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2020 Mini Cooper S E caught completely uncovered at photo shoot

Thanks to one of our spy photographers, the wait to see Mini's latest electric car is now over. The 2020 Mini Cooper S E was caught completely uncovered during an apparent photo shoot, probably for press and marketing materials. The finished car isn't all that different from the regular 2019 Mini Cooper hatchback and convertible, but it does have a few unique features. From the front you'll immediately notice the filled-in grille. It's bisected in the middle by a highlighter yellow stripe that contains a small opening, just like on the concept. It's basically the inverse of a gas-powered Mini's grille. There's also a circular medallion attached to the grille indicating its electric powertrain. The only other exterior changes include the electric logo debossed in the fuel-filler door, which is obviously now a charging port cover, and the wheels, which are smaller versions of the asymmetric pieces seen on the concept. Otherwise the metal body panels, bumpers, lights, windows and everything else on the body is taken directly from the regular Mini hatch. Since Mini is taking official photos of the car, we expect it's pretty much finished and ready for launch very soon. That would be in keeping with Mini's statement that the car would launch this year. The Frankfurt Motor Show this fall would be a possibility for the release, but we wouldn't rule out something even earlier. Details about the powertrain are scarce. We'd love to see similar specs to the 2009 Mini E, which made 204 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque, and had a range of around 150 miles. That said, reports indicate the 2020 Mini Cooper S E will borrow the drivetrain from BMW's i3, which would mean 168 hp, 184 lb-ft, and a range of around 114 miles from a 33.8-kWh battery pack. We'll find out for sure soon enough.

2019 Mini Cooper Oxford Edition Drivers' Notes Review | Lots of fun for a select few

The 2019 Mini Cooper Oxford Edition is an interesting little model. It's available in both 2- and 4-door Hardtop configurations and aimed at and specifically for college students, recent grads, those in law or medical school as well as active duty or recently discharged or retired members of the military. No one else qualifies to buy one, which is a bummer, because the Oxford Edition is one smoking deal.  Not only does it undercut the price of a bare-bones Cooper, it packs in nearly $7,000 worth of features at no additional cost. That includes stuff like heated seats, a panoramic moonroof, parking sensors and 17-inch wheels. Power still comes from a turbo inline-three, and while an automatic transmission is standard, a six-speed manual is a no-cost option. While the standard Cooper has questionable value given the small size and relatively high price tag, the Oxford Edition is a far more compelling offering. Senior Editor, Green, John Beltz Snyder: This is such a joyful car to drive. It's quick, spritely and engaging. It feels great rowing through the gears, especially the way the car comes to life as you release the clutch in third gear. The car feels peppy in the low-to-mid rev range, but loses some steam as you climb to the top. The shifter is a little light, though, and it needs a firmer gate to keep you from accidentally shifting into reverse instead of first. There needs to be a more distinct feel from gear to gear in general. The clutch travel is long, but I don't mind it, and the high take-up point feels natural. The less-hot Minis of today feel much more refined than those of yore, while scorchers like the JCW remind me of the older, rawer Minis in their road-going manner, though with more contemporary design, tech and amenities. If I were to buy a Mini myself, it'd be a Hardtop like this — I don't need a lot of power to have fun, day to day, and this one is comfy. I wouldn't be eligible for the Oxford deal, which is a shame, because I really like this configuration, especially for the price. Associate Editor Joel Stocksdale: I almost completely agree with John, the regular Mini Cooper is exemplary of good, simple fun. It makes less than 140 horsepower and pound-feet of torque. That's not a lot of power, but it's enough that you can confidently floor it anywhere in public without breaking the law. And it feels nearly as eager and darty as the JCW, so you can keep your speed up as you rip it around corners.

Mini could go even bigger with next Countryman

We recently reported that the new family of Minis could balloon from eight models to ten or more, but it's not only the model line that's expected to grow: so too could the largest model itself. That, of course, would be the Countryman, which is already bigger than anything else ever to wear the Mini badge. But if you think the current Countryman is already big enough, the latest reports suggest that it could get even bigger. Apparently parent company BMW feels a larger Mini crossover would better compete with more mainstream models in the marketplace.
The Countryman, however, will only be one of the new variants to spin off of the new third-generation Mini. Expect the new Hardtop hatchback introduced in LA to be followed by a new Cabriolet, Roadster, and Paceman. A five-door version of the base hatchback will also join in addition to the new Clubman, which is tipped to get a split tailgate instead of the single hinged aperture on the current model. The jury's still out on the Mini Coupe, which has largely failed to impress, while a convertible crossover could be back in the mix along with the rumored plug-in hybrid version.