Skip advert
Advertisement

MINI Electric review - Practicality, comfort and boot space

You don’t buy a MINI hatchback for its overwhelming practicality, but the Electric model could be ideal urban transport

Practicality, comfort and boot space rating

3.0

How we review cars
Pros
  • Fun to drive
  • Well-equipped
  • Build quality
Cons
  • Range
  • No five-door model
  • Regen brakes take some getting used to
Find your MINI MINI Cooper
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

MINI offers various body styles across the range, but for now the Electric model is only available as a three-door hatchback. These small car dimensions make it easier to navigate through busy traffic and parking manoeuvres shouldn’t pose too much of a problem. Models with the Level 2 trim include rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, while Level 3 versions add front parking sensors and Parking Assistant, which can automatically parallel park your MINI for you.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The mid-spec Level 2 models also include MINI’s Comfort Access System which allows keyless entry to your car - sensors detect the presence of the key as you approach and unlock all the doors.

Despite the MINI Electric’s relatively short range, charging the battery appears quite straightforward. A type 2 charging cable is standard and, from a 7.4kW home wallbox (purchased at extra cost), a full charge takes just over three hours. A 50kW rapid charging station will deliver full battery life in just 36 minutes.

Size

The MINI Electric is 3,845mm in length and 1,928mm wide. The Honda e is ever-so-slightly longer at 3,894mm, but narrower than the MINI at 1,752mm. In terms of overall height, the MINI sits lower than the Honda, measuring 1,432mm versus 1,512mm.

Leg room, head room & passenger space

Considering its small-scale dimensions, the MINI delivers decent head and shoulder room for the driver and front passenger. The front seats still tilt and slide forward to help with access to the rear, however, the space on offer for passengers is pretty tight. Although two adults are able to sit in the back, we wouldn’t recommend it for longer journeys.

Boot

The MINI’s boot capacity with all seats in place is 211 litres, which is much better than the 171 litres on offer in the Honda e. The Japanese rival fares better with the rear seats folded - 861 litres load capacity versus 731 litres for the MINI.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £15,519
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,600
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025