The new Mini and Mini Countryman were just unveiled in Europe. Parent company BMW is doubling down on its EV offering as both versions of the city car debuted in electric guise.

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Looking New

The ‘traditional’ three door version will be known as Mini Cooper. Two versions: Cooper E and Mini Cooper SE will be available from the get go and both are battery powered. The fifth generation Mini retains the hallmarks of the original such as the classic round headlights and the octagonal grille. Such characteristics leave onlookers in no doubt that this is a Mini, albeit quite modernised in appearance.

The Mini Countryman has its own distinct visage, but carries through design cues that keep the family DNA apparent. The third generation Countryman has grown six centimetres in height and thirteen centimetres in length, providing more practicality.

The interior of the new Mini and Mini Countryman has been significantly updated. The new models have a pared back appearance that is minimalistic, looking very much like the very first generation. The tech, however, is all new. Taking centre stage is a circular touchscreen interface that can be accessed via voice controls.

All trims of the all-electric range feature seats in Vescin artificial leather, while all textiles and yarns for the seat, knitted surfaces, vehicle headliner and floor are made from recycled materials.

Mini in Two Versions… For Now

The Cooper E has a front-mounted electric motor that develops 135 kW/290 N.m of torque. Mini says this allows the hatch to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7,3 seconds. The Cooper SE has 160 kW with maximum torque of 330 N.m. This allows it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,7 seconds. The range is quoted as 305 km for the Cooper E and 402 km for the Cooper SE.

More Power For More Doors

The Countryman also comes in two guises E and SE. The former has a single 150 kW/250 N.m electric motor. This accelerates the car from standstill to 100 km/h in 8,6 seconds. The SE version has two motors for a total of 230 kW/494 N.m delivered to both axles. As a result the all-wheel-drive version can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5,6 seconds. Mini says the Countryman e has a range of 462 km while the more powerful version can do 433 on a full battery.