New Models
New Models

2020 Mini Cooper S ‘E’ spied undisguised

German-owned British marque's first all-electric model spotted during a promotional shoot, showing its concept-inspired design elements.


The electric Mini Hatch has been spied pretty much devoid of camouflage this week in the US, ahead of its official debut later this year.

Unofficially dubbed the 'Mini Cooper S E' – a similar naming structure to the plug-in hybrid Countryman – the first series production all-electric Mini looks very much like the regular 3 Door Hatch with tacked on bits from the 2017 Mini Electric concept.

Like the design study before it, the production EV gets a closed grille, fluro yellow exterior accents, and an asymmetric wheel design unique to this model.

We can also see the liberal application of the company's cartoonish 'E' badging around the exterior, which resembles a power plug, and it appears this vehicle has a slightly raised ride height compared to the standard combustion-powered series – could be related to the fitment of the battery pack, or we could just be seeing things.

According to overseas reports, the Mini Cooper S E will share its electric drive system with the BMW i3, though instead of being rear-wheel drive like the Bimmer, the Mini will be front-wheel drive.

While the latest iteration of the BMW i3 features a 42kWh lithium-ion battery, reports speculate the electric Mini will get the older model's 33.8kWh power storage system with driving range rated between 110-115 miles (177-185km).

Official specifications are to be confirmed, though we'd argue Mini will aim a little higher than those projected figures, given the ever-evolving EV market right now – the Hyundai Kona Electric, for example, offers a massive 450km of realistic range.

As for pricing, it's likely the electric hatch will be positioned in a similar way to the plug-in hybrid Countryman, slotting somewhere between the Cooper S and JCW variants.

In Australia, the three-door Cooper S is priced from $40,700 plus on-road costs, while the flagship JCW kicks off at $50,400.

Mini Australia is unable to confirm whether the new EV is definitely coming to our shores, but the local arm says it's keen to bring the electric hatch here.

The brand recently kicked off its electrification push with the plug-in hybrid Countryman S E All4, which is now on sale priced from $57,200 plus on-road costs.

Stay tuned to CarAdvice for our coverage of the Mini EV's reveal later this year.

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