On October 14, the initial units of the brand-new electric Mini Cooper were produced and rolled off the assembly line at Spotlight Automotive’s manufacturing facility. Situated in the vibrant city of Zhangjiagang in Jiangsu Province, China, this facility stands out as more than just an ordinary car factory. The collaboration between Great Wall Motor (GWM) and BMW, which was conceived in 2019, has resulted in an ambitious outcome.
The joint venture was initiated with a significant amount of RMB 1.7 billion, which is equivalent to an impressive $232.7 million. It is interesting to note that although the companies are collaborating in the development and production of the cars, they have mutually agreed to sell them separately through their respective sales channels. This is a unique example of a “joint venture without a joint venture,” as the business experts would describe it.
The plant has a standard capacity to produce up to 160,000 vehicles per year, and it will be manufacturing two pure electric Mini models. In addition to the three-door Mini Cooper, the plant also intends to introduce a compact Mini crossover to cater to the preferences of both international and Chinese customers.
The redesigned Mini Cooper stays true to its original roots. Upon initial observation, the classic round headlights and oval front grille have remained unaltered. The back of the car is decorated with triangular tail lights, which offer a contemporary interpretation of the iconic Union Jack lights found on earlier models.
Are you inquiring about the color palette? Imagine a perfectly clean white roof paired with a striking blue body, complemented by asymmetrical rims. The car seems to be exclaiming, “Hey, look at me!” without uttering a single word. Could you please provide me with the price and exact dimensions? Currently, the specific details mentioned are still unknown.
electric Mini Cooper Specs
There are two versions available for purchase. The base version, which is affectionately called the Mini Cooper E, features a 135 kW electric motor and is equipped with a 40.7 kWh battery pack. The Mini Cooper SE is perfect for those seeking a little extra power. It features a front-mounted electric motor with an impressive 160 kW/330 Nm, which is complemented by a 54.2 kWh battery pack. The SE not only has an appealing appearance, but it also boasts impressive performance capabilities. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.7 seconds and offers a maximum cruising distance of 250 miles according to WLTP standards. In terms of charging capabilities, both models are compatible with 11 kW AC charging and offer a speedy 95 kW DC fast charging option.
The new Mini Cooper provides us with a glimpse into a bright future, rendering traditional instrument panels outdated. Instead, drivers are provided with a head-up display. The center stage features a floating circular control screen measuring 24 cm, which is a noticeable departure from the previous embedded design. This impressive screen operates using the MINI OS 9 operating system. If you happen to be missing those iconic round air-conditioning outlets, be prepared for a small disappointment. They have said goodbye, making room for stylish slit air-conditioning vents.
The all-electric Mini Cooper is getting ready to enter both the international and Chinese markets, with its launch planned for early 2024, which is just a few months from now. There are a few missing details that are important to include, such as the dimensions and pricing.