First Look: Next-Gen MINI Cooper S EV Exterior Officially Revealed

After it was spied whilst filming in America recently, MINI has opted to release a selection of photos to show off the next generation MINI Cooper hatchback’s exterior. Just four snaps were released, but these give us a better glimpse of the new model over the previous viral spyshots.

As noted prior, the new MINI hatchback will retain a familiar silhouette as before, but there are several notable changes like the striking new and triangular-shaped taillight cluster. Apart from that, it seems the new MINI will also shed its black-finished plastic wheel arch cladding for cleaner, simpler look and stance.

Additionally, the car pictured is the electric-powered (EV) variant. This variant, which will reportedly underpin a totally different platform from its combustion-powered twin, features the typical EV-centric changes like the deleted/shuttered front grille.

Other tell-tale signs of the model pictured being the EV version include the signature yellow-hued S-badge in the front grille, the latter also being shuttered as how most EVs are, not forgetting the absence of any visible tailpipes, as well as the visually more striking alloy wheels design.

Crucially, the new and electric MINI Cooper S pictured will match the current MINI Electric’s 181 HP outputs and is expected to despatch 0-100 KM/H in roughly 7.0 seconds. This will make it nearly as quick as the current petrol-engined Cooper S and, crucially, stand a close rival to the new Abarth 500e.

Juicing its motor will be a 40 kWh battery pack that promises up to 386 KM in range. A higher-specced and peppier MINI Cooper SE variant is also expected to slot above, which will pack a larger 54 kWh battery pack to offer quicker performance and increased range of up to 483 KM at least.

Interestingly, the next-gen MINI hatchback will debut as an EV first circa May 2024, but petrol-powered versions are set to follow suit after which. Unlike the EV version pictured, the petrol-powered version of the next-gen MINI will reportedly reuse the outgoing model’s platform, albeit with heavy revisions.

Source: Autocar UK