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2020 Mini Cooper SE promises electrified 'go-kart feeling'

Mini calls its new Cooper SE "the first solely electrically powered model of the British brand." We're pretty sure that the 500 U.S. owners of the Mini E from 2008 would disagree, but there's no questioning the fact that this new Cooper SE is a better vehicle and one that was designed from the get-go to incorporate batteries and an electric motor. That electric motor sends 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque right from zero rpm to the front wheels. We expect the motor is borrowed from the rear-wheel-drive BMW i3s. Mini says the Cooper SE is limited to a top speed of 93 miles per hour, that it'll do 0-62 miles per hour in 7.3 seconds and that its "innovative driving dynamics system with wheel slip limiting close to the actuator" (whatever that means) will offer "particularly intense and unmistakable agility, known as the go-kart feeling." We look forward to driving the Cooper SE and putting those statements to the test. The Cooper SE offers four driving modes: Sport, Mid, Green and Green+, in descending order of sporty to efficient. There are also two levels of brake regeneration. A 6.5-inch screen (a larger 8.8-inch unit is optional) inside displays powertrain information and offers suggestions to improve efficiency, and the standard navigation system features a range circle so drivers know how far they can travel at the current state of charge. Power comes from a 32.6-kWh lithium ion battery pack that Mini says is "situated deep in the vehicle floor" to ensure a low center of gravity and luggage space that's equal to the gas-powered version. Mini quotes a range of 235 to 270 kilometers (146 to 168 miles) "based on the new WLTP test cycle and adapted to NEDC for comparison purposes." We can expect official U.S. range figures to be down a bit from there. Suffice it to say, the Cooper SE won't come close to the 226 miles of range offered by the Nissan Leaf E+, let alone the 238 of the Chevy Bolt or 258 of the Hyundai Kona Electric. It's easy to tell the Cooper SE apart from gas-powered Minis. The grille has a much smaller opening than other Mini models — the electric powertrain doesn't have the same airflow requirements as a gas engine — and the bodywork is highlighted with yellow accents on the grille, wheels and mirror caps. Plus there's a cute little plug icon on the tailgate near the Union Jack-shaped taillights. The charge port is located just above the passenger-side rear wheel, right where the standard model's gas cap would be found.

Mini Cooper Royal Wedding Edition: For the couple that literally has everything

As far as wedding presents go, it sure beats a hand mixer. Mini has created a one-off car to commemorate the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The car won't be brought in and parked next to the gift table, however. Instead, it'll be given to a charity chosen by the royal couple, which will then auction it. Mini's design team has personalized a Mini Cooper 2-Door with a hand-made roof graphic and a special interior, which features 3D-printed parts and special embroidery. The idea behind the hand-applied multi-layer roof graphic is that it's a combination of the Union Jack and the Stars & Stripes, representing the couple's nationalities. As an extra touch, the opened doors will project a "Just Married" sign onto the ground. Small detailing around the car is also bespoke, from the chrome finish to the side scuttles. Inside the Crystal White car is a Satellite Grey leather interior, with a trim strip announcing the first names of the bride and groom, as well as the wedding date. There are also accents in the door cards that match the roof graphic's colors. And just in case you're digging the stylistic vibe of the Royal Wedding Edition (not really the official name, but let's go with it), some of the custom work on the car can be replicated with the Mini Yours personalization program. That includes the option of 3D-printed parts. After the wedding on May 19 , the car will go to The Children's HIV Association, or CHIVA, who will auction it. Here's hoping it commands a good price. Related Video: Featured Gallery Mini Royal Wedding View 13 Photos Image Credit: MINI MINI royal wedding meghan markle

Mini Clubman finally released with All4 all-wheel drive

Update: Mini has just revealed US pricing. The Mini Cooper Clubman All4 will start at $26,750, and the Cooper S Clubman All4 will start at $30,300. Both prices include destination. By now, you're surely familiar with the joke about how cars from Mini are no longer... well, mini. We won't repeat it here (oops, too late), except to say that the first vehicle that really pushed Mini's historic boundaries was the original Clubman in 2008. That machine featured a stretched wheelbase, an extra door on one side and an unconventional barn-door-style rear opening. For 2016, the Clubman recipe was revised with an even longer wheelbase and more conventional side doors, though still with the split rear hatch. Now, finally, the Mini Clubman is available with all-wheel drive. As you would expect from Mini, the new Clubman carries All4 branding. A propellor shaft sprouts from the front differential, and a new rear diff is added with an electrohydraulic clutch to send power to the rear wheels when needed. Mini promises that its All4 system will not only be a boon in inclement weather, but will also aid high-speed handling. We look forward to putting those claims to the test. Drivetrain options are borrowed from the standard front-wheel-drive Clubman range. A 134-horsepower three-cylinder comes in base Clubman models, and a 2.0-liter mill with 189-hp powers upgraded Clubman S models. An eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters and launch control is optional, though shift-yourself purists will surely opt for the standard six-speed manual. Mini says the Clubman S All4 can record a 0-60 time of 6.6 seconds with the automatic, or 6.7 with the manual. That's a couple tenths quicker than the front-drive Clubman S. Cargo space remains at 17.5 cubic feet with all seats in place, or as much as 47.9 with the back seats folded, so the rear differential and propellor shaft don't impinge on passenger space. Fuel mileage figures haven't yet been released, but we'd expect a small drop from the standard Clubman's 25 city and 35 highway ratings. We'd also count on a price increase of a few thousand dollars to get all-wheel drive. Feel free to peruse the press release below for more information. SUPREME DRIVING FUN IN EVERY SITUATION: THE NEW MINI CLUBMAN ALL4 Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 19, 2016 – The market launch of the new MINI Clubman sees the latest model generation of the British brand embark on its advance into the premium compact segment.