The Mini Cooper SE is the electrical variant of the long-lasting Cooper Hardtop 2-door, providing a playful, agile, and premium different amongst electrical vehicles. With worth reductions over the previous yr and the discontinuation of the tax credit score for brand new purchases in 2023, shopping for used has turn out to be a extra financially savvy choice. Moreover, savvy consumers can benefit from a $4,000 point-of-sale tax credit score for sure used fashions, making them much more enticing.
On used automotive web sites, a number of Mini Cooper SE fashions will be discovered for round $20,000. As an illustration, a dealership in New Jersey is providing a 2022 Mini Cooper SE priced at $19,995, which has 29,000 miles on the odometer and contains the Signature Plus package deal, that includes a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, panoramic sunroof, and leather-based upholstery. As a one-owner automobile from 2 mannequin years in the past, it additionally qualifies for the $4,000 EV tax credit score. One other dealership is itemizing a 2023 mannequin with 12,000 miles for $22,000.
The Mini Cooper SE is supplied with a 32.6-kilowatt-hour liquid-cooled battery, of which 28.9 kilowatt-hours is usable. Because of this comparatively compact battery, it has an EPA-rated vary of 110 or 114 miles, relying on the mannequin yr. Throughout a take a look at at 70 mph, 108 miles have been achieved in a 2020 mannequin and 103 miles in a 2022 mannequin. Each autos featured bigger 17-inch wheels, doubtlessly providing barely elevated vary with the smaller 16-inch wheels. Charging capabilities enable the Cooper SE to just accept as much as 50 kilowatts, with a 0 to 80 % cost time of about 36 minutes. When utilizing a 7.6-kilowatt onboard charger for AC charging, a whole cost on 220V can take simply 4 hours.
Powering the electrical Mini is a 181-horsepower motor situated on the entrance, which Mini claims can speed up from zero to sixty miles per hour in 6.9 seconds. Actual-world exams, nevertheless, have clocked it even faster at 6.0 seconds, similar to the rear-wheel-drive Mustang Mach-E. The automotive affords responsive steering and minimal physique roll throughout cornering and weighs in at simply 3,144 kilos.
Regardless of its spectacular efficiency, the vary and charging capabilities make the Mini Cooper SE higher suited to short-distance journey. Whereas it may possibly deal with weekend journeys, these looking for extra in depth journey ought to contemplate the Tesla Mannequin 3 for its superior charging capabilities. Nonetheless, the Cooper SE stays a terrific alternative for city dwellers or these with a number of autos.
When it comes to design and inside high quality, the Mini Cooper SE stands out within the electrical automobile phase. It options frameless home windows and doorways that shut with a considerable “thunk.” Even in its base Signature mannequin, the automotive affords well-appointed leatherette seats and a wealth of soft-touch supplies throughout the cabin. Normal options additionally embody wi-fi Apple CarPlay, heated entrance seats, and keyless entry. For comparability, the $46,595 BMW 330e doesn’t present heated entrance seats or keyless entry with out further price.
The Signature Plus and Iconic trims are notably interesting, with options like a sunroof, upgraded seating supplies, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and varied different luxuries. It is necessary to make sure that particular fashions embody all desired options, as some choices have been quickly unavailable in the course of the chip scarcity.
When evaluating the Mini Cooper SE to equally priced used autos just like the Chevrolet Bolt or Nissan Leaf, the Mini clearly stands out as a extra refined alternative. Whereas its vary of round 110 miles could seem restricted, it excels in offering a nice inside and spectacular efficiency. Priced at about $20,000 within the used market, the electrical Mini affords a compelling, sporty, and upscale package deal, making it one of the crucial interesting sub-$20,000 electrical autos accessible.
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