The new Mini Cooper, the second generation of the firm's electric hatchback, has been seen completely undisguised for the first time.
Set to launch early next year, the newest electric version of the classic Mini hatch will be built on a dedicated EV platform for the first time, although it will be offered alongside a new version of the petrol-engined Mini.
The latest electric vehicle news in your inbox: sign up for our FREE newsletter
The new EV will be the successor to the Mini Electric, but will take the Cooper name that has been used over the decades for a range of sporty performance variants.
As the images reveal, while the new Mini Cooper will gain fresh styling it is a clear evolution on the existing model, and features all the traditional Mini design signatures. But there's also a slightly purer and simpler design, with greatly reduced use of classing and contrasting accent trims.
At around 3800mm the new model will be a similar size to the existing model, but will offer a wider track, shorter overhangs and a longer wheelbase. Doing that will maximise interior space, ands will also help to ensure the machine can offer something resembling the 'go-kart' handing Mini has long been known for.
While there are no pictures of the interior yet, it is expected that the machine will retain an ignition key-style started along with a host of physical buttons. There will still be Mini's trademark circular central display, which will be used to house the infotainment.
The new Cooper EV is expected to match the 135kW output of the existing Mini Electric, and will offer a 0-62mph time of around 7.0secs. But in a ladder of increasing spiciness to match the sauce range at Nando's, Mini also working on a hotter Cooper SE that will offer around 160kW, and a top-level John Cooper Works version, which could produce around 186kW.
The entry-level Cooper will use a 40kWh battery giving a range of around 240 miles, which is a huge improvement on the 150 miles of the current model. The Cooper SE will feature a 50kWh battery, so that range on that will likely be close to 300 miles. There are no details yet on charging speeds.
The new Mini will use a new front-wheel-drive EV platform and will be built in China by Spotlight Automotive, which is a joint venture between Mini's parent firm BMW and Chinese manufacturer Great Wall.
Meanwhile, the new ICE Mini hatch will use an entirely separate platform and will continue to be built at Mini's factory in Oxford.
The Mini Cooper EV is due to go on sale in May 2024, with pricing likely to be some way above £30,000. The petrol version will follow around two months later.
READ MORE
Subscribe to the Move Electric newsletter
e-CARS
What is a heat pump and how do they benefit electric cars?
Bold new Volkswagen ID 2all previews sub-£22,000 electric car
e-BIKES
Ten electric bikes we're excited for in 2023
Nine ways to keep your e-bike safe
E-bike theft: how common is it and what can you do to protect your e-bike?
Haibike AllMtn CF 6 e-bike review
e-MOTORBIKES
10 electric motorbike start-ups you should watch out for
Energica e-motorbike to take on all-comers in US racing series
Ducati: How the Italian motorbike brand is gearing up for the electric era
e-SCOOTERS
Planned laws to legalise private e-scooters face delay
Leading e-scooter firms team up on best-practice guide for cities
Ambiguity over e-scooter legality causing ‘confusion’, says police chief
e-WORLD
Solar panels: 8 ways the sun can power your electric life
First ride: Lunaz Upcycled Electric Vehicle bin lorry