2024 MINI 3 Door Cooper SE Review

Currently, the competition in the B-Segment electric vehicle market is becoming increasingly intense. Consumers want a compact and agile body without compromising on intelligent features and range—this is exactly what the 2024 MINI 3 Door Cooper SE aims to address. As the core model in the fully electric lineup of the MINI family, it not only continues with the classic three-door design but also upgrades its power parameters and technology features. With an official range of 402km and 218PS horsepower, can this combination meet daily usage needs? In this test drive, we will focus on its actual performance to see if this "electric pocket rocket" is truly practical and fun to drive.

At first glance, the Cooper SE retains the iconic MINI silhouette, but now includes more electric-specific details. The body dimensions are 3858mm×1756mm×1460mm, with a wheelbase of 2526mm. It is slightly longer than the gasoline version, but the three-door design keeps its compact feel. The signature round headlights on the front have been replaced with full LED light sources, and an integrated ring-shaped daytime running light greatly enhances recognition when illuminated. The closed front grille incorporates a charging port in the middle, surrounded by a fluorescent green trim that signifies its electric status. The side profile features smooth lines, 18-inch wheels paired with 225/40R18 tires, and the rear LED taillights adopt a Union Jack pattern. A small spoiler above the trunk adds a sporty touch. The overall exterior retains MINI's vintage DNA while modernizing through updated details reflective of its electric nature.

Sitting inside, the changes in the interior are even more evident than on the exterior. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 9.4-inch OLED round screen, replacing the traditional physical button area. Almost all functions are operated via touch screen, which operates smoothly and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A HUD (head-up display) comes standard and can display real-time speed, navigation, and driver assistance information, reducing the need to frequently look down during everyday driving. In terms of materials, the seats and inner sides of the door panels are wrapped in soft materials. The front seats are electrically adjustable, while the rear seats are a 60:40 split-fold design, significantly enhancing practicality. In terms of space, a front passenger of 175cm in height has a fist's worth of headroom and sufficient legroom. The rear row might feel slightly cramped for two adults but is fine for short rides. The trunk has a capacity of 210 liters, which can be expanded to 720 liters after folding down the rear seats, making it suitable for daily grocery shopping or carrying two carry-on suitcases. Additionally, the design of the interior storage spaces is well thought out, with the center armrest compartment and door storage slots able to hold plenty of small items.

The dynamic performance is a highlight of the Cooper SE. It is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a maximum power of 160kW (218PS) and a maximum torque of 330N·m. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 6.7 seconds, which is significantly faster than the gasoline Cooper S. During daily driving, the response during startup is very quick—slightly pressing the accelerator provides a noticeable push-back sensation, making overtaking in urban traffic easy. There are three driving modes to choose from: Sport, Mid, and Green. In Sport mode, power output is more direct, and the steering wheel feels heavier; Green mode is more energy-efficient, making it suitable for long-distance drives. The chassis features a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned towards a sporty feel. However, its ability to absorb bumps exceeds expectations—when passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension quickly absorbs vibrations, avoiding harsh shocks. During high-speed cornering, body roll is well controlled, and the steering is precise, providing ample confidence to the driver.

We mainly tested the range and charging performance. The official range is 402km, and under urban road conditions with air conditioning on, the range achievement rate is about 85%, which means it can run about 340km without issues. On highways at a cruising speed of 110km/h, the range drops to around 300km, but charging once a week is perfectly sufficient for daily commuting. Fast charging from 10% to 80% takes 30 minutes, while slow charging takes around 7 hours. The charging speed is average among electric vehicles in the same class. As for power consumption, it's about 15kWh/100km on urban roads and around 18kWh/100km on highways, which is close to the official data. Additionally, the noise insulation is commendable; you can hardly hear the motor noise during low-speed driving, and wind and tire noise are well-controlled at high speeds, ensuring it doesn't affect conversations among passengers inside the car.

In terms of safety features, the Cooper SE comes standard with 6 airbags, lane departure warning, active braking, ACC adaptive cruise control, and 360-degree panoramic cameras, providing sufficient protection for daily driving. The battery warranty policy covers 8 years or 160,000 kilometers, alleviating concerns about battery life for consumers.

Overall, the greatest advantages of the 2024 MINI 3 Door Cooper SE are its powerful performance, agile handling, and richer configurations compared to other B-segment electric vehicles—HUD, OLED large screen, and Harman Kardon audio system are all standard, offering good value for money. Compared to similarly priced models like the Volkswagen ID.3 or Honda e:N1, it stands out for its acceleration performance and brand personality, although its rear-seat space and trunk capacity are slightly smaller. This car is suitable for young consumers who value driving fun, appreciate the MINI brand, and primarily use it for urban commuting. However, for those who frequently need to carry family members on long trips, a vehicle with more space might be a better choice.

In conclusion, the 2024 MINI 3 Door Cooper SE is a "fun and practical" small electric car that retains MINI's driving pleasure while upgrading to electric power to meet modern consumers' needs for technology and range. If you're looking for an electric vehicle that is both agile in the city and offers occasional driving excitement, it would be a great choice.