Confused by the Mini EV range? We’re here to help, from Cooper and Aceman to the biggest Mini ever, the Countryman

July 25, 2024August 14, 2024 Toby Hagon 9911 Views Aceman, Cooper, Countryman, Mini

Remember when a Mini was just that? A small car that was pretty simple to get your head around.

Now having clocked up a quarter of a century under BMW control Mini as a brand has evolved enormously.

The modern Mini is very different. And it can be difficult to get your head around, especially as the brand embraces the push towards electricity.

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But we’re here to help with an explainer of the modern Mini line-up.

Minis are bigger than ever

Let’s start with the size: Modern Minis are bigger than ever, and a whole lot bigger than the original Mini that launched in 1959 and made front-wheel drive small cars popular.

While Mini has toyed with various body styles and sizes over the last couple of decades, in 2024 it’s settled on three main model lines: Cooper, Aceman and Countryman.

As part of the biggest investment in the brand since 2001 – when BMW relaunched it – all three are now available as an EV.

The original Mini Cooper (left) is a lot smaller than the modern versions, which have evolved under BMW control to create the newest in the Cooper family (right).

The Mini range kicks off with the three-door Cooper. That’s the classic Mini shape with as few as three doors but built to modern standards and expectations in terms of size, tech and safety.

That Cooper is available with various drivetrains, including three- and four-cylinder petrol engines and an electric motor in the EV version.

The EV versions are denoted with an E in their nomenclature: the Cooper E gets a single electric motor while the Cooper SE gets two electric motors, in turn creating all-wheel drive. The E/SE naming denoting single/dual motors is consistent across the three Mini body styles.

While the latest Cooper is a new generation car, as has been the case in the past it’s expected to also become available as a convertible.

And for those who need space, there’s also a five-door version for added practicality.

The biggest Mini ever

But if it’s practicality you’re after then the Countryman makes most sense.

The mid-sized SUV is the largest Mini ever and is designed to tempt buyers out of mainstream wagons from Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai, Audi, Volkswagen and others.

The Mini bookends: The three-door Mini Cooper is these days the smallest Mini while the five-door Countryman is the largest ever from the brand. Both are available as EVs.

As with the Cooper, it’s available with various drivetrains, including petrol and electricity.

If you’re after something in the middle then Mini has you covered.

The newest member of the Mini family is the Aceman, which is sandwiched between the Cooper and Countryman.

The EV-only Mini Aceman slots between the Cooper and Countryman.

It’s pitched as an SUV but as with other Minis is very much city focussed.

The Aceman is also the first Mini that is EV-only and built on a wholly electric architecture. There are no plans for a petrol iteration.

Same, same, but different

With all new Minis there are some fundamentals that stretch across the range,

For example, all are pitched as prestige vehicles and there are price tags to match.

If you’re chasing outright value for money there may be better places to shop.

But if you want something that stands out visually and pampers with its modern finishes and materials then a Mini may push your buttons.

There’s also a healthy level of gear.

All Minis now come with a head-up display as well as smart key entry and a heated steering wheel.

Plus there’s the circular screen that is a feature of the dash.

2024 Mini Aceman interior. — The Mini Aceman: All Minis now come with a head-up display and a circular infotainment screen.

One thing you won’t spot is leather. The brand says it is proudly leather-free, instead embracing modern recycled materials and trims, one of which does a good job of looking like something from a cow.

And all Minis are generally a little more engaging to drive than your average city car.

Mini calls it go-kart handling, which roughly translates to a firm-ish ride with very sharp and accurate steering that creates an athletic vehicle through bends. It’s engaging and dynamic with the ability to elicit a smile, even in mundane situations.

Throw in high quality finishes and materials and some fun tech – the DJ-inspired spinning LP that takes over the circular screen is one example – and new Minis comfortably continue that ability to elicit a smile.