2024 Mini Cooper and Countryman revealed: Electric models due next year

Mini has revealed not one but two electrified models at the IAA motor show in Munich.

Both the 2024 Mini Cooper hatchback and more all-terrain-focused 2024 Mini Countryman are heading to Australia in the third quarter of 2024.

The brace of zero-emissions Minis marks the start of the company’s transition into an all-electric brand and is the first time the iconic models will be offered as electric-only.

Along with the model’s battery transition, all Mini three- and five-door variants will now be dubbed Cooper with the moniker no longer denoting engine or motor power output. Instead, the range will comprise Cooper E and Cooper SE to differentiate performance and maximum range.

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A third electric model will be unveiled globally next year with the Aceman joining the pioneering pair although an Australian arrival time is yet to be confirmed.

While significantly different in size, proportions and some mechanicals, the Cooper hatch and Countryman share much of Mini’s new electrified architecture and technology, including the introduction of its latest Mini Operating System 9.

Its round organic LED Mini Interaction Unit display is reminiscent of the original Mini’s centrally mounted speedometer, and has been optimised for touch-sensitive control and voice controls.

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It serves as a fully digital instrument cluster measuring 240mm in diameter as well as the main information and entertainment display.

Both models also adopt Mini’s new Charismatic Simplicity design language which brings a clean exterior styling with flush-fitting door handles and simple lines while preserving the short overhangs and bonnet typical to previous generations.

All-LED lighting continues the clean but distinctive aesthetic with multiple light themes available thanks to LED matrix technology, including greeting and farewell light signatures.

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Despite the shared design language, the pair are distinctly different thanks to the three-door hatchback’s smooth and low-slung stance, while the Countryman rides higher with scuff-resistant body trims, more angular sculpting and five-door practicality.

While more variants are likely, the Cooper three-door arrives with a choice of two variants including the entry Cooper E and the more powerful and longer-range Cooper SE.

With 135kW and 290Nm, the Cooper E can accelerate to 100km/h from a standstill in 7.3 seconds and has a WLTP range of 305km. With a larger battery, the SE ups the performance stakes with 160kW and 330Nm, cutting the milestone dash to 6.7 seconds while offering an extended range of 402km.

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The Cooper’s interior is trimmed with specially created two-tone knitted textiles that are sustainable and easy to look after, while the cabin has been simplified with the gear selector moved from the centre console to push-buttons below the circular display.

This has freed up more space for wireless device charging and storage in the centre console, says Mini.

As an option, seven Mini Experience Modes similar to BMW’s My Modes allow the cabin and lighting themes to be switched and customised. The options change light projections around the instruments and dashboard enhancing the ‘feel good’ factor of the new electric Cooper.

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Like the hatchback, the Countryman is also offered as two variants but with more significant differences setting them apart. The entry Countryman E has 150Nm and 250Nm sent to the front wheels alone and is good for 0-100km/h in 8.6s and a range of 462km.

The Countryman SE however, gains All4 all-wheel drive thanks to a pair of electric motors and a boosted power output for more performance and all-terrain ability.

With a peak power output of 230kW and 494Nm, the most potent Countryman for now can accelerate to 100 from zero in 5.6 seconds while its more power-hungry transmission reduces WLTP range to 433km.

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Propshafts are not necessary for the Countryman’s all-wheel drive ability which has reduced transmission component intrusion into the cabin and allows the largest interior space of any Mini to date.

Interior design highlights include a third steering wheel spoke that is made from fabric rather than solid structural material, while typically horizontally oriented components such as door handles, air vents and dashboard construction buck trends with vertical designs.

Mini’s first crack at a fully electric Cooper received mixed reviews with most criticism stemming from its somewhat limited range that maxed out at about 180km, however, the new version addresses the problem with significantly improved charge capacity.

A dedicated electric platform is mostly to thank, whereas the outgoing Mini Cooper SE shared the combustion model’s chassis with electric parts borrowed from the BMW i3.

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"The continued high demand for our locally emission-free vehicles confirms our path to a fully electric future,” said Mini brand head Stefanie Wurst.

“It demonstrates the openness of our global Mini community to electric mobility, and I am confident that the new generation of Mini models will inspire even more people.

“Thanks to our electrified go-kart feeling, an immersive user experience and a responsible attitude, the new Mini family is tailor-made for urban target groups all around the world”.

Full details of the electric Mini pair including exact dimensions, local specifications and pricing are expected to emerge during IAA week.