[Coops]

So there are some rumors/speculation that the Mini EV will introduce a fourth performance model, the "S" according to the Japanese publication Cliccar. Apparently the test mule we've seen battling the snow was indeed a Cooper S model. Its expected the "S" could deliver 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque if we look at what's found in the performance model of the i3. Cliccar is also estimating the Mini EV to hit a 400 kilometer range (just under 250 miles), with 80% charge time in as little as 40 minutes

 

[Greenie]

This is great news so long as the S model has the same range as the regular Mini EV because I'm not buying an EV for performance. What matters is the overall range and charge time. Of course 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque will be a great bonus if it has the same range, or maybe Mini can offer it with a battery extender to account for the increased electricity usage.

 

[Coops]

I think Mini would be better off by focusing on the performance of its base models, before looking into performance trims. All of the specs surrounding the new Mini are just speculation at this point, so it's hard to say what Mini will deliver. There are certainly drivers interested in performance electrics, I just think the Mini EV should establish itself as a worthy competitor first.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

I think Mini would be better off by focusing on the performance of its base models, before looking into performance trims. All of the specs surrounding the new Mini are just speculation at this point, so it's hard to say what Mini will deliver. There are certainly drivers interested in performance electrics, I just think the Mini EV should establish itself as a worthy competitor first.

They will have to depend on BMW, so whatever Mini does or should do we need to look to BMW on what parts they could use. Much like what we're seeing with the EV program going on, if it wasn't for BMW's move for 3/4 of its line up being EV, we wouldn't be getting a green Mini.

 

[Coops]

While the worldwide sales of the Mini seemed to have improve in 2017, its sales in the U.S continue to drop. They have come to the conclusion that in order to have a larger appeal for U.S buyers, that they need to release an electric model. I don't think there are enough unique qualities/features in the Mini, that justify it as a purchase over alternatives.

 

[Greenie]

Sales in U.S. are leaning heavily towards crossovers and SUVs, Mini needs to come out with a product around that side and ride height along with an electric motor to gain a foothold there. But elsewhere I'm sure it'll sell well, especially an S version. The tiny car is actually pretty fun to throw around bendy roads, though I've only driven the gas powered ones.

 

[Coops]

There is no denying that they are fun to drive, and you’re right that they should consider bringing out a model that rides a little higher. It seems to have worked well for the Fiat 500 and imo it looks better as a larger vehicle. I know Mini showcased crossover concepts years ago, so maybe we’ll see them return as it’s a booming segment atm.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

Fortunately since they are part of BMW there will be a stronger push to bring it to market, if it wasn't for that partnership then it would be a slower climb. If they can launch it about 6-9 months out from the initial Mini EV production launch then that will do a lot for the whole Mini EV's marketing value.

 

[Coops]

Seeing as how they only need to take a Countryman and make it ride a little higher, there shouldn't be a whole lot to do on the engineering side. Not sure BMW will see the point in it however, as they will be launching a bunch of full size electric SUV's.

 

[Greenie]

BMW may be launching a few EV under their own badge, but there's nothing under the Mini badge so a slight raise in ride height shouldn't overlap. But they probably don't see a point because the Mini models have been doing fine as is and I prefer a lower riding car anyways, better stability and handling.

 

[Coops]

Its just another way that BMW may try to make the Mini more relevant to consumers. It sits in a pretty niche market atm, and the transition towards electric wont make it any more applicable to regular drivers.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

BMW may be launching a few EV under their own badge, but there's nothing under the Mini badge so a slight raise in ride height shouldn't overlap. But they probably don't see a point because the Mini models have been doing fine as is and I prefer a lower riding car anyways, better stability and handling.

The difference with BMW is they can take on more of a sporty approach and bring in things that wouldn't be possible with Mini, one of them is driving characteristics. I don't know about you but with all the potential for power in say an i4, I will want something that improves steering such as 4 wheel steer. Mini can't do that.

 

[Tandy]

As much as BMW wants Mini to be a premium brand, they have to understand that to be competitive in this segment, they will have be a discount brand until their platform is proven. Hopefully they can deliver better performance than what's being offered in the new Leaf, and give themselves a leg up.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

As much as BMW wants Mini to be a premium brand, they have to understand that to be competitive in this segment, they will have be a discount brand until their platform is proven. Hopefully they can deliver better performance than what's being offered in the new Leaf, and give themselves a leg up.

I agree to some extent as with the right product they can position it to be premium and without a doubt to better appeal to buyers, all-electric version will have to hold some level of premiumness over regular mini models. Regular mini models have to stay more reserved to meet aggressive pricing targets.

 

[Coops]

The new Leaf is selling like crazy in the UK, even with its subpar range. We can attribute this success to its lower price and incredible standard features. I believe there is almost a $10k disparity between the Leaf and the Bolt. Goes to show how important the buy in price is for potential owners.

 

[Tandy]

It also proves that the range anxiety that all these car publications seem to talk about is bs. Seems like a good amount of consumers have no problem with the performance of the new Leaf. Hopefully this means that Mini wont have to go above and beyond with its performance figures.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

It also proves that the range anxiety that all these car publications seem to talk about is bs. Seems like a good amount of consumers have no problem with the performance of the new Leaf. Hopefully this means that Mini wont have to go above and beyond with its performance figures.

Remember that most of these journalists give their say on a vehicle from a couple day to a week drive. Probably less. They will never provide feedback completely relevant to real owners. At the end of the day real world numbers matter.

 

[Coops]

I think the real reason why range isn't such a deal break on the Leaf is because its a proven platform, with fantastic standard features. I don't think the Mini will be able to match that performance and expect to see the same sort of sales figures.

 

[Tandy]

Mini is going to have a hard time delivering on both the performance and price point found in the new Leaf. The first generation model will likely have an inflated price to compensate for what was spent in R&D.

 

[MiniFootPrint]

Mini is going to have a hard time delivering on both the performance and price point found in the new Leaf. The first generation model will likely have an inflated price to compensate for what was spent in R&D.

What they can be good in is design and the overall lifestyle they're able to project around the Mini, its not that hard with all everyone knows and expects of Mini. Just its historical value alone attracts people, much like other older cars that have stood the test of time.