MINI Australia and New Zealand Discontinue Entry-Level Electric Cooper E and Aceman E Models

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In a strategic move reflecting its evolving market approach, MINI Australia and New Zealand are discontinuing their entry-level electric models, the Cooper E and Aceman E. This decision narrows the market’s (EV) lineup to the more upmarket Cooper SE and Aceman SE variants alongside the Countryman SE. Why? We have a few ideas.

The Cooper E, equipped with a 40.7 kWh battery, delivered 135 kW (184 hp) and a range of approximately 305 kilometers (190 miles) on the WLTP cycle. Similarly, the Aceman E featured a 42.5 kWh battery, producing 135 kW and offering a WLTP range of 310 kilometers. For not a lot more money, potential buyers could have had the Cooper SE and Aceman SE. both powered by larger 54.2 kWh batteries, generating 160 kW (218 hp) and providing ranges up to 402 kilometers (250 miles) and 406 kilometers, respectively. 

According to sources MINI AU wasn’t seeing enough sales volume of the entry-level models to justify importing them. While we don’t have definitive information, we’d also guess that the profit margins on those “E” models also didn’t help.

This shift aligns with MINI’s global strategy to focus on higher-spec electric models that meet the increasing consumer demand for superior performance and longer driving range. There’s also the reality of increasing competition in the burgeoning EV market, particularly against rivals like the Volvo EX30 and Kia EV3. 

To clear the remaining stock, MINI has introduced nationwide drive-away pricing, offering discounts ranging from $7,500 to $11,500 on the Cooper E Classic three-door and Aceman E Classic five-door models.

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