MINI Cooper SE Review: This EV Is Not For Everyone!

MINI worked for over a decade to create the perfect EV, and the result is this: the MINI Cooper SE, it's flagship and first-ever electric car, claims to offer the exact, pure MINI feeling with an emissions-free drive. But has MINI succeeded in capturing the charm and charisma of its ICE versions? Well, I had the car with me for a few days, and I managed to live with it quite comfortably, albeit with a few hiccups.

Exterior

The MINI Cooper SE is a head-turner, no doubt about it. Its exterior design is a perfect blend of retro charm and modern quirkiness. With its compact size and bold curves, it's like a cute puppy that's begging for attention.

The Cooper SE does have its upsides in the styling department. Its iconic rounded headlights and hexagonal grille give it a mischievous grin as if it knows it's up to no good. The sleek lines and compact proportions give it a sense of agility like it's ready to dart through traffic with a mischievous twinkle in its headlamps. And let's not forget the Union Jack taillights, a nod to its British heritage.

However, there is one design element that I can't help but question: the fake exhaust tips. Yes, you read that right. The MINI Cooper SE, being an electric vehicle, doesn't have real exhaust pipes. Instead, it has these decorative plastic bits that serve no purpose other than to confuse unsuspecting onlookers. It's like wearing a fake mustache to a mustache competition—it's just not necessary.

Dimension

Now, let's address the elephant in the parking lot: the size. The MINI Cooper SE is, well, mini. It's compact, petite, and downright adorable. But here's the thing: while its small stature is undeniably charming, it does come with some practical limitations.

If you're in need of ample cargo space or room for your six-foot-long pet snake, you might want to reconsider. The MINI Cooper SE's trunk is like a magician's hat—it can fit more than you'd expect, but it's still not going to accommodate your oversized baggage.

Tech & Interior

As I slipped into the driver's seat, I couldn't help but notice how cramped it felt. Maybe it's because I'm not exactly a tiny human being, but I felt like a sardine in a can. The MINI Cooper SE is not built for tall people like me. I had to contort my body just to get comfortable, and even then, my knees were still pressed against the dashboard. It was like playing a never-ending game of human origami.

The tech inside this electrified MINI is a mixed bag of treats and headaches. On the positive side, you get a snazzy infotainment system that looks like it was plucked straight out of the '90s. It's like stepping into a time machine and reliving the days of pixelated graphics and chunky buttons. It may not be the most cutting-edge system, but hey, at least it has a certain retro charm, right?

Now, let's talk about the interior. Remember when I mentioned feeling like a sardine in a can? Well, that feeling doesn't go away once you step inside. The MINI Cooper SE's cabin is a cosy little space, emphasis on "little." It's like sitting in a snug cocoon, where every inch of space is utilised to its maximum potential. If you're claustrophobic or value personal space, this car will have you questioning your life choices.

The MINI Cooper SE does offer some creature comforts. You get leather seats that hug you tighter than a long-lost aunt at a family reunion. They may not be the most plush or supportive, but they do add a touch of sophistication to the cabin.

Electric Motor

Once I managed to get settled, I fired up the electric motor, and to my surprise, it was surprisingly zippy. The instant torque from the electric powertrain gave me a jolt, and off I went, buzzing through the chaotic streets of India.

Dodging rickshaws, cows, and the occasional fearless pedestrian, the MINI Cooper SE maneuvered nimbly through the narrow lanes and bustling traffic. Its compact size was an advantage in the crowded urban jungle, allowing me to squeeze into tight spots and make quick getaways when needed.

Range

But here's where the first wave of range anxiety hit me like a ton of bricks. The MINI Cooper SE boasts a claimed range of around 270 km, which might be acceptable for a city runabout in some countries, but in India, where traffic is as predictable as a squirrel on caffeine, it's a recipe for constant worry. Every honk, every swerve, and every unexpected traffic jam felt like a dagger to my range-anxious heart.

With beads of sweat forming on my forehead, I became obsessed with the range meter, constantly checking it to assess my chances of reaching my destination. Every red light became an opportunity to maximise regenerative braking, squeezing out every ounce of energy to gain a few extra kilometers. Forget about enjoying the ride; it was all about survival and stretching that range as far as possible.

Ride & Handling

And speaking of survival, let's address the suspension. The MINI Cooper SE's ride quality was as stiff as an ironing board. Every pothole, speed bump, or crack on the road sent shivers up my spine. I felt every little imperfection in the pavement, and let me tell you, Indian roads are not known for their smoothness.

It was like being on a never-ending rollercoaster ride but without the thrill or the option to disembark. My back protested with every jolt and bump, reminding me that comfort was not a priority in this electrified go-kart.

Charge Time

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the charging infrastructure. India is still in the early stages of building a reliable and extensive charging network, and it shows. Finding a charging station was like searching for a needle in a haystack. And even when I did manage to find one, it was often occupied by some other desperate electric vehicle owner, creating a charging station standoff.

I found myself circling parking lots, praying for an available charging spot like a modern-day treasure hunter. I spent more time hunting for a charging point than actually driving the damn car. It was a frustrating experience that made me long for the simplicity of good old-fashioned gasoline-powered vehicles.

Verdict

But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. Although it retails at Rs. 52.50 lakh (ex-showroom), the MINI Cooper SE does have a few redeeming qualities. The instant acceleration, when combined with a clear road ahead, was exhilarating. It felt like being shot out of a cannon, and I couldn't help but crack a smile every time I floored the pedal.

The regenerative braking was also a neat feature, allowing me to extend the range a bit and feel like I was contributing to a greener future, even if it meant sacrificing some comfort and convenience along the way.

Photography by: Apoorv Choudhary