All-Electric MINI Cooper Launched In Malaysia; 8 Years Warranty On Battery

The latest launch from MINI, that fun, sophisticated premium brand, is not exactly a shocker. The new all-electric MINI introduced for the first time in Malaysia, was launched earlier in Thailand. But what it does is to further expand on BMW Group’s offering of premium electrified vehicles to drive its vision for electrification in Malaysia, as well as boost the MINI portfolio. Based on the three-door MINI Cooper S, this is the first fully electric vehicle from the brand.

“As a brand set in the cornerstones of passion, MINI continues to deliver maximum thrilling driving excitement, while innovating to provide a more sustainable go-karting thrill in this generation. For the very first time and in celebrating MINI’s 61st Birthday, we are thrilled to bring this innovation into reality with the New All-Electric MINI. The New All-Electric MINI further expands the electrified line-up of MINI models here in Malaysia,” said Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

“Since we introduced the first electrified MINI model in 2017 with the MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid, electrified MINIs have become a fan-favourite amongst MINIacs nationwide. In just 2019, MINI delivered close to 17,000 units of the MINI Countryman PHEV worldwide. This success drives our commitment towards electromobility even further, as it underlines the increasing shift towards electrified vehicles amongst MINIacs globally,” said Hoelzl.

Powertrain

The all-electric MINI is powered by the latest, highly powerful version of the synchronous electric motor developed by the BMW Group, also used in the BMW i3S. The front-axle electric engine is capable of 135 kw / 184 hp and sees torque peaking at 270 Nm. The powertrain is powered by a 12-module T-shaped battery unit with a net capacity of 28.9 kWh, and consumes 16.8 – 14.8 kWh per 100 km of travel. The official driving range is 234 km (WLTP) or 270 km (NEDC), depending on which testing procedure you want to refer to.

Although the all-electric MINI can do a 0 – 100 km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds, its top speed has been limited to 150 km/h mainly for battery preservation. Being a fully electric vehicle, it emits zero carbon emissions locally. Further, the high voltage battery is covered by an 8-year / 100,000 km warranty. This three-door hatch is driven with a single-speed transmission and integrated differential that maximises the go-kart feeling typical of a MINI.

Part of the characteristic driving experience in the all-electric MINI is the single pedal drive that also contributes to brake energy recovery. The electric motor functions as a generator during coasting mode, transforming kinetic energy into electric power. This is then fed back into the high-voltage battery. There are four driving modes i.e. Sport, Mid, Green and the new Green+ mode which increases the electric range by limiting selected comfort functions.

Fitted with an actuator-contiguous wheel slip limiter (ARB) function, the electric MINI gains significant improvement in traction. This function also reduces power understeering that usually occurs with front-wheel drive vehicles. Additionally, the rear axle is configured to the front axle which features electric-specific steering knuckles. This enables an electric-specific suspension setting in combination with the body-mounted wheelhouse liners.

Appearance

To differentiate it further from the conventional three-door Cooper S, this one comes with model-specific bumper and radiator grille in Vigorous Grey with a bright yellow E-Badge. Grille blades are available in two colours i.e. Vigorous Grey and Energetic Yellow.

With the Lights package, this electric hatch is equipped with Matrix LED headlights and LED rear lights featuring the iconic Union Jack design. Along the sides, this MINI features adapted spats geometry, the E-Badge on the side scuttle, as well as aero-optimised mirror caps in either Black or Energetic Yellow. The 17″ MINI Electric Power Spoke two-tone wheels with run flat tyres are distinct and tell others this is no ordinary hatch. Further, both exterior and interior mirrors come standard with anti-dazzle function.

Exterior colour offerings include the exclusive White Silver with Energetic Yellow pairing, British Racing Green, and Chili Red.

Battery

The charging port for this MINI is where you would normally fill petrol. The charging flap with embossed E-badge in the chosen body colour is there to remind you to not fill petrol. Meanwhile, the tailgate handle comes in a contrasting Vigorous Grey grille. The model badge and E-Badge with yellow accents are also fitted as standard to the new three-door hatch, along with the model-specific rear bumper with diffuser.

It takes about 2.5 hours to charge this MINI to 80% from the MINI Wallbox Plus (optional), a time similar to a public charging station. However, using the yellow contingency charging cable (which comes with the car), the MINI can be charged at home via an outlet but it will take about 12 hours to get to 80%. There is a much faster charging method which requires a special DC (direct current) charging station. This gives you 80% charge in just 36 minutes. However, DC charging stations are very limited and costly to establish, but the BMW Group is talking to various parties to improve this.

Cabin

The interior offers a new design language, crafted exclusively for the all-electric MINI. The model-specific designs include the MINI Electric Cockpit Fascia, MINI Electric Start/Stop button in Yellow, MINI Electric velour floor mats, an electronic selector lever with Electric design, as well as the brake energy recuperation toggle.

The driver, and passengers, of the all-electric MINI are also able to relax in comfort and style with the dual-zone automatic air conditioning, Leather Cross Punch seats in Carbon Black as well as the MINI 12-colour ambient lighting. The multi-function sport leather steering wheel and raised center console with integrated electric parking brake are also standard items. With the same dimensions as the Cooper S, the luggage capacity is unchanged at 211 litres, expandable to 731 litres.

Driving & Entertainment Gizmos

Features accessible via the MINI Connected suite in the 8.8″ MINI Navigation System include Teleservices, Remote Services, Intelligent Emergency Call, MINI Online and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The vehicle is also equipped with a Head-Up Display, and premium music experience from the 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Wireless phone charging is also standard.

Appearing for the very first time in a MINI vehicle is a Digital Instrument Cluster. This 5.5″ display is capable of displaying key information on the charging status of the vehicle such as remaining time, percentage of charge, available range and also temperature outside the vehicle. It can also display the current MINI Driving Mode, which then calibrates the colour shown on the light ring in the central instrument accordingly i.e. red (SPORT mode), white (MID) or green (GREEN and GREEN+).

Additionally, the digital instrument cluster also presents the driver with information on traffic sign detection reports and high-guiding directions from the navigation system. Telephone contacts and audio programme lists can also be accessed via this system.

Meanwhile, the state-of-the-art MINI eDrive gives the vehicle intelligent digital services and functions for a hassle-free drive. The Green Driving Assistant (GDA) provides useful onboard functionalities, such as the Range Assistant that presents different solutions to the driver in case of insufficient battery. It is able to suggest a more efficient route (Green Route), driving mode or the nearest charging station, so the driver can still arrive at their destination. The range circle also displays the range within the selected driving mode in the map.

To add on, the MINI Connected app provides full transparency on the vehicle’s status. It is able to also set a timer to ensure the vehicle is fully charged before the drive, as well as precondition to a set temperature while being charged. The app also displays personal driving statistics and tutorials to help improve the driver’s skills for efficient driving.

Driving Assistant

The all-electric MINI is also the first MINI in Malaysia to be equipped with the Driving Assistant system. This camera-based driving assistance system package consists of the Speed Limit info, as well as the digital high-beam assistant which automatically activates at speeds of 50 km/h and higher, or when there is insufficient exterior lighting.

The Driving Assistant system is also equipped with the person warning with light city braking function and the approach control warning with light city braking function. Both functions ensure maximum safety during potential collision by preconditioning the brakes for faster brake response and shorter braking distances. If the impact cannot be avoided, the braking functions help to reduce the impact speed.

Besides that, it is also equipped with Park Assistant, front and rear Park Distance Control, Cruise Control with braking function, along with the Wired packages as standard.

Price

The all-electric MINI Cooper S has a recommended retail price of RM225,888. However, with the current reduction in sales tax offered by the government’s PENJANA initiative, its price is reduced to RM218,38.78.

It is covered by the MINI 4 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, and 8 Years / 100,000 km High Voltage Battery Warranty with Free Scheduled Service.

The MINI can be booked online via https://shop.mini.my/booking/mini-electric, with a booking fee of RM1,000.

MINI Financing

With the Balloon Financing from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, ownership of this MINI starts from RM2,421 a month (based on estimates of 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

MINI Roadside Assistance

The MINI is covered by MINI Malaysia’s 5 Years Roadside Assistance programme, available for all new MINI vehicles. The comprehensive list of services include a 24-Hour, 365-days-a-year Accident and Help on the Phone and On the Spot Hotline, Free Towing Services (over 200 km from residential home), Replacement Vehicle, Seamless Mobility, Accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions as well as Repatriation services.

The MINI Roadside Assistance programme can be accessed by contacting 1800-88-8808.

MINI Service Online

Making a service appointment has never been easier. The new online service programme will now allow customers to schedule their service needs directly at their preferred MINI Authorised Dealerships via www.service.mini.my.

More information can be found at www.mini.my.