Part 3: Did MINI Go Electric Too Soon? (or Not Soon Enough?)
Fifteen years ago MINI debuted its first electric car - the MINI E. Created as a rolling test bed for BMW, the MINI E was a riot to drive and quickly earned a loyal fanbase of early adopters. But with only 100 miles of range and a $850 lease price, had limited appeal. Worse yet, it turned out MINI had no follow-up sequel.
I don’t understand why BMW chose to market a subcompact to their luxury vehicle customers. Maybe they wanted to have a go at Fiat and the like? The i3 does have a cult following now.
If only they had implemented those i3 innovations, like the carbon fiber body, into the MINI it would have increased the range and made it a more viable EV. Hindsight is always 20/20.