MINI Electric Buyers Thread
Discussion
Found this on posted on SpeakEV. Not really a surprise I guess, given top speed will not come into play on a track like this, but still shows that the E has kept the handling of the ICE car, which is what I am looking for.
https://youtu.be/F2aBgELdbt8
https://youtu.be/F2aBgELdbt8
mini_se said:
Found this on posted on SpeakEV. Not really a surprise I guess, given top speed will not come into play on a track like this, but still shows that the E has kept the handling of the ICE car, which is what I am looking for.
https://youtu.be/F2aBgELdbt8
Couldn’t agree more. Had my test drive yesterday and up to about 60 it feels every bit as quick as a pretty-warm hot hatch like the ICE Cooper S. https://youtu.be/F2aBgELdbt8
It’s like the other electric cars I’ve driven or been in, in that the lack of gear changes means the acceleration is swift but also relentless - very much like an aircraft take off. Didn’t feel a single traction issue either despite multiple launches on varying road surfaces - which means either the grip exceeds the torque despite the skinny tires or.. the TC is phenomenal compared to ICE cars.
With the high-level re-gen switched on, it has a really interesting split personality - quick and chuck-able (like a MINI) when you want it to be but, also incredibly relaxing (like a S-Class Merc or something) in slow traffic or town. There’s clearly some extra sound deadening going on because it’s glossy over crap road surfaces. Extra weight and suspension height might be involved in that too.
Everything else is, well, typical MINI - which works for me but maybe not for others.
Anyone else had their run yet?
Oh, one other note - the government reduced the subsidy in the budget so if your order isn’t already in and your dealer hasn’t already claimed the discount... your car is now £500 more expensive.
Some canny dealers submitted the order in advance so if yours didn’t - might be the time to negotiate some recommence!
Some canny dealers submitted the order in advance so if yours didn’t - might be the time to negotiate some recommence!
MDifficult said:
Didn’t feel a single traction issue either despite multiple launches on varying road surfaces - which means either the grip exceeds the torque despite the skinny tires or.. the TC is phenomenal compared to ICE cars.
That is good to hear and the lack of traction(plus the massive interference of the TC) are my main gripes in my manual Cooper S. I'm guessing that the auto ICE Cooper S will be better than mine though in that regard, and this one is as well then. I thought the Mini was sticking to traditional tyres, taking the hit this causes to range, but providing the level of grip required for the driving experience they are looking to deliver.
Given no spare wheel I prefer this, as I think the low rolling resistance rubber used on many EVs have thinner walls and are more susceptible to punctures.
Given no spare wheel I prefer this, as I think the low rolling resistance rubber used on many EVs have thinner walls and are more susceptible to punctures.
mini_se said:
I thought the Mini was sticking to traditional tyres, taking the hit this causes to range, but providing the level of grip required for the driving experience they are looking to deliver.
Given no spare wheel I prefer this, as I think the low rolling resistance rubber used on many EVs have thinner walls and are more susceptible to punctures.
It’s a good point - I guess they looked skinny to me as my main frame of reference is JCW/GP etc. Either way, plenty of grip! Given no spare wheel I prefer this, as I think the low rolling resistance rubber used on many EVs have thinner walls and are more susceptible to punctures.
Picked it up and spent afternoon driving round and it is just like a petrol S, just faster to accelerate, which makes for a far more usable road car in my view. Pulling out from T junctions or onto roundabouts is sooooooo easy.
Yes the range is a limit, but not one I think will ever bother me.
Getting used to the one(ish) peddle driving is also great fun and you start to pick it up really quickly.
It tucked up in the garage now, plugged into the Pod Point, ready for tomorrow.
I can highly recommend.
Yes the range is a limit, but not one I think will ever bother me.
Getting used to the one(ish) peddle driving is also great fun and you start to pick it up really quickly.
It tucked up in the garage now, plugged into the Pod Point, ready for tomorrow.
I can highly recommend.
Edited by mini_se on Monday 16th March 20:53
mini_se said:
I can understand that, but you only live once is my view.
If you do I don’t think you will be disappointed, but they not going anywhere and you can always get one later. If you do I am sure the boys and girls down in Cowley will appreciate the support, given the current situation.
I’m gutted, but as you say, they’ll be there in 6 months if the world goes back to normal. Right now, starting to feel like cash on hand is probably preferable to an amazing new car - especially since it doesn’t look like I’m going to be doing much driving over the next few weeks (months? Years?). If you do I don’t think you will be disappointed, but they not going anywhere and you can always get one later. If you do I am sure the boys and girls down in Cowley will appreciate the support, given the current situation.
Well done you though - glad it’s everything you (we) hoped it would be and really hope you start a reader’s cars thread on it!
Just to keep this thread running, whilst we have not been able to do many miles in it since we collected it on the 16th, those we have driven have been a hoot. All the fun and more of a ICE Cooper S, with that instant get up an go and basically the same handling.
In reality we are getting around 90 miles estimated range, but we are in a very hilly area and it has been cold a lot of the time.
However even in more normal circumstances this is about a weeks driving for us, so not an issue.
I understand the difficult situation many people now find themselves in, but if moving forward they are still in the market for a small, urban friendly EV that can put a smile on your face than look no further. Fact it is assembled in the UK is an added bonus.
In reality we are getting around 90 miles estimated range, but we are in a very hilly area and it has been cold a lot of the time.
However even in more normal circumstances this is about a weeks driving for us, so not an issue.
I understand the difficult situation many people now find themselves in, but if moving forward they are still in the market for a small, urban friendly EV that can put a smile on your face than look no further. Fact it is assembled in the UK is an added bonus.
Thanks for the update, glad you are at least getting some use from it, mine was already at end of May anticipated delivery so heaven knows when it will be now.
My current Mini is at the end of the PCP in late June so I'll probably be without a "fun car" for a few months, only the boring VW Tiguan to keep me mobile!!
My current Mini is at the end of the PCP in late June so I'll probably be without a "fun car" for a few months, only the boring VW Tiguan to keep me mobile!!
Having watched the electric Mini concept develop with interest, I've placed an order this week.
Mine's a Level 2 in BRG with white roof and mirror caps, plus those plug-style wheels that went by the name "Corona" until just a few weeks ago!
The distinctive colour / wheel combination - chosen by our kids - is just the beginning of my trepidation. We'll be relying on a nearby rapid charger and 3-pin home charging, which enough neighbours seem to get on fine with on our Victorian terraced street. Those lovely wheels will die a terrible death at the hands of my wife and our massive kerb stones - they look impossible to refurbish cheaply!! Plus 100 miles of range and the car's size will be a metaphorical and real-life squeeze... but I'm convinced the upsides are worth it and that we fit the usage profile well. (We also have a family van and used to have R56 Minis, which felt too small as the kids grew).
But to hell with all that. I like Minis and this is a fittingly modern present to myself in my 40th year! One review describes the car as a heat-seeking missile, which pretty much convinces me.
In a twist of fate, I ruled out the Mini a few months ago and ordered a new Golf. I later had to pull out of that deal, because the dealer wouldn't accept a trade-in after Coronavirus started kicking off... so I reconsidered the Mini electric and perhaps it's fate after all.
I'm being told June or July for delivery. Who knows whether that's realistic, but I'll update here either way.
Mine's a Level 2 in BRG with white roof and mirror caps, plus those plug-style wheels that went by the name "Corona" until just a few weeks ago!
The distinctive colour / wheel combination - chosen by our kids - is just the beginning of my trepidation. We'll be relying on a nearby rapid charger and 3-pin home charging, which enough neighbours seem to get on fine with on our Victorian terraced street. Those lovely wheels will die a terrible death at the hands of my wife and our massive kerb stones - they look impossible to refurbish cheaply!! Plus 100 miles of range and the car's size will be a metaphorical and real-life squeeze... but I'm convinced the upsides are worth it and that we fit the usage profile well. (We also have a family van and used to have R56 Minis, which felt too small as the kids grew).
But to hell with all that. I like Minis and this is a fittingly modern present to myself in my 40th year! One review describes the car as a heat-seeking missile, which pretty much convinces me.
In a twist of fate, I ruled out the Mini a few months ago and ordered a new Golf. I later had to pull out of that deal, because the dealer wouldn't accept a trade-in after Coronavirus started kicking off... so I reconsidered the Mini electric and perhaps it's fate after all.
I'm being told June or July for delivery. Who knows whether that's realistic, but I'll update here either way.
Able to get out now and loving it more and more.
Great car to just bumble around in, do the shopping etc. but get out onto a twisty bit of road and it is fun, fun fun.
I would not class myself as a great driver, so my driving is nothing extreme, but it never fails to put a smile on my face.
Great car to just bumble around in, do the shopping etc. but get out onto a twisty bit of road and it is fun, fun fun.
I would not class myself as a great driver, so my driving is nothing extreme, but it never fails to put a smile on my face.
Has nobody else out there taken the plunge on one of these?
Been able to get out and about in ours properly now and it is brilliant, assuming you want what it is designed to do.
Handling probably not quite as good as with an S, but more than made up for with the low speed acceleration.
Driving in traffic is so easy, given how compact the car is - just point and squirt.
Seats very comfy, standard audio in the level 2 perfectly good enough for us and wireless Airplay works well.
Only tried it twice with more than 2 people and that does not work particularly well, but as mentioned at the start you have to accept its limitations and really treat rear seats as a parcel shelf. But this is the same in the ICE car.
Overall getting around 100 miles out of a charge, which is more than we do in a week, so range really is not an issue for us.
Been able to get out and about in ours properly now and it is brilliant, assuming you want what it is designed to do.
Handling probably not quite as good as with an S, but more than made up for with the low speed acceleration.
Driving in traffic is so easy, given how compact the car is - just point and squirt.
Seats very comfy, standard audio in the level 2 perfectly good enough for us and wireless Airplay works well.
Only tried it twice with more than 2 people and that does not work particularly well, but as mentioned at the start you have to accept its limitations and really treat rear seats as a parcel shelf. But this is the same in the ICE car.
Overall getting around 100 miles out of a charge, which is more than we do in a week, so range really is not an issue for us.
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