Ahead of a third quarter 2024 Australian release, the 2024 Mini Cooper has been revealed. Revealed initially as the pure electric Cooper SE, the new-generation ‘J01’ Cooper will offer two distinct model directions: the Chinese-built electric model or the British-built petrol model (which is yet to be revealed). More modern and tech-packed than its predecessor, the new Mini Cooper is actually shorter in length than the current model, but with more modern styling, especially the rear with its new triangular lights.
“With its electric drive and purist design, the new Mini Cooper is a perfect fit for an urban lifestyle. In the fifth generation of the Mini Cooper, we combine the traditional Mini DNA with innovative, future-oriented technology while enabling locally emission-free driving fun that is typical of Mini,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of Mini.
Stylistically, the 2024 Mini Cooper is a clear evolution of the previous model, though with a more modern look this time around. The grille is now octagonal – instead of hexagonal – and the headlights feature new graphics and lighting units. The windscreen is now angled further back for greater aerodynamics while the rear is quite different to the previous model with a rounder look and skinner triangular tailights.
Measuring 3,858mm in length, the 2024 Mini Cooper is actually marginally smaller – bucking the trend of most other new cars that grow with every generation – than its predecessor by 5mm. Width and height are greater, however – it’s now 19mm wider at 1,756mm wide and 46mm taller at 1,460mm tall. Its 2,526mm wheelbase is 31mm is also longer, though its boot has decreased by 11-litres to 200L.
Initially, two models will be available: the Cooper E and the Cooper SE. The Cooper E uses a 135kW/290Nm electric motor driving the front wheels, while the Cooper SE upgrades those outputs to 160kW/330Nm. The Cooper E sprints to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds, while the Cooper SE cuts that to 6.7 seconds. Under the body of the Cooper E is a 40.7kWh lithium-ion battery for a claimed WLTP range of 305km – the Cooper SE uses a larger 54.2kWh battery to increase range to 402km. The Cooper E can be DC fast charged at up to 75kW, while the Cooper SE increases that to 95kW for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in as little as 30 minutes, according to Mini.
Petrol-powered models are yet to be revealed, but they will use an updated version of its predecessor’s ‘FAAR’ platform and will be made in Oxford, England. Yet, electric versions will sit on a new electric-car platform that’s been developed with Great Wall Motors and they’ll also be made in China too.
The interior of the 2024 Mini Cooper – like the exterior – shows a similar overall theme to the previous model with the same circular central display layout, though this time around, there’s no driver’s display and all the information is displayed on the 9.4-inch OLED central screen. The screen uses a new Android-based software system with an inbuilt 5G SIM for over-the-air updates.
There is now a sustainable cloth-covered dashboard, new horizontal air vents and a gear selector located on the dashboard.
The 2024 Mini Cooper will go on sale in Australia in the third quarter of 2024, with local pricing and specifications to be confirmed before then. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and rviews.
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