In the Annual Accounts Press Conference 2020, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Oliver Zipse, stated that more than 8,000 orders have been placed for the MINI Cooper SE (MINI SE) since its release a few days prior.

The all-electric MINI SE falls in line with BMW’s plan of electrification to meet ever more stringent emission targets.

The MINI SE features an electric motor borrowed from the BMW i3s, producing 184 PS and 270 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h is bolted in 7.3 seconds and maxes out at 150 km/h.

Unlike in the i3s, the motor is mounted on the front axle with a smaller, T shaped battery installed on the floor to help with weight distribution.

And since the battery modules are installed between the front and rear seats, the boot space remains unaffected. Weight however, has gone up by about 145 kg over a 3 Door Cooper S at 1,440 kg.

Compared to the 42.2 kWh battery in the i3s, the SE has a smaller 32.6 kWh battery with a WLTP range of 235 – 270 km.

We understand that BMW Group Malaysia is working towards introducing the MINI SE here, pending more clarity on EVs in the NAP 2020. The BMW G20 330e is in a similar situation. But amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, needless to say plans would be disrupted.

In the US, the MINI SE is priced a fair bit lower than a BMW i3s - $29,900 vs $47,650. Considering the price of BMW i3s at RM 278,800 in Malaysia, it’s safe to say that the MINI SE will be priced below it.