Mini Cooper Electric review

The new car’s interior will unquestionably help shift units. It looks and feels like a concept car made real, introducing new fabrics and techniques into a world usually hemmed in by familiar materials and approaches. Great driving position, too, which is important in the Cooper Electric.

The dashboard’s shallow profile lends the cabin an immediately friendly feel. It’s covered in a knitted textile made from recycled polyester that’s nicer than it sounds. There’s a textile spar on the wheel, too. While rivals like the new Alfa Romeo Junior emphasise their air vents, the Mini’s are in a narrow strip.

What’s that screen all about?

It's the focal point of the entire cabin. Measuring 9.4in, it uses OLED tech to update the original’s round instrument panel in gleefully imaginative fashion. The upper half shows speed and other vehicle-related info, and can be displayed full-screen. At the bottom sits a little menu bar that houses the controls for climate, audio, navigation or phone, with a home button in the middle. Double tap that and you’re into the wider menu and the ubiquitous App universe.

Driver and passenger temperature controls are on the lower left and right portion of the screen. Swipe up to summon a ‘tool belt’ where favourite functions can be stored. There’s a shortcut button on the steering wheel for that, too. Flicking between all this and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is easy, although it sits awkwardly in a little square in the middle of the screen. This is one car where you might be tempted to stick to the carmaker’s own OS.

Beneath the screen is the ‘toggle bar’ that houses a start/stop ‘key’, the gear selector, park button, and volume control for the audio. It's impressive, if somewhat overwhelming. Some of the screen icons are a tad small.

Under that is a second row of switchgear, including hazard warning and the all-important one that brings up the ADAS shiz, so you can lose the lane assist and speed limit warning without wanting to punch yourself vigorously in the head. Yep, Mini’s designers understand that even Gen Z appreciates the idea of physical interaction, thus side-stepping the touchscreen problems that blight the otherwise excellent Volvo EX30.

Is it practical?

There’s a reasonable amount of space inside the Mini... for a Mini. It’s not an especially roomy car for the footprint, but you can fit adults behind adults. Even if they're a bit uncomfortable. We also found getting into the back seats (it's a three-door, don't forget) rather tricky.

There’s not much bootspace, but 210 litres of seats-up storage is enough for your weekly shop or a couple of weekend bags. You’ve got 800 litres with the back seats tipped down, but the hatch opening at the rear is a sort of trapezoidal letter box, so you won’t be helping anyone move house.

The Cooper’s interior storage game is strong, too, with a lengthy receptacle between the seats, plus a wireless charging slot for your phone that has little supports for keeping your mobile in place. The feelgood fabrics distract from the harder, cheaper plastics.