An iconic classic was unveiled to the general public this week as BMW launched the all-new MINI Electric.

With a claim that the company’s first attempt will offer Cooper S performance at prices more affordable than every electric rival, the Mini is determined to stand out from the pack, though, from the outside there is not too much different than the more recent standard Minis, with only an exhaust omission the obvious change. For those who want to claim a little more individuality, the top trim option comes with an ‘XL’ infotainment system, a panoramic glass roof and a Harman Kardon sound system, but that is only £4000 more than the starting price, which is expected to chime in at £24,500.

The crucial aspects of the Mini Electric though are very much determined by range, with a WLTP-certified 124-144 from a single charge, which is lower than some mainstream rivals, but firmly pitches the car at urban driving rather than long treks.

The urban theme was continued at the car’s launch in Rotterdam, a city which is seen as a test-bed for the modern EV and one where the company’s Senior Vice President, Bernd Koerber perhaps sees the Mini Electric most naturally at home.

“For us, the MINI ELECTRIC is not just a car, but the beginning of an all-in-one solution for urban mobility that we have dedicated ourselves to,” Koerber said.

“The MINI ELECTRIC has all the latest MINI Connected services plus pioneering features such as a sharing function. The owner can share the use of his MINI via MINI Connected with family members, friends or other people by means of a smartphone which allows him or her to unlock and start the car. Until the launch, we will be able to offer further innovative services and features in an electric ecosystem.”

The Mini Electric will make its first official appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with the first cars coming in November, headed to the US and China, before the UK gets theirs in March 2020.

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