BMW Group India has launched its second electric offering in the country in the form of the new MINI Cooper SE electric hatchback. The MINI Cooper SE comes to India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) and is priced at Rs. 47.20 lakh (ex-showroom) and is offered in a single variant. The model is the most affordable luxury EV on sale at the moment and does not have a direct rival. Compared to the petrol-powered MINI Cooper, the electric hatch commands a premium of Rs. 8.2 lakh. The MINI Electric was first teased for India late last year and pre-bookings were opened too for the first batch. The company sold out all 30 units allocated at the time within days, months before the launch.

The new Mini Cooper SE retains the iconic silhouette of the hatchback but with plenty of changes including the bright yellow accents, on the grille and ORVMs, new E-badge and the new 17-inch power spoke alloy wheels that give it a different look. The cabin remains identical to the standard MINI Cooper, barring for the new neon yellow additions. You continue to get the centrally-mounted touchscreen infotainment system, Harman Kardon audio unit, new digital instrument console, a head-up display, multi-function steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, and more.

The MINI Cooper SE uses a single electric motor that develops 181 bhp and 270 Nm of peak torque. Power comes from the 32.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack while the automaker claims a range of 270 km on a single charge (WLTP cycle). The electric hatchback can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 7.3 seconds, while the top speed stands at 150 kmph. The MINI Electric can be charged in 2.5 hours up to 80 per cent using an 11 kW AC charger and can be charged 100 per cent in 3.5 hours. The charging time up to 80 per cent goes down to 36 minutes with a 50 kW DC fast charger. MINI customers will get an 11 kW AC wallbox charger as standard.