2025 Minis showcase innovative electric powertrains and bold interiors

BMW generously provided us with flights from Albany to Munich and back, as well as three nights in a hotel, so that we could attend the IAA Munich auto show. It's important to note that Ars does not accept paid editorial content.

The 2020 Mini Cooper SE proved that a small electric vehicle can deliver a lot of fun. However, its limited range of just 110 miles (177 km) made it less practical for everyday use. For 2025, Mini is focusing on electrification. The upcoming Cooper E and SE models will continue the legacy of emissions-free driving, but with improved range.

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

The new Mini Countryman has fully embraced its status as a crossover SUV. It is now bigger and more capable, and it is available with either an electric or gasoline-powered engine.

Let's start with the electric Cooper. The Cooper E trim produces 184 hp (137 kW) and 214 lb-ft (290 Nm) of torque, with a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 7.3 seconds. Mini is targeting an estimated range of 190 miles (305 km) on the European WLTP cycle, which should translate to around 175 miles (281 km) on the EPA test cycle.

The SE model offers even more power, with 218 hp (163 kW) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.7 seconds. The SE is equipped with a larger 54.2 kWh battery pack, providing a range of 250 miles (402 km) on the WLTP cycle or approximately 215 miles (346 km) on the EPA cycle.

The 2025 Countryman is larger than its predecessor, with an increase of 2.4 inches (60 mm) in height and 1.2 inches (30 mm) in width. The Countryman E model has 204 hp (152 kW) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque, with a 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 7.3 seconds. Mini is aiming for 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 adds a motor for all-wheel-drive capability, resulting in increased power and torque at 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 approximately 235 miles (378 km) on the EPA cycle.

If you're not ready for an electric vehicle, the Countryman also offers four trims with internal combustion engines: the front-wheel-drive Mini Countryman C, the all-wheel-drive Mini Countryman S ALL4, and the high-performance Mini Countryman JCW ALL4. Specifications for these models have not been released yet.

While the range of the Cooper models is impressive compared to the previous Mini SE, the charging speeds are somewhat disappointing. The Cooper E has a maximum charging speed of 75 kW, while the SE can charge at up to 95 kW. Both are an improvement over the outgoing SE's 50 kW, but they are still relatively low compared to many other electric vehicles. The electric versions of the Countryman, however, offer a faster charging speed of 130 kW.

Despite any concerns about charging speeds, the interiors of both the Cooper and Countryman models are sure to impress. They feature unique 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 Mini Operating System 9, which is built on 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 it is likely that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be supported.