News / 25 November 2024 / Michael Taylor

Cheapest electric car from the BMW family arrives in South Africa

The new Mini Cooper SE has finally landed in South Africa, having been originally scheduled to appear in the second quarter of 2024.

According to our sources at Duoporta Vehicle Information Specialists, the SE will start at R802,000 – marking a R125,605 premium over the petrol S models.

Despite this, the SE is actually the cheapest electric vehicle (EV) in Mini and BMW’s combined stable, right below the Countryman SE and the iX1.

Performance

The SE is equipped with a front-mounted electric motor, which is capable of putting out 160kW and 330Nm.

This is enough to give the small car a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 170km/h.

Powering the Cooper is a 54.2kWh battery, which affords a driving range of between 362km and 402km.

With a standard 11kW AC outlet, charging the cell will take approximately five hours and 15 minutes, but this can be shortened to just 30 minutes when using a 75kW DC fast cable.

Features

Starting with its looks, the SE is fitted with circular LED headlights and daytime running lights, and a set of 16-inch light alloy wheels.

The brand’s signature Union Jack taillamps have also seen a subtle redesign with a new triangular shape.

Buyers can further customize their purchase with optional 18-inch rims and puddle-lamp projectors for the side mirrors.

Like with all Minis, the interior’s biggest draw is its 9.4-inch circular OLED central display, which functions as both the driver and infotainment cluster, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The majority of the hatchback’s functions, from the onboard navigation to the dual-zone climate control, are accessed here, save for a physical shortcut bar below the screen for the hazards, keyless start, and driving mode buttons.

Owners can also install an optional heads-up display on the dash as another way to view important driving information like the speedometer.

The upholstery is a mix of artificial leather and recycled fabrics, and the seats are electronically adjustable with a memory setting for multiple users.

Additionally, the Cooper comes with a comprehensive driver assistance suite comprising cruise control, speed sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera.

This list can be extended with the Driving Assist package, which adds lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors, and a 360-degree camera.