2025 Minis unveil innovative electric powertrains and bold interiors

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【Summary】BMW's Mini is embracing electrification with the 2025 Cooper E and SE models, offering improved range and power. The Cooper E is estimated to have 190 miles of range, while the SE is expected to have 250 miles. The larger Countryman E is targeting 287 miles of range, while the Countryman SE ALL4 offers all-wheel drive and a range of 269 miles. Charging speeds are lower compared to other EVs, but the interiors feature innovative designs and a 9.4-inch circular OLED panel for infotainment.

FutureCar Staff Sep 01, 2023 4:17 PM PT

2025 Minis unveil 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, allowing us to 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 could provide a lot of fun. However, its limited range of just 110 miles (177 km) hindered its real-world viability. Looking ahead to 2025, Mini is fully embracing electrification with the upcoming Cooper E and SE models, which now offer a more substantial range.

Let's start by clarifying the models and trims that Mini has reorganized. The Mini Cooper name will now encompass the three- and five-door configurations, including the Convertible. While gas-powered Cooper and Cooper S models are still in the pipeline, Mini is currently unveiling the all-electric Cooper E and SE, which are built on a different platform. These Coopers will be available in four cosmetic trims: Essential, Classic, Favoured, and JCW.

Additionally, the new Mini Countryman has fully embraced its status as a crossover SUV. It is now larger and more capable, offering both electric and gasoline-powered engine options.

Let's dive into the specifics of the electric Cooper models. 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.

For those looking for more power, the Cooper SE offers 218 hp (163 kW) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm) of torque. It boasts 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 even bigger than its predecessor, being 2.4 inches (60 mm) taller and 1.2 inches (30 mm) wider. The Countryman E model offers 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 targeting a range of 287 miles (461 km) on the WLTP cycle or roughly 250 miles (402 km) on the EPA cycle.

The Countryman SE ALL4 model adds a motor for all-wheel drive, increasing power and torque 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 approximately 235 miles (378 km) on the EPA cycle.

If you prefer traditional internal combustion engines, the Countryman offers four additional trims: the front-wheel-drive Mini Countryman C, the all-wheel-drive Mini Countryman S ALL4, and the high-performance Mini Countryman JCW ALL4. Unfortunately, no specifications are available for these models at the moment.

While the range numbers for the Cooper models are impressive compared to the previous Mini SE, the charging speeds leave something to be desired. The Cooper E has a maximum charging speed of 75 kW, while the SE manages 95 kW. Both are an improvement over the outgoing SE's 50 kW but are relatively low compared to many other modern EVs. However, this is offset by the smaller battery packs. On the other hand, both electric versions of the Countryman offer a charging speed of 130 kW.

Any disappointment with the charging speeds is quickly forgotten once you see the stunning interiors of both the Cooper and Countryman. They feature radical designs, with dashboards covered in woven, recycled fabrics that act as a visual light-stage for projectors integrated into the back of the floating 9.4-inch circular OLED panel, which serves as the infotainment and gauge cluster.

This innovative "Mini Interaction Unit" runs on Mini Operating System 9, built on top of Android. It promises snappy performance and includes features similar to those found on mobile devices, such as over-the-air updates and integrated multiplayer games that can be controlled using your smartphone. The user interface is highly customizable, and while Mini doesn't explicitly mention it, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay should be supported.