When you hear “Mini Cooper,” you might think of zippy, stylish cars darting through city streets, and that hasn’t changed. But this time, the brand has gone all-electric. The Mini Cooper SE isn’t just a gas-powered Mini with batteries tossed in—this new model is built entirely with electrification in mind.
It’s finally here in the Philippines, and though it’s adorable and fun, it has its quirks, too. After a spin in a three-door Mini Cooper SE, let’s dive into what makes this Mini Cooper SE both thrilling and, occasionally, eyebrow-raising.
Retro Meets Futuristic
When you look at the Mini Cooper SE, it’s still unmistakably Mini. The retro design, iconic rounded shape, and friendly, compact look are all there, now updated for the electric era. My test model was in an electric-inspired bright blue, a color that demands attention on the road but stays true to the classic Mini vibe. If you’re into quirky style with a modern twist, this car’s design won’t disappoint.
The headlights and taillights sport LED setups, with the taillights featuring a Union Jack-inspired design—adding a little British flair every time you brake. These lights are more than a design gimmick, though. They’re bright, functional, and help you see and be seen, which is particularly useful for city driving at night.
The Mini Cooper SE’s compact size is a win for urban warriors. It’s incredibly easy to park and maneuver, something you’ll appreciate in tight city spaces. The wheels are funky and unique, unlike any I’ve seen on other EVs, and add to the distinct look of the car. If you love Mini’s adorable style, you’ll be a fan, though looks are always subjective.
Cozy Quarters with Modern Flare
Stepping inside, you’ll find a blend of classic Mini charm with contemporary, almost futuristic design elements. The minimalist layout looks like it’s fresh out of a concept car, with clever textures and sustainable materials that make it feel high-end and eco-conscious. Ambient lighting shines through the unique textures and adds a vibe to match the mood you’re in, especially with the cool monogrammed dash. It’s all very Mini, just kicked up a notch.
Driver comfort is on point, with power-adjustable seats and memory function making it easy to settle into the perfect driving position. The control layout is intuitive, especially if you’ve been behind the wheel of a Mini before, but storage? It’s tight. Limited cubby space and a tiny trunk mean you’re probably not doing a big grocery run in this car. Still, for day-to-day essentials, you can make it work, and folding the rear seats gives you up to 800 liters of space for larger loads.
The rear seat? Let’s call it “optimistically cozy.” It’s there, but if you’re hauling adults around, long journeys might get a bit snug back there. If the Mini’s charm is more about style and short trips than long-haul comfort, you’ll get along just fine.
Packed with Gadgets, But Lacks Some Assist Features
The tech centerpiece in the Mini Cooper SE is a stunning circular OLED screen that doubles as the infotainment and gauge display. It’s thin, beautiful, and easy to read, bringing a dash of futuristic style to the classic Mini layout. The UI is top-notch—clear, intuitive, and customizable with “Experience Modes” that change the display’s theme and color. Plus, there’s a head-up display showing speed and battery usage, which keeps you informed without breaking your focus on the road.
You’ll find Apple CarPlay for smartphone connectivity, though oddly, there’s no Android Auto support. And while Apple CarPlay’s square display looks a bit out of place on the round screen, it’s a small nitpick in an otherwise slick tech setup. The wireless charging pad deserves a shout-out; it’s quick, efficient, and doesn’t overheat—a win for daily drivers.
Safety features include the basics—airbags, stability control, and traction control. There’s also a clear, high-quality camera for parking, but at this price, it’s surprising not to see more advanced driver-assist features. The Mini’s assist tech keeps things simple, which might be just fine for the confident driver but feels like a bit of an oversight for an EV at this level.
The Joy of a Go-Kart, Electrified
If you’ve ever driven a Mini, you know that handling is one of the brand’s strongest suits, and the SE takes it up a notch. With a 54.2 kWh battery and an electric motor pushing out 215 horsepower and 330 Nm of torque, this Mini is zippy. It hits 0 to 60 mph in just around 6.7 seconds, though it feels even quicker thanks to instant electric torque. Hit “Go Kart” mode, and you’ll unleash the car’s full personality, with sharp responses and fun, playful handling.
There are multiple Experience Modes that adjust everything from steering to regenerative braking, letting you fine-tune the ride to match your mood. For daily city drives, the default “Core” mode works perfectly, but it’s fun to switch things up. Even the regenerative braking is smooth, making it easy to adjust for efficiency without sacrificing a smooth ride.
The suspension, however, is tuned for handling more than comfort, which is great for tight corners but can be a bit jarring on bumpy roads. City streets are where the Cooper SE feels most at home, though a jaunt on the highway reveals that range anxiety might be a reality, especially if you’re planning longer drives. Still, with a 400-km range, it’s more than adequate for daily city commuting and occasional longer trips if planned wisely.
Enough Juice for City Life
The Mini Cooper SE offers a solid range—about 400 km per charge. For a typical workweek with daily city usage, you should be good for a few days without needing a recharge. And speaking of recharging, you have options. The SE supports both home charging and DC fast charging, giving you the flexibility to top up overnight or during a quick coffee break on a long trip. It’s not Tesla-level range, but for urban driving, it holds its own.
The Electric Mini for the Modern Urbanite
Priced at around PHP 3,300,000, the Mini Cooper SE sits firmly in the premium segment. For Mini fans, the price is comparable to the combustion engine versions, which is a win if you’re already a Mini enthusiast looking to go green. It’s not competing directly with more budget-friendly EVs from Chinese brands or Tesla’s latest offerings, but it wasn’t really intended to. Mini’s fans appreciate the style, heritage, and experience the brand represents. For them, the SE isn’t just a car; it’s a lifestyle choice that now includes electric mobility.
Sure, the price tag might give some people pause, especially when stacked against other EVs on the market. But let’s be real—people aren’t buying the Mini Cooper SE to save every last peso. They’re buying it because they want to turn heads, have fun, and drive something that’s as much about personality as it is about practicality. And in that regard, the Mini Cooper SE doesn’t disappoint. It’s electric, it’s eccentric, and it’s 100% Mini.
