The 2020 Mini Cooper S EGraeme Fletcher What is it?Based on the Mini three-door hatch, the Cooper S E is a new all-electric ride that promises to put a smile on the drivers face. The electric motor twists out 181 horsepower, 200 foot-pounds of torque from rev one and drives the front wheels through a single-speed transmission.Throw in a super low centre-of-gravity and specially tuned suspension and you have the makings of a proper little racer.The combination gives the Cooper S E the wherewithal to run from rest to 60 kilometres an hour in 3.9 seconds; it hits 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 150 km/h, and this in spite of the fact it is 150 kilograms heavier than its gas-powered sibling.As with the BMW i3, the Cooper SE will offer a one-pedal drive. Where it differs is the driver can pick the regen level through a typical Mini toggle switch. Inside, the traditional dials also go away in favour of a 5.5-inch colour screen. Why does it matter?One of the keys to the Cooper S E is its next-generation lithium-ion battery it delivers a driving range of up to 270 kilometres. The same battery technology is found in the revamped Mini Cooper S E Countryman All4 plug-in hybrid. The battery size jumps from 7.7 kilowatt/hour to a 10.0-kWh unit that extends the electric-only range by 30 per cent it now rates 57 kilometres.When will Canada get it?No official word on when it comes to Canada, though Minis confirmed we are getting it and will let us know more in a few months. But production of the Cooper S E begins later this year with the first units hitting European roads early 2020. Hopefully, it will hit Canada mid-year.Should you buy it?The Mini Cooper S E electric promises to be a hoot to drive. Combine the low centre-of-gravity with the instant-on electric torque, and the SE might just deliver the ultimate go-kart-like driving
Origin: First Look: 2020 Mini Cooper S E