2025 Mini Cooper SE: International first drive [Video]

The transition to electric cars, or the rush to them more specifically, has the potential to hurt two segments of the motoring enthusiast crowd more than any other. Those who like to explore the world off-road, and those who love light, nimble, engaging hot hatches and sports cars. Weight has a way of dulling the sensations we associate with the best of the latter.

Was the original Mini Cooper the world’s first hot-hatch before the term was minted? Maybe. Whether you buy into that argument or not, the Mini Cooper was, and always has been, a few things. A marvel of modern design, clever packaging, front-engine, front-wheel-drive practicality, and a diminutive car that delivered driving engagement and fun beyond its tiny proportions. 

That’s why the opportunity to test the 2025 Mini Cooper Electric ahead of its local launch is something we’ve been looking forward to for some time. For the …