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Price Range: Less Than
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Introduction:

To help members understand the latest automotive technology so they can purchase vehicles that best suit their needs, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center (ARC) began testing and reviewing vehicles over a decade ago

For the 2024 edition, we include testing and ranking cars and light trucks with the latest technology, including having at least one advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) feature. In addition to vehicle evaluation, the guide covers a number of pertinent automotive topics in detail—for example, the latest advanced safety features, how to properly maintain your vehicle, and new vehicles coming to market in the next few years.

2023 Mini Cooper SE Hardtop 2 Door

Vehicle Type: Small Electric
77
 overall score
Category Ranking: 6

Vehicle Price

Base Price: $33,900
Price as Tested: $36,700

Fuel Information

Fuel Type: Electricity
120V Charge Time: 5.5 miles per hour
240V Charge Time: 28.5 miles per hour
DC Fast Charger: Up to 80% in 36 minutes
EPA City MPGe119
EPA Highway MPGe100
EPA Combined MPGe110
EPA-Est. Electric Range (mi): 114

Advanced Safety Features

  • Advanced Headlights [S]
  • Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • Driver Monitoring [S]
  • Forward-Collision Warning [S]
  • Lane-Departure Warning [S]
  • [S] Standard, [O] Optional

Overall Observations

In whatever flavor, Minis have always been fun to drive—it's their signature characteristic—and the stylish SE electric version is no exception. To say it handles and drives much like a go-kart is no exaggeration. Its swift acceleration, responsive throttle, and quick steering add to the Mini's fun factor. It features 1-pedal regenerative braking, too, with high and low settings. The Mini's electric drivetrain produces high fuel-efficiency numbers—110 MPGe in combined city/highway driving. That's a good thing, because the Mini's range is also mini—an EPA—estimated 114 miles, which limits its usefulness to around-town driving and short trips. In a perverse way, its limited range isn’t as bad as it might be, because the Mini's overly firm—bordering on harsh—ride quality prevents it from being a car you’d want to take on long trips, anyway. The Mini is one of the lowest-priced Evs on the market, but whether or not it's a good value is up for debate. For one thing, it offers only limited ADAS features. Also—and not to play off its name too much—the Mini really is mini, with limited room for passengers, interior storage, and cargo and a practically useless back seat. Plus, its appeal is further limited by its quirky interior styling and instrumentation.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Sporty, go-kart-like handling
  • Excellent acceleration, throttle response, and steering feel
  • One-pedal regenerative braking
  • Stylish exterior

Cons

  • Short EV range
  • Lack of space for passengers and cargo
  • Harsh, overly firm ride quality
  • Limited ADAS features

Vehicle Specifications

Model year tested: 2023
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/2
Curb weight (lbs): 3143.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 151.7 / 68.0 / 56.4
Wheelbase (in): 98.2
Number of air bags: 9
Warranty (months/miles): 48/50,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Hankook Ventus S1evo3
Front and rear tire size: 205/45 R17
Max towing capacity (lbs): Not recommended
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Auto 1-speed
Drivetrain type: Front wheel
Engine/motor: Single electric motor
Electric motor horsepower: 181

Test Data

Test Vehicle Scores

Advanced Safety Features:

5.00

Fuel Efficiency:

9.95

EPA Emissions Score:

10.00

Acceleration:

5.93

Braking:

6.14
Handling: 7.11
Quality and Drivability: 6.83

Ride Quality:

6.48

Interior Size:

2.47

Easy of Entry and Exit:

5.14

Visibility:

7.14

Interior Noise:

4.93

Cargo Capacity:

.00
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