The updated Cooper S gets a nip and tuck job along with improvements to its on-board tech, but there's a catch

This is the 2023 MINI Cooper SE, which is the iconic British brand's all-electric offering in its current model lineup. Known internally as the F55, it was first introduced back in 2020. The car received a minor update with more features, and a facelift last year and as before, the automaker's immensely successful gas-powered MINI Cooper provides the platform for the MINI Cooper SE. Here's what's new for the 2023 model year.

Back in the late 2000s, driving an electric or hybrid car was all about making a statement, but as EVs have become more commonplace, consumers are noticing the potential for fuel and maintenance savings. MINI too has a history of experimenting with electric vehicles. Back in 2009, the British automaker showed off the MINI E, an all-electric demonstration car, made and distributed internationally on a trial basis for research and development purposes.

Fast forward a decade and a production version finally hit the road in 2020. As for the current MINI Cooper SE, it is only offered as a two-door hardtop in the United States and is available across two trims:

The MINI Cooper SE Electric features a single electric motor with 181 horsepower with 199 pound-feet of torque that powers the front wheels and will get you from 0-60 MPH in 6.9 seconds. The electric motor pairs with a 1-speed direct drive transmission borrowed from the now discontinued BMW i3, although it features a modified gear ratio because of the varied tire rolling circumferences between the two models. For those of you who can recall, the i3 rode on pretty skinny and tall rubber.

There are four different driving modes to choose from - Sport, Mid, Green, and Green+. The modes alter the throttle response and steering dynamics, but the vehicle's power and top speed remain the same across the modes.

The 32.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack comes courtesy of BMW and lives deep within the belly of the car. Despite having a relatively small footprint, the MINI Electric still weighs 3,143 pounds, so obviously, the handling won't be as nimble and go-kart-like as the gas-powered model. However, what you can expect from the mini cooper electric is a better balance due to the low center of gravity and the instant torque from the electric motor is ideal for nipping around town. With a light foot, you can get close to the EPA's estimated range of 114 miles.

As for charging, you can plug your MINI Cooper SE into a standard household socket to fully charge the battery pack in about 24 hours. Installing a Level II wall charger can cut that time significantly to just four 4 hours. But drive up to one of those Level III public DC fast charging locations, part of the 20,000+ charging stations and you can replenish the battery pack to 80 percent in just 36 minutes.

The MINI Electric supports up to 50 kW. Aside from that, you can also replenish the battery pack using one-pedal driving. As part of the update, you can now choose the level of intensity that you want from the regenerative braking system.

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The body of the MINI Electric shares its underpinnings with the standard MINI Cooper S, which is a good thing. In a way, it is intentional as it helps making the switch to an EV, seem more natural. You get an updated grille along with a more aerodynamic front bumper. The nice chunky headlight with LED surrounds along with the Union Jack design integrated into the taillights add a lot more xing to the styling and appeal.

While the electric MINI might appear familiar at first, there are a few unique design elements and features that are unique to the electric version. You get subtle yellow neon green accents on the front grille, on the wheels and the MINI Electric badge, finished in the same color. At the back, the missing exhaust pipes are the most obvious giveaway that this is in fact the electric MINI.

One of the best parts about the MINI brand in general is the level of customization options available to you. The number of permutations and combinations is truly endless. You can choose from five colors and nine different 16 or 17-inch wheel options across both trims. You can either choose to go with a more traditional look with the contrasting white, or silver roof, a Multitone Roof ($500), and hood stripes ($150).

The optional Roof Rails ($250), are an inexpensive add-on. But if you wish to stand out in a crowd, there are some unique designs and finishes, exclusive to the all-electric model. For instance, the yellow mirror caps and two-tone and 17-inch Electric Power Spoke wheels shout about your EV status from a mile away.

One look at the interior of the Cooper SE and you'll be happy to find the same funky theme that you associate with the MINI brand comes through. You also can't falter the use of some top-notch materials throughout the cabin. As part of the update, the dash now features redesigned air vents.

But the circular housing for the central infotainment display, synonymous with most modern MINI's now features an 8.8-inch touchscreen with an updated user interface. Strangely though, there's only support for Apple Carplay. You get an LED ring along with ambient lighting in the same neon green color, seen on the exterior. As for the audio setup, MINI included a speaker system out of the box.

MINI also ditched the analog setup for the instrument panel and in its place is a new fully digital instrument cluster that displays your drive modes, turn-by-turn navigation, multimedia, and more. You get a redesigned leather-wrapped steering wheel along with heated front seats as standard. If you want the heating on the steering wheel, that'll set you back an extra $250.

Speaking of seats, you can choose from a variety of leatherette/leather opinions. The Iconic trim gets you quilted Chesterfield Leather seats in Malt Brown or Satellite Grey color. On top of that, you can also choose MINI Your's Leather Lounge option in Carbon Black ($750), which gets you more Union Jacks, this time on the headrests.

You also have the option of four different finishes for the trim pieces ranging from piano black to aluminum. An anthracite headliner is also available as a no-cost option. As for rear seats, they're best used for kids and the cargo volume of just 8.7 cubic feet is similar to the gas-powered MINI. You can however fold the rear seats flat to open up more room.

The 2023 MINI Cooper SE Electric has a starting MSRP of $34,225 (excluding destination), which makes it among the most reasonably priced electric cars available on the U.S. market. Spend an additional $2,475 for the Iconic Trim and you get the following equipment over the base model.

Aside from that, MINI estimates that you could save up to $4,500 in fuel costs over a five-year period. The MINI Cooper Electric also qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit.

Configure your MINI Cooper SE Electric here.

Every MINI Cooper SE comes standard with the following safety and convenience features:

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There really aren't too many options when it comes to EVs in and around the $30,000 mark. The most affordable of them all are a bunch of Chevy's, i.e the Bolt EV, and Bolt EUV pair. The recently unveiled Chevy Equinox EV will soon also join the lineup. There are also a few crossover options in the form of the Mazda MX-30 EV and the Hyundai Kona Electric. Then you've got the long-standing Nissan Leaf. Most of the competition will get you a far superior driving range or more space, but the MINI makes up for it with a lot of character.

At the end of the day, if you're looking for hot hatch roots from your EV, you just can't ignore the electric MINI Cooper. It is perfect for those who live and work in cities due to its range of limitations. The MINI Cooper SE's 114-mile rating is an average combined number based on city and highway usage, but with the right conditions and driving habits, you could easily daily drive one with ease.

Khris is a classic car aficionado and adores his Jags and Alfas, although he keeps tabs on everything from super exotics like an old EB 110 to the latest from Lucid. Formula One is very close to his heart, and he diligently makes time to tune in for the Grand Prix on Sundays. Khris also loves his road trips and he prefers a stick shift over an auto any day.