Mini Cooper SE real world range test
Mini is among the most recognizable automotive lifestyle brands thanks to its long history of making small cars that are proper fun to drive. Of course, evolving the same recognizable and cute design over the years is a key factor that keeps the customers loyal to the brand. For 2024, the classic Mini hatch receives a major redesign, as well as new powertrains.
Today we are testing the Mini Cooper SE, which is the more powerful FWD electric version with a 218 hp motor, mated to a 54.2 kWh battery pack, which is 40% more than what the predecessor offered. This increase in the capacity should ensure that the new model gets much further on a single charge, which was one of the major weak points of the outgoing electric Mini. Our detailed review of the Mini Cooper SE will be out soon, revealing everything else you need to know about the compact model, but for now let's focus on how long it can travel per charge.
We drove our usual test routes, doing the same track both ways at constant speeds at the same place as with every other car we test. The ambient temperature while testing the Mini Cooper SE was 64°F, which is almost perfect, benefiting the Mini’s overall score.
At our lowest testing speed of 37 mph the Mini shows great efficiency of the motor and the on-board electronics. The result is still not amazing, as even with its increased capacity it still has one of the smallest batteries around - certainly the smallest in its price range.
Range test results
- 37 mph
- 56 mph
- 81 mph
Tesla Model 3 LR
Hyundai Ioniq 6 LR AWD
BMW iX2 xDrive30
Tesla Model S 75D (2018, used)
Renault Megane E-Tech EV60
Mini Cooper SE
Fiat 500e
Once we move on to the next speed of 56 mph the Cooper SE starts consuming a bit more, but remains frugal. Its results are almost identical to the Fiat 500e, which is not a bad feat for the Mini, considering it's more practical overall, but when you consider the price difference it's hard to get too excited about it.
At the highest testing speed of 81 mph the shape of the Mini and its short wheelbase naturally bump its consumption and its range drops to pretty low levels, even in the excellent weather we had. The highway is not the electric Mini’s forte - it's made for daily city commutes and occasional mountain passes, where you can enjoy its dynamic driving characteristics to the fullest extent.
The Mini Cooper SE demonstrated wonderful efficiency overall, but its results are close to the very bottom of our chart, held by its limited battery capacity.
Energy efficiency could still be a key factor for those relying on public charging stations, but if you plan on having frequent long communtes this one will need more than the occassional stop for recharging.
We now suggest you use the widget below to find out the Mini Cooper SE’s range in every combination of speed and temperature you might need. We've used our real world tests and a complex model to provide an estimate that should be as close to the actual performance as possible.
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