2025 Minis showcase innovative electric powertrains and bold interiors

author: FutureCar Staff    

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In 2020, the Mini Cooper SE demonstrated that a small electric vehicle could still deliver a fun driving experience. However, its limited range of just 110 miles (177 km) posed a challenge. Looking ahead to 2025, Mini is embracing electrification even more with the introduction of the Cooper E and SE models, which offer improved range to match their emissions-free nature.

Mini has made some changes to its model lineup, so it's worth clarifying the different options. The Mini Cooper now refers to the three- or five-door configurations, including the Convertible. While there will be gas-powered Cooper and Cooper S models, Mini is currently unveiling the electric Cooper E and SE, which are built on a different platform. These models will be available in four cosmetic trims: Essential, Classic, Favoured, and JCW.

Additionally, Mini has also revamped the Mini Countryman, which now fully embraces its status as a crossover SUV. It is now bigger and more capable, and can be purchased as an electric vehicle or with traditional gasoline-powered engines.

Let's delve into the details of the electric Cooper models. The Cooper E trim offers 184 hp (137 kW) and 214 lb-ft (290 Nm) of torque, allowing it to reach 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.3 seconds. Mini is targeting an estimated range of 190 miles (305 km) on the European WLTP cycle, which translates to around 175 miles (281 km) on the EPA test cycle.

On the other hand, the Cooper SE offers more power, with 218 hp (163 kW) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) of torque. This enables it to achieve a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 6.7 seconds. The Cooper SE is equipped with a larger 54.2 kWh battery pack, which provides a range of 250 miles (402 km) on the WLTP cycle or approximately 215 miles (346 km) on the EPA cycle.

Turning our attention to the Countryman, the 2025 model is even bigger than its predecessor, being 2.4 inches (60 mm) taller and 1.2 inches (30 mm) wider. The Countryman E variant offers 204 hp (152 kW) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque, allowing it to reach 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.3 seconds. Mini is targeting a range of 287 miles (461 km) on the WLTP cycle or about 250 miles (402 km) on the EPA cycle.

The Countryman SE ALL4 model includes a motor that provides all-wheel-drive capability, with power and torque increased to 313 hp (233 kW) and 364 lb-ft (493 Nm) respectively. However, the range decreases to 269 miles (476 km) on the WLTP cycle or roughly 235 miles (378 km) on the EPA cycle.

For those who are not yet ready to embrace the electric vehicle lifestyle, the Countryman offers four additional trims with internal combustion engines. These include the front-wheel-drive Mini Countryman C, the all-wheel-drive Mini Countryman S ALL4, and the high-performance Mini Countryman JCW ALL4. Detailed specifications for these models have not been released yet.

While the range numbers for the Cooper models are impressive compared to the previous Mini SE, the charging speeds may leave something to be desired. The Cooper E has a maximum charging speed of 75 kW, while the SE can reach up to 95 kW. Although these speeds are an improvement over the previous SE's 50 kW, they are relatively low compared to many modern EVs. However, this is offset by the smaller battery packs in these models. The electric variants of the Countryman, on the other hand, offer a charging speed of up to 130 kW.

Despite any concerns about charging speeds, any disappointment will quickly fade when you see the interiors of these Mini models. Both the Cooper and Countryman feature radical designs, with dashboards covered in woven, recycled fabrics that serve as a visual light-stage for projectors integrated into the back of the floating 9.4-inch circular OLED panel, which functions as the infotainment and gauge cluster. The "Mini Interaction Unit" runs on Mini Operating System 9, which is built on top of Android and offers snappy performance and mobile device-like features. This includes over-the-air updates and integrated multiplayer games that can be controlled using a smartphone. The user interface is highly customizable, and while Mini does not explicitly mention it, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay should be supported.

FutureCar Staff