybe a school bag, but that’s about it.
When doing the week’s shopping, we used the Mini’s 2nd row of seats as an extended cargo area.
Price and After-sales support
The Mini Cooper SE retails for R802 000 (May 2025), which includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty, an 8-year/100 000 km battery warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
See also: Mini Cooper specs and prices
Verdict
The Mini Cooper SE does a lot right, and we’re delighted that all of our criticisms of its predecessor have indeed been addressed. It has grown up, but retains all the fun and charm we expect from the brand.
However, this comes at a lofty price. Yes, a Mini is a premium product, but this variant’s value proposition cannot match that of its ICE-powered siblings. Even though the all-electric Cooper’s range (between 362 km and 402 km, Mini says) has greatly improved (the previous version had a claimed range of 215 km, but, in reality, between 165 and 185 km), not every customer is open to the electric-car way of life.
Should you buy one? We’d argue it’s more prudent to buy a petrol-powered Cooper S with some extras. The variants are nearly identical in style and performance, plus you can use the price saving to subsidise your fuel costs. Insist on a vibrant colour hue, however, such as this Blazing Blue or Sunny Side Yellow.
That said, if you’re dead set on an electric Mini, the Mini Aceman is similarly priced to the Cooper SE, but a more practical option due to its 5-door layout. We’ve yet to test it, but according to our new-car-spec data, it has a larger cabin and a near-identical interior design… and only fractionally less performance.
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