By the Numbers: the MINI Cooper SE vs the BMW i3s
We’re fresh off of the international launch of the all electric MINI Cooper SE and there’s a lot to report. However due to an embargo you won’t be able to read it until next Wednesday. While we can’t bring you our driving impressions for another week, we can talk a bit about what we already know based on previously released data.
One of the more interesting aspects of the MINI Cooper SE is that is shares an enormous amount of tech with the BMW i3. From the power unit to battery technology, there’s massive crossover. Yet there’s some fascinating differences that might make the first electric MINI a better buy.
Because the MINI Cooper SE isn’t a purpose built electric platform, it has to make due with a battery 23% smaller in capacity than the latest i3s. Despite that it has only 2.7% less range. That means the MINI is 21.5% more efficient in miles per kWh than the i3s.
But perhaps most interesting is the cost difference. The MINI Cooper SE delivers similar range and performance as the i3s for almost 59% less money.
So while we can’t tell you about how it drives, we can shed some light on how it compares to it’s more expensive and less efficient BMW cousin. Look for our full review next Wednesday.
| MINI Cooper SE | 2019 BMW i3s 120 Ah | |
| Power / Torque | 181 hp / 199 lb-ft | 181 hp / 199 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph / Top Speed | 6.9 sec. / 93 mph | 6.8 sec. / 99 mph |
| Battery capacity gross/net | 32.6 kWh / 28.9 kWh | 42.2 kWh / 37.9 |
| Miles per kWh | 3.8 | 2.98 |
| Curb weight | 3,153 lbs. | 3,040 lbs. |
| EPA Range | 110 miles | 113 miles
(up to 153 in eco pro) |
| MSRP | $29,900 | $47,650 |
<p>The EPA rated range of the i3s is 153 miles. The “113 miles” figure cited here appears to be the EPA’s combined city/highway MPG-equivalent rating, not a second range in some non-eco pro mode the EPA supposedly rated as well.</p>
That means the i3s gets around 4 mi/kWh (net), compared to the MINI’s 3.8 mi/kWh (net) … which reflects an efficiency drop-off that one might expect from a vehicle that weighs more.
<p>But let’s set that aside and take the cited 113 miles (153 miles eco pro mode) range figures as fact for the i3s. If it’s most appropriate to compare the MINI’s range to a non-eco pro mode range for another vehicle, then I might suggest MINI switch to eco mode themselves and boost that oft-criticized 110 miles range just a bit. Or, did they get rid of that toggle for the SE?</p>
<p>The MINI SE will have drive modes as well. EPA ratings on all other MINIs are always based on the “Mid” mode (which is considered the “regular” mode). For instance as a driver of a Cooper S 2-door I can tell you that in the green mode you can get around 37-40mpg on the highway (still driving 80mph), which is a lot better than the 31 mpg EPA highway miles that are indicated on the monroney sticker.
I similarly expect that flicking the MINI SE into “green” will probably get a better range than the cited 110 EPA figures, with a bump similar to the i3S. And that’s probably why MINI initially indicated a better range than the 110 miles.</p>
<p>The EPA provides a variety of ratings. Testing gas-powered MINIs in “Mid” mode for MPG ratings doesn’t necessarily indicate how they test EVs for range ratings. If the 153 miles range rating of the BMW i3s is from “eco pro” mode, then the MINI Cooper SE’s rating will be in its eco mode as well.</p>
<p>That said, 153 miles range for the i3s is not from “eco pro” mode anyway. The 2018 model’s press release specifically called out 124 miles range in the default “comfort” mode. That was BMW’s own estimate; the EPA’s eventual range rating was 107 miles. Doing a little math: [107 miles range / 27.2 kWh (net) battery] x 37.9 kWh (net) battery = 149 miles range … not far off that 153 miles figure.</p>
<p>The 113 miles EPA range listed in this article is bogus. The i3s has 39% greater range (not 2.6%). And the MINI is 5% less efficient (not 21.5% more efficient), which makes total sense considering the MINI weighs 4% more.</p>
<p>The math is off when you say the SE costs 59% less. The MINI SE (at $29,900) costs 63% of the i3 (at $47,650), or 37% savings if you want to put it that way…</p>
<p>i3s</p>
<p>the 47,650 is the quoted price for a 2019 i3S in the text above. So what’s your point?</p>
<blockquote>The MINI Cooper SE delivers similar range and performance as the i3s for almost 59% less money.</blockquote>
<p>$47,650 is 59% more than $29,900 … but $29,900 is 37% less than $47,650.</p>
<p>A $19,500 MINI Cooper SE would cost 59% less than a $47,650 BMW i3s, and a $29,900 MINI Cooper SE would cost 59% less than a $72,900 BMW i3s.</p>
<p>He’s saying your math is off by $10k-$25k.</p>
<p>Some cars like some folks improve with age, a case in point being the i3 with worldwide sales increasing year on year since 2013; except of course in the U.S. where sales are falling.</p>
<p>In many other parts of the world the i3 has become more attractive with each and every upgrade; another upgrade is due in 2021. BMW insiders have recently confirmed that the i3 will remain on sale until “at least 2024”, which means a total production life of eleven years.</p>
<p>The i3 will not of course be directly replaced; the iX3 is a more conventionally constructed vehicle. To fund the zero emissions i range, however, BMW will axe the current 2-series Convertible, the 2-series Gran Tourer and the 6-series GT. The Z4, the X2 and all three 8-series could also be at risk according to Georg Kacher.</p>