Driving a Green Legend: A Closer Look at the Mini Cooper SE's TUV Inspection
Top-tier accolades for British-made, electric minicar, Mini Cooper SE.
First impressions of the Mini Cooper SE might lead you to believe it's just another gas-guzzler, but looks can be deceiving. This British electric cornering ace, with its drive battery, has kept its charm even during its performance check at the TUV.
The Mini's signature go-kart handling remains unmatched, giving it an edge over many competitors. With the addition of electric power, the driving experience is elevated to a whole new level. It's a match made in automotive heaven. The harmony isn't disturbed much, even though some nitpickers have pointed out a few minor issues like certain cases of dipped beam and front lighting problems.
A Brief History
Although there were earlier tests with an electric Mini, BMW officially unveiled the Series Electric version at the IAA 2019. The Cooper SE, hard to distinguish from its gasoline counterpart, hit the market in the spring of 2020 for a starting price of €32,500.
Model Evolution
The model update in 2021 brought some refinements, such as a sleeker front section and new optional features, like a matrix high beam and bad weather light. As we move forward in time, the electrified Mini model, which is currently under evaluation in the TUV report, is set to be renamed Mini Cooper Electric in the 2024 model generation.
Size and Versatility
Unlike the conventional Mini, which comes in five-seater options, the electric version is only available in a three-seater configuration. The manufacturer recently released a convertible version, limited to 999 units, in the spring of 2023.
Dimensions
- Length: 3.82m to 3.85m
- Width: 1.73m
- Height: 1.43m (Trunk volume: 211l to 731l)
- Convertible Length: 3.88m
- Convertible Width: 1.73m
- Convertible Height: 1.42m (Trunk volume: 215l)
Performance Highlights
During the TUV inspection, the car shows few signs of weakness. The suspension remains unremarkable, as do the axle attachments, springs, and dampers. The braking system fares exceptionally well, with no oil losses detected so far.
Used Car Buying Guide
"All in the green area," the report states. Just remember that the Cooper SE might exhibit rare issues with the dipped beam and front lighting. If you're interested in a used Mini Cooper SE, it's recommended to check recent TUV inspection reports, inspect the maintenance history, and test drive the vehicle to ensure its performance and comfort.
- Used Cars
- Mini
- TUV
- Electric Vehicles
- Electromobility
Fun Fact: Since electric cars have fewer moving parts than gasoline models, they are generally less prone to breakdowns. According to ADAC data, electric cars have 1.9 fewer breakdowns per 1,000 registered vehicles than combustion engines.
[1] "Used Car Check: Mini Cooper SE - TÜV Gives It Top Marks," (January 2025)[2] "German Automobile Trust (DAT) Price Comparison for Mini Cooper SE," DAT[3] "Advantages and Disadvantages of Electric Cars," ADAC
- To embrace a greener lifestyle, many community members are looking into energy-efficient solutions, such as investing in electric vehicles like the Mini Cooper SE, as stated in the TUV report.
- As technology advances, gadgets like smartphones can now be seamlessly integrated into electric vehicles to enhance the driving experience, such as optimizing energy consumption with apps or utilizing car-sharing platforms.
- To fully embrace the electric-vehicle revolution, some communities may wish to implement policies focused on energy-efficient infrastructure, such as providing charging stations for electric cars in public spaces, ensuring residents can make the switch to a more energy-efficient lifestyle.
