The launch of the highly anticipated is months away and there are already 60,000 pre-orders in there UK and Europe according to BMW. Why so much interest? Clearly there’s a lot of built up desire for an electric MINI. But beyond that the MINI Cooper SE is rumored to start under $29,000 when it hits dealerships in early 2020. On the face of it, $29k for a car that gets 120 miles on a charge seems steep. But the more we dig into what the final price vs performance will be, the more we’re convinced that the SE could be a huge hit for MINI.

Electric MINI Cooper SE

The MINI Cooper SE – Pricing

To start with the MINI Cooper SE should qualify for the $7,500 tax credit (which is a credit the buyer claims on their federal tax return). On top of that many states also have tax credits that could be applied in a similar fashion. Added together that $29k price starts to get a lot closer to $20k mark – an incredible deal when you consider the quality of a MINI and the performance of the Cooper SE that we’ve all read about. You can see more of our thoughts on the car vs its competitive set here.

Electric MINI Cooper SE

Electric MINI Cooper SE: The Numbers

The MINI Cooper SE is equipped with lithium-ion batteries delivery a range of 235 to 270 km according to MINI. Official US EPA figures are being determined as we speak but it’s worth noting that more stringent (real-world) WLTP testing show a range of 124-144 miles. We’d expect US numbers to be similar. So why does MINI quote 146 to 168? Simply put that’s what the car is capable of when driven sensibly and in ideal conditions. No matter what number you look at the range MINI has delivered (while not taking away interior volume) is impressive. Especially considering the F56 platform was never designed to accommodate batteries.

Perhaps more important than range is how quickly the MINI Cooper SE can charge. The SE can be charged on everything from a normal 120 volt socket to a fast direct-current 50kW charger (the latter allowing an 80 per cent charge to be achieved in just 35 minutes)

Like all electric cars the SE will have energy recuperation that acts as automatic braking. However MINI has designed a system that allows this energy recuperation to be variable giving the two levels to choose from tailoring their one-pedal driving experience.

Electric MINI Cooper SE

Electric MINI Cooper SE: Equipment, Price and Performance

But let’s put all that aside for a moment and remember this is a MINI and intended to be an engaging driving experience rather than an appliance like so many electric cars. While the 0-62 time of 7.3 doesn’t seem all that impressive, the immediacy of the torque and ultra low center of gravity reportedly create a feeling like no other MINI. According to those who have driven the SE, it’s an absolute riot on the track and is likely the most capable around an autocross. This is also due to something called ARB – BMW’s highly advanced traction control system designed for electric cars that features a slip control system positioned directly in the engine control unit making it dramatically faster to react. Combined with with DSC, actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation (say that three times) significantly reduces the power understeer usually experienced with front-wheel drive vehicles, but without control intervention to stabilize lateral dynamics.

The MINI Cooper SE will be well equipped with LED headlamps, 2-zone automatic air conditioning, heating with heat pump technology, auxiliary heating, electric parking brake and Connected Navigation. It will also debut the highly anticipated digital gauge cluster that we’ve been reporting on for years at MF (look for this to make its way to other MINI models by 03/20 production).

While official pricing hasn’t been announced our sources point to the base MSRP being right around $29,000 (£24,000) or equivalent to an automatic equipped MINI Cooper S. With there $7,500 federal tex credit (not to mention the typical state credit) the MINI Cooper SE could easily be a $20,000 car all things considered. Given the performance, standard equipment and all that comes with a MINI that’s an exceptional price that makes the MINI Cooper SE much more compelling than many (including us) expected.

But that’s our take. Let us know your thoughts below.