Iconic British classic gets electric car facelift with focus on city living

MINI has unveiled its latest all-electric car with a focus on city living and a world first for technology.

The new car is a direct descendant of the MINI Electric which launched back in 2021 but brings the hot hatch under the iconic Cooper brand

The model was unveiled at the IAA International Motor Show in Munich with a range of design differences separating it from its predecessor.

A new focus on ‘Charismatic Simplicity’ has helped strip the Copper back to basics.

The chrome seen on the previous iteration is gone while black plastic around the wheel arches has also been axed.

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A new octagonal grille has been added white flush handles are fitted for the first time.

Inside, the manufacturer has continued the minimalist theme of the MINI classic with two instruments making up the cabin.

The curved dashboard includes a textile surface while an optional panoramic glass roof is also fitted.

There is ample storage space with the luggage compartment able to be expanded from 200 litres to 800 litres.

In a world first, MINI has installed an OLED display screen which it claims will revolutionise the user experience.

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The 340mm screen can control all vehicle functions by either touch or voice control so motorists don’t need to take their eyes off the road for a second.

This includes the brand’s first-ever fully-fledged voice assistant which can be activated by saying ‘hey MINI’ while behind the wheel.

New driver assistance tools are also installed with specially adapted parking technology.

Parking Assistant Plus will bring up 12 ultrasound sensors and four surround-view cameras to ensure drivers don’t clip another vehicle.

MINI is also clearly positioning itself as a car for the city and a way to dodge aggressive Clean Air Zone fees.

Priced at £30,000, the model will be completely exempt from London’s ULEZ charges, Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone and even Oxford’s Zero Emissions Zone.

The model features a brand new powertrain and high-voltage battery which provides up to 190 miles of electric range. The new 135kW/184hp electric motor can reach 0 to 62 mph in 7.3 seconds.

Stefanie Wurst, head of MINI, said the machine was “perfect ” for city living. She explained: “With its electric drive and purist design, the new MINI Cooper is a perfect fit for an urban lifestyle.

“In the fifth generation of the MINI Cooper, we combine the traditional MINI DNA with innovative, future-oriented technology while enabling locally emission-free driving fun that is typical of MINI.”

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