The first units of the all-new electric Mini Cooper have officially rolled off the assembly line at Spotlight Automotive’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, China. This milestone marks a major step forward for the iconic British brand as it embraces the next era of electric mobility.
A Powerful Partnership: BMW and Great Wall Motor
The Spotlight Automotive plant is the product of a strategic collaboration between BMW and Great Wall Motor (GWM), first announced in 2019. With an investment of RMB 1.7 billion (around $232.7 million), the joint venture focuses on developing and producing Mini Cooper electric vehicles for global markets.
Interestingly, while the two companies work together on development and production, they will market and sell their vehicles separately through individual sales channels — a unique approach in the automotive world.
Production Capacity and Models
The factory is designed to produce up to 160,000 vehicles per year, including two fully electric Mini models. The lineup starts with the three-door Mini Cooper, followed by a compact Mini crossover, both targeting customers in international and Chinese markets.
Design: Classic Mini Spirit, Modern Execution
The new Mini Cooper retains its classic design language while embracing futuristic elements. The iconic round headlights and oval grille remain intact, while the rear now features triangular tail lights — a modern reinterpretation of the Union Jack motif.
Its color palette also turns heads: imagine a bold blue body paired with a pristine white roof and asymmetric rims — unmistakably Mini, yet refreshingly modern.
Performance and Range
Two electric variants will be available:
- Mini Cooper E: 135 kW electric motor with a 40.7 kWh battery.
- Mini Cooper SE: 160 kW / 330 Nm front motor powered by a 54.2 kWh battery, accelerating from 0–62 mph in 6.7 seconds with an estimated 250-mile (WLTP) range.
Both support 11 kW AC charging and 95 kW DC fast charging, ensuring quick and efficient top-ups.
Interior and Technology
Step inside, and you’ll see how the electric Mini Cooper redefines simplicity and style. The traditional instrument cluster has been replaced by a head-up display and a 24 cm floating circular control screen, powered by the latest MINI OS 9 operating system.
Classic round air vents have been swapped for sleek, horizontal ones, adding to the car’s minimalist and futuristic vibe.
Launch and Availability
The all-electric Mini Cooper is set for both international and Chinese market launches in early 2024. While pricing and full specifications are yet to be revealed, the anticipation is already building among EV enthusiasts and long-time Mini fans alike.
