MINI Malaysia's New Cooper SE and Countryman SE ALL4 bring iconic design, advanced tech, and electric power for a modern-day adventure
STARPICKS
Forged with fun and dialled in with a go-kart feel when behind the wheel is part of MINI's philosophy with every vehicle the British marque builds.With the recent advent of MINI Malaysia's latest all-electric line-up consisting of the MINI Cooper SE (J01) and the MINI Cooper Countryman SE ALL4 (U25) sports utility vehicle (SUV), such charismatics still remain.
Although made anew, their iconic looks have endured the test of time since the first MINI - the Morris Mini-Minor, left the factory in 1959.
In urban settings, be assured it will be a head-turning event for both models which have been infused with futuristic design cues that purists continue to celebrate.
From the new octagonal front grille that houses the smallest radar sensor among all BMW Group models to its automatic LED headlights with high-beam assist and three distinct selectable light signatures, the front-end acts as the main focal point that keeps its iconic heritage alive.
Just like the first Morris Mini-Minor, its once-minute footprint has been nurtured to modernity by contrasting its short overhangs against a long wheelbase to bring about a taut-looking vehicle that evokes minimalism and charismatic simplicity.
This allows for the MINI Cooper SE's 18-inch Night Flash spoke two-tone wheels and the MINI Countryman SE ALL4's 20-inch Windmill Spoke two-tone alloy wheels to truly stand out.
With a 54.2kWh battery pack, the MINI Cooper SE is able to travel up to 402km and can accept an 11kW AC Charger or a faster 95kW DC Charger.
The MINI Countryman SE ALL4 uses a larger 66.5 kWh battery and the dual-motor equipped SUV is able to achieve up to 432km and accept up to a 22kW AC Charger and 130kW DC to hasten the inconvenience of charging.
Regardless of battery size, should time be of the essence, both electric vehicles (EVs) are able to bring their respective battery's state-of-charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes via a DC charger.
Inside, their respective cabins provide a premium experience for the senses, especially with its Vescin leather upholstery for the front powered sports seats and rear bench as well as the thick three-spoked multi-function steering wheel.
As part of the Favoured Trim, the MINI Cooper SE uses a two-tone combination of Grey and Beige houndstooth pattern to furnish the dashboard's knitted textile that gifts a playful character to the minimalist interior.
The MINI head-up display adds technological advancement to the mix, providing the necessary content directly to the driver’s line of sight at all times.
Meanwhile, the unique and round 240mm OLED touchscreen has been embedded with the brand's latest Android-based MINI Operating System 9.
Sitting in the middle of the dashboard as the main centrepiece of both EVs, it adds a chic look with its displayed details.
Featuring a curved surround design that's more akin to a floating disc, the responsive touchscreen with its crisp graphics brings all necessary information to the driver's oculars with just a glance.
More interestingly is the availability of seven MINI Experience Modes - eight for the MINI Countryman SE ALL4.
This includes different themes and settings associated with each respective mode and starts with the default Core Mode which comes with a simple and uncluttered look that's also soft on the eyes.
While Green Mode will help to maximize efficiency and desensitize throttle inputs for added energy savings, Go Kart Mode will ready these EVs for an enthusiastic road-going experience.
To re-energise one's self after a long day, select Vivid Mode which will help to brighten up the cabin. Timeless mode will set its owner down a road of nostalgia with a less intrusive classic look of yesteryears.
Personal Mode will allow owners to not only customise the vehicle's settings but also let a personal background image be used.
In trying to centre one's self, Balance Mode would be ideal with its combination of comfort-oriented driving settings and reduced lighting that will help to calm the nerves.
An additional Trail mode is only available in the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 and here, it simply primes this EV to face challenging terrain.
The modes can be accessed via a dedicated toggle switch within the compact and redesigned MINI toggle bar, just below the touchscreen.
The MINI Toggle bar is within easy reach and its redesign has aided in realising additional storage capacity - helping to enhance the sense of spaciousness and comfort while the premium 600W 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system fills the cabin's void.
Simply saying "Hello MINI" will activate Spike - the brand's latest canine avatar to change the vehicle's settings, including Experience Modes.
Sharp and direct will best describe the driving dynamics of MINI Malaysia's latest offerings, which are coupled to an immediate eruption of responsiveness when fully depressing the throttle while the brakes provide that added sense of confidence when above triple-digit speeds.
The MINI Cooper SE, with 218hp and 330Nm of immediate response, can catapult itself from 0 to 100kph in just 6.7 seconds and onwards to an electronically limited top speed of 170kph while the MINI Countryman SE ALL4, blessed with 310hp and 494Nm of torque, can sprint from 0 to 100kph in 5.6 seconds reaching a top speed of 180kph.
At the helm, both EVs will reveal a lively character through their precise and accurate steering for that sporty engagement.
Combined with a suspension that will highly detail the road's nuances, they remain flat around corners for that go-kart experience that is incomparable to any other vehicle outside the brand.
The all-electric MINI Countryman SE ALL4 will add to this experience with the capability of traversing off the beaten path – a capacity tailored for those who have a penchant for the outdoors and might require "ALL4" wheels to arrive at their destination.
With that, the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 also provides added space for the boot at 460 litres that is expandable to 1,350 litres with the 40:20:40-split rear seats folded down.
But for those who intend to remain within the confines of the urban jungle, then the MINI Cooper SE's 210 litres (800 litres) will more than suffice.
For safety, both models are teeming with it through the inclusion of Driving Assistant.
This includes Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention, Speed Limit Info, Manual Speed Limit Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Front Collision Warning with brake intervention.
It also includes Evasion Assistant, Rear Crossing Traffic Warning with brake intervention, Rear-end Collision Prevention, Exit Warning and Parking Assistant Plus which provides owners with an automated parking function for parallel or perpendicular spaces.
Presently, the MINI Cooper SE has been priced on-the-road without insurance at RM193,888 while the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 gets similarly priced at an estimated RM258,888 and both have been slated to be delivered before Sept 31.
For a limited time only, a free MINI Wallbox charger (worth RM5,000) will accompany the buyer's preferred choice.
Both EVs are covered by a standard two-year warranty with an optional two-years warranty and service extension for added peace of mind, and a Battery Warranty of eight years or 160,000km (whichever comes first) as well as MINI Malaysia’s five-year Roadside Assistance programme (call 1800-88-8808).
Additionally, via Easy Drive Financing by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the MINI Cooper SE can be had for RM2,021 per month and RM2,777 per month for the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 (based on an estimated 75% loan and 100,000km mileage over a five-year period).
Despite the diminutive dimensions of both vehicles, there's too much to love about MINI Malaysia's latest all-electric product line, so much so, that it conjures up much BIG LOVE for them.
For more information, log on to www.mini.my/en_MY/home.html
