Mini Cooper S Electric is a Pocket Rocket -Owner Review

Sulman Ali

13 Dec 2024

The 2022 All-Electric Mini Cooper S represents a new era of electric vehicles from a brand long celebrated for its quirky design and fun-to-drive experience. With a stylish, compact body and plenty of advanced tech, this car offers a glimpse into the future of urban mobility. But what makes the Mini Cooper S truly stand out in the ever-growing EV market? Let’s explore what this car offers and how it compares to the competition, especially for Pakistani car enthusiasts.

Looks & Features

The 2022 Mini Cooper S trim is sleek, with blacked-out rims and stylish accents that emphasize its sporty DNA. The large roof further enhances its fun, open-air feel, while the interior exudes a mix of retro and modern with buttons reminiscent of older Minis.

Exterior: Blacked-out rims, sleek design, and a distinctive Mini look.
Interior: Features include a black roof liner, a stylish gear lever, and BMW-like vents and switches.
Seating: Comfortable with lumbar support, but not powered.
It’s a 2-door, 4-seater, with decent legroom for a city car.
Dual sunroof

Engine & Powertrain for City Driving

The Mini Cooper S Electric 2022 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, offering a peppy driving experience ideal for city streets. Its 180 horsepower and 270Nm torque deliver ample power for quick acceleration, but the 35 kWh battery steals the show.

Performance: 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds.
Charging: Quick DC charging can take 30 minutes from 0 to 80%, while a standard 6-7 kWh charger takes about 5.5 hours.
Torque: 270Nm.
Power: 180 horsepower.
Battery: 35 kWh.
Range: 275 km on WLTP (realistically 225 km in Pakistan’s conditions).

This makes the Mini Cooper S an excellent option for city driving, as it offers a decent range for daily use.

Driving Experience Handling & Tech Features

Mini has always been known for its superior handling, and the electric Cooper S is no exception. With excellent stability, this car offers a smooth, fun ride that turns heads. Additionally, its braking performance is sharp and responsive.

Features include:

Adaptive Cruise Control & Lane Assist: Helps in traffic and on highways for a more relaxed driving experience.
FWD ( Front-Wheel Drive )
Radar and Safety Features: Provides advanced features like lane-keeping assistance and a speed limiter.
Infotainment & Charging: Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a sound system like Bowers & Wilkins ensure an enjoyable ride.

Misconception in Pakistanis

One common misconception about the electric car’s range. Some potential buyers fear that it can’t handle the journey from cities like Lahore to Islamabad, Bhera, or beyond, but the truth is, the Mini Cooper is a pure city car. Its range of around 225 km in Pakistani conditions is more than enough for urban commuting, making it an ideal choice for those who want a weekend fun car or a daily city commuter.

While larger EVs, like the BYD Seal or Deepal, offer more range and features at a similar price, Mini Cooper S buyers are typically passionate about the brand’s unique character and driving experience. It’s about more than just the numbers—it’s about fun, nostalgia, and style.

Pros & Cons of Mini Cooper S Electric

Charging Network & Range Anxiety: While Pakistan’s charging infrastructure is still developing, this car is ideal for urban commuting rather than long-distance travel.
Size & Features: For those seeking more space and range, Chinese EVs like BYD and Deepal might offer more for the money. However, the Mini is for enthusiasts who have some childhood memories and a fanbase.

Service & Support in Pakistan

Despite the relatively high import cost, one of the standout features of owning a Mini Cooper S Electric in Pakistan is the after-sales service provided by Deewan Motors. Deewan will handle this vehicle on the BMW i3 and BMW i7 platforms for Mercedes EQS. As of now, Deewan has the technical expertise to cater to electric cars and can address software issues, similar to what has been offered for BMW’s electric models.

Service: Deewan provides support for software issues and codes.
Support Network: Deewan Motors caters to the Mini Cooper S Electric, similar to BMW’s i3 platform.
Charging: Quick DC charging in 30 minutes from 0-80%, while a standard 6-7 kWh charger takes about 5.5 hours.

Price

The 2022 Mini Cooper S Electric, priced at PKR 1.45 crore, offers a unique blend of quirky design and fun performance perfect for urban driving.