KUALA LUMPUR: The updated MINI Electric has arrived in Malaysia.
Priced at RM217,470.73 (on the road, without insurance and without SST), it is now available with a range of new standard equipment.
The electric car was launched alongside the MINI hatches in 3-door, 5-door and convertible bodystyles.
The latest model features new front bumpers that does away with fog lights and now includes integrated air curtains for improved aerodynamics.
A new frontal appearance equips the New MINI Electric, where a new yellow S Badge sits in place of the previous E Badge.
A new body-colour safety bar rests on the front bumper, while a black surround now accentuates the hexagonal shape of the vehicle’s radiator grille.
Adaptive LED headlights with Matrix functionality now come with high-gloss black inner housing; and along the sides, the car featuresa modernised side scuttle design that includes LED indicators and Electric-specific inserts.
Towards the rear, the previously Vigorous Grey tailgate handle is now swapped out for a sleek Black, while the rear bumper retains its original design language.
The new MINI Electric continues to ride on 17-inch wheels in the MINI Electric Power Spoke two-tone with runflat tyres.
The car is powered by a asynchronous electric motor developed by the BMW Group – a front-axle electric engine capable of 135kW/184hp, as well as a 12-module T-shaped battery unit with a net capacity of 28.9kWh.
It shares a peak torque of 270Nm with its predecessor, and emits zero carbon emissions locally while consuming 17.6 –15.2kWh per 100km of travel.It offers a maximum speed of 150kph and a driving range of up to 232km (WLTP).
It can also make the century sprint in 7.3 seconds. It continues to offer a range of charging capabilities, whether at home or at a public charging facilities.
When recharging at a DC charging station, the car requires only 36 minutes to go from 0 to 80% charge.
The MINI Wallbox Plus offers an 80% charge in just two and half hours, similar to recharging at a public AC charging station.
The charging progress of the car can be viewed on the inside of the charging flap, at the digital instrument cluster or via the MINI App.
The new MINI offers a revitalised interior design language with a new cockpit décor panel geometry that appears horizontally-stretched through enlarged décor trim.
Drivers are also treated to a new steering wheel design with horizontal spokes and multi-function buttons that are integrated on an even surface with the Piano Black finish.
Other new features include the modernised inner and outer air vents that are integrated into the cockpit fascias, new ambient lighting in the form of light stripsthat highlight the interior geometry, as well as new door bezel décor in Piano Black, and the MINI Controller in black finishing as well.
The new black panel design for the centre instrument panel is also reflected in the 8.8-inch MINI Navigation System equipped with the full MINI Connected suite which includes new Concierge Services, on top of the standard Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call, MINI Online and Apple Carplay.
The vehicle is also equipped with the MINI Head Up Display, and the impressive 12-Speaker360-watt Harman Kardon Sound System.
Advanced connectivity features, audio and navigation features are also now available to theNew MINI Electric with the digital instrument cluster.
It is capable of displaying key information on the charging status of the vehicle such as remaining time, percentage of charge, available range and also temperature outside the vehicle, along with the current MINI Driving Mode.
The MINI eDrive, available as standard,is a state-of-the-art technological featureinthe New MINI Electric –giving the vehicle intelligent digital services and functions for a hassle-free drive.
The Green Driving Assistant (GDA) provides useful onboard functionalities, such as the Range Assistant that presents different solutions to the driver in case of insufficient battery, for greater peace of mind.
It is able to suggest a more efficient route (Green Route), driving mode or the nearest charging station, so the driver can still arrive at their destination. The range circle also displays the range within the selected driving mode in the map.
Additionally, the new MINI App offers the New MINI Electric anadvanced user experience that befits a digital lifestyle, allowing drivers to accesstheir MINI at any time, whether to call up information on the vehicle’s status or to prepare for the next drive.
The MINI App serves as a universal interface between the smartphone and the vehicle. Features include remote accessto vehiclecharging statusandelectric range, charging history, along with Remote Services to locate the vehicle and lock or unlock the doors, send navigational directions such as charging stations from a smartphone directly to the vehicle, as well as turning on the air conditioning system in the vehicle remotely.
Similar to the previous generation, the new EV is also equipped with the Driving Assistant system as standard. This camera-based driving assistance system package consists of the Speed Limit info, as well as the digital high-beam assistant. The system also intelligently features the person warning andapproach control warning, bothwith light city braking function.
The New MINI Electricis also equipped withthe Park Assistant, front and rear Park Distance Control, and Cruise Control with braking function.
A new feature to the MINI family line-up and now also a standard across all new MINI models is the Lane Departure Warning that helps the driver stay safely on the chosen course at speeds between 70 and 210kph.
Over 250 electrified MINI vehicles were delivered since the electrified MINI portfolio was introduced locally with the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid in 2018.
The MINI Electric itself accounts for more than 30 units which were snapped up soon after its launch last year.
It is available at all authorised MINI dealerships nationwide now.
However, in accordance with the latest Movement Control Order, dealerships will be closed for physical viewing and customers are encouraged to view the new MINI Electric online .
It is also available for online booking at RM1,000 via the MINI eShop platform.
