But not just as an electric car: Mini Cooper also comes with an internal combustion engine

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When the new generation of the Mini Cooper was introduced a few months ago, it seemed that an electric-only version was planned, completely in line with Mini’s future plans. The brand aims to be fully electric by 2030. However: Now the BMW subsidiary has again announced gasoline versions, as in previous generations. They want to give customers a choice: Mini president Stefanie Wurst explains: “At Mini it’s called ‘The Power of Choice’; in addition to the fully electric Mini models, we also offer ones with a petrol engine.”

Two new models

As with Stromer, there are two different levels of performance. Mini Cooper C is powered by a 156 hp (115 kW) three-cylinder engine with a maximum torque of 230 Newton meters (Nm). It reaches 100 km/h from standstill in 7.7 seconds. The more powerful Mini Cooper S has four cylinders delivering 204 hp (150 kW) and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. Accordingly, it reaches 100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds. The two front-wheel drive cars do not differ much in terms of consumption: the Cooper C consumes 6.5 l/100 km in the WLTP standard cycle, while the sportier Cooper S consumes 6.7 l/100 km.

Apart from the exhaust pipe, the petrol versions are almost identical to the electric Mini Cooper E or SE. The internal combustion engine version also stands out with its striking front grille and retains typical Mini proportions. The round LED headlights at the front and the LED Union Jacks on the taillights should not be missing.

No one else has a round screen

Mini stays true to itself in the interior with its minimalist design. The currently unique round touchscreen, which displays vehicle-related information such as speed and consumption in the upper area, as in the Stromer models, remains eye-catching. Because once again, there is no such thing as classical instruments. Below this are the navigation and media menu. The toggle bar, which contains the most important driving functions such as the start button, gear selection, parking brake and infotainment screen mode, is located below the screen.

But there’s a big difference: Stromer versions roll off the production line at Chinese collaboration partner Great Wall, while internal combustion engines continue to be built in Oxford, England. Parent company BMW is currently converting the facility for future electric car production, with a £600 million investment. The Mini Cooper C starts at 36,300 Swiss Francs, while the Cooper S starts at 40,000 Swiss Francs. The small car will enter Switzerland at the beginning of May.

Source: Blick