MINI Electric Hatch Cooper SE 32.6kWh Level 3

What is it?

It’s the classic MINI, but electrified. Same bulldog stance, same go-kart feel, only now it hums instead of growls. The Cooper SE with its 32.6kWh battery doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; it just bolts a motor to it and carries on, very much with a cheeky grin and Union Jack tail lights.

This is the Level 3 spec, which means it's not just the posh one, it's the fully loaded five-course MINI meal. Leather seats, 8.8-inch touchscreen, Harmon Kardon sound, and LED Matrix headlights, it's basically the automotive equivalent of a boutique hotel suite that just so happens to do 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds.

What’s it great at?

Urban mischief. This car lives to dart through traffic like a caffeine-addled squirrel. It's compact, so it slips into gaps no SUV dares consider. And the instant torque? It’ll launch you from the lights with enough enthusiasm to make petrolheads weep quietly into their Shell V-Power receipts.

Then there's the ride quality, which, thanks to a lower centre of gravity and the fact that BMW didn’t go mental with the weight, is surprisingly composed. You get that signature MINI chuckability without the crashy suspension of older models. It's a small miracle.

What’s it like to drive?

Electric cars are often accused of being a bit... sterile. But the Cooper SE still has that MINI DNA — the steering is sharp, the throttle response is instant, and it corners like it’s angry with the road.

It doesn’t have the longest range (about 140 miles in the real world), but this isn’t meant for cross-country gallivanting. It’s meant for blasting through town, parking in spaces you didn’t think were spaces, and taking roundabouts as if they're your personal Silverstone.

How reliable is it?

MINIs from 2017 onwards have generally been solid, with the electric variant benefiting from BMW’s proven EV tech. There’s no turbo to fail, no oil to leak, and far fewer moving parts to break. That said, some owners have reported the occasional infotainment gremlin, but nothing catastrophic.

The battery and drivetrain are warrantied for 8 years or 100,000 miles, which is more reassurance than you get from most relationships.

How comfortable and spacious is it?

Calling it roomy would be like calling a phone box a penthouse. Front passengers are well catered for, with sporty seats and quality materials throughout. The rear, however, is best described as a suggestion rather than a serious offering — fine for small adults or legless mannequins.

Boot space is 211 litres, which increases to 731 with the seats folded. Not massive, but it’ll take your weekly shop, a dog (if it's small and cooperative), or a cheeky weekend bag.

How economical is it to run?

Ridiculously cheap. Charge it at home overnight and you’re talking 2p per mile, give or take. No road tax, no congestion charge, and very little maintenance. Plus, with the Level 3 trim, you’re not missing out on any creature comforts.

The only downside? Public chargers can still be a bit of a lottery, but if you’ve got a driveway and a plug, you’ll barely notice.

How safe is it?

It scored 4 stars in Euro NCAP, which might sound underwhelming until you realise it’s largely due to the lack of knee airbags. In real-world terms, it’s loaded with active safety kit: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, and lane departure warning.

Also, thanks to its squat stance and wide track, it feels incredibly stable on the road — even if you’re driving like it’s the Monaco Grand Prix.

Is there anything I should look out for?

The biggest gripe will be the range. If you regularly do motorway miles, this isn’t your car. And the infotainment system — while slick — can sometimes behave like it’s been to the pub at lunchtime.

Tyre wear can also be a bit aggressive due to the instant torque and enthusiastic driving style most MINI drivers adopt. Keep an eye on that.

Should I buy it?

If you want something that’s fun, frugal, and unashamedly stylish, then yes — buy it. The MINI Electric Hatch Cooper SE Level 3 is a genuinely entertaining take on the city EV, blending the charm of the old with the buzz of the new.

No, it won’t take you from London to Glasgow on a single charge. But that’s not the point. The point is to make every short journey feel like a bit of a laugh, and in that department, the Cooper SE delivers like a pizza courier on a deadline.

Would I have one? Yes — preferably in British Racing Green, parked next to a V8 that smells of petrol and regret. Balance, you see.