First electric Mini Cooper rolls off production line in China

The very first units of the all-new electric Mini Cooper drove off the assembly line at Spotlight Automotive’s manufacturing facility on October 14. Located in the bustling city of Zhangjiagang in China’s Jiangsu Province, this facility isn't just another car factory. It's the result of an ambitious collaboration between Great Wall Motor (GWM) and BMW, conceived back in 2019.

This joint venture was started with a whopping RMB 1.7 billion (equivalent to a staggering $232.7 million). Interestingly, while the companies are jointly developing and producing the cars, they have agreed to sell them separately through their individual sales channels. A rare case of "joint venture without joint venture", as the business pundits would say.

The plant's standard capacity is set to churn out up to 160,000 vehicles annually, and the two pure electric Mini models will be emerging from this factory. Alongside the three-door Mini Cooper, the plant also has plans for a compact Mini crossover to satisfy the appetites of both international and Chinese customers.

The revamped Mini Cooper doesn't stray too far from its roots. At first glance, the quintessential round headlights and oval front grille remain untouched. The rear is adorned with triangular tail lights - a modern take on the Union Jack lights that were a signature of previous models.

You might be asking about the color palette? Picture a pristine white roof juxtaposed with a bold blue body, finished off with asymmetric rims. It's as though the car is screaming, “Hey, look at me!” without actually saying anything. But, oh, the price and exact dimensions? Well, those little details remain a mystery for now.

There are two versions on offer. The base version, charmingly named the Mini Cooper E, boasts a 135 kW electric motor, complemented by a 40.7 kWh battery pack. For those craving a bit more oomph, the Mini Cooper SE flaunts a front 160 kW/243 lb-ft electric motor, paired with a 54.2 kWh battery pack. The SE doesn't just look good; it goes from 0 to 62 mph in a breezy 6.7 seconds and promises a maximum cruising distance of 250 miles (WLTP). Charging-wise, both models happily support 11 kW AC charging and a zippy 95 kW DC fast charging.

The new Mini Cooper offers us a look into the future so bright, traditional instrument panels are passé. Instead, drivers are treated to a head-up display. The center stage is a 24 cm floating circular control screen, a noticeable shift from the older embedded design. This nifty screen is powered by the MINI OS 9 operating system. And if you're missing those iconic round air-conditioning outlets, prepare for a slight heartbreak. They've bid adieu, making way for chic slit air-conditioning vents.

The all-electric Mini Cooper is preparing both for the international and Chinese market arrival with the launch scheduled for early 2024 - that’s only a few months away. There are only a few details missing - dimensions and the most important part - the pricing.

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