Introduction:
Greatest from the world of automobiles. And today, we’re diving deep into the brand-new, fully redesigned 2026 Mini Cooper and the next-generation update that brings this iconic compact car into the future while staying true to its classic charm. So, what’s new with the 2026 Mini Cooper? Pretty much everything—design, tech, performance, and even how it feels on the road. It’s not just a facelift. This is a total reinvention.
Exterior Design: Classic Charm Meets a Futuristic Look
Let’s start with the exterior. The 2026 Mini Cooper embraces a cleaner, more futuristic look. The design is minimalistic but bold, with tighter LED lighting signatures, flush door handles, and a more aerodynamic silhouette. The iconic circular headlights are still here, but now they’re sleeker, featuring matrix LED technology and customizable daytime running light patterns.
At the rear, the bulky old taillights are gone. In their place are ultramodern triangular units that still manage to hint at the Union Jack design. The body has tighter overhangs, a smoother roofline, and it sits on fresh new alloy designs ranging from 17 to 19 inches, depending on the trim.
Engine and Powertrain Options: Electric Takes the Spotlight
Under the hood, the 2026 Mini Cooper comes in both electric and gas variants, but the biggest buzz surrounds the electric models. There are two trims: the Cooper E and the Cooper SE. The Cooper E uses a 40.7 kWh battery producing 184 horsepower, while the SE steps up to a 54.2 kWh battery pushing out 218 horsepower.
The SE delivers a 0–60 time of just 6.7 seconds and a projected range of around 250 miles. That puts it squarely in competition with other urban EVs like the Fiat 500e and the base Volkswagen ID.3.
For those still holding onto combustion, the 2026 Mini Cooper will also be offered with updated petrol engines. Availability will vary by market, as BMW continues to focus more heavily on electrification in Europe and North America.
Interior and Technology:
Inside, the 2026 Mini Cooper feels like a total digital playground. The dashboard has been completely redesigned with sustainability in mind, featuring recycled materials, soft-touch fabrics, and a much simpler layout. The centerpiece is a stunning 9.4-inch OLED circular display mounted in the center of the dash.
This single screen handles everything—speed, navigation, media, climate controls, and the new Mini Operating System 9. Built on Android-based software, it supports over-the-air updates, voice commands, and even personal avatars. Beneath the screen sits a toggle bar for essential physical controls like the gear selector, start/stop button, and volume.
Mini calls this approach “reduced to the max”—less clutter, more function, and more fun.
Driving Experience:
There’s also a new Mini Experience Mode system that transforms the entire vibe of the car. Lighting, screen animations, and even sound effects change based on your selected driving profile, from Go-Kart mode to Green mode.
And yes, it still delivers that legendary go-kart feeling on the road. With a lower center of gravity, quicker steering, and improved weight distribution, the 2026 Mini is more agile and responsive than ever.
Pricing and Value: Premium but Competitive
While official pricing hasn’t been confirmed for all markets, early estimates suggest the Cooper E will start around $132,000, with the Cooper SE closer to $138,000 depending on options. Considering the design, technology, and electric drivetrain, it positions itself competitively within the premium compact segment.
2026 Mini Cooper S – Interior, Exterior
Introduction
We’ve got the all-new Mini Cooper S. How do you modernize a Mini? Hold on! If you’re looking to make a beautiful new website, we’ll show you how we’re doing with our website in just a moment, so stick around for that.
The Power
Andrea, what’s under the hood of this thing? The Mini gets more power for 2025. It’s a 2 L turbocharged 4-cylinder with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, 201 horsepower, and 221 lb-ft of torque. This is a front-wheel-drive model, and the manual transmission is gone for 2025.
The base model, called the Cooper C, gets a 2 L turbo 4-cylinder but with less power—161 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. We’ll show you how they’ve modernized the new Mini. Keep looking at the big eye, Andrea, not at the lens!
Key Standard Features
What do you get with this Mini? The Mini comes standard with a 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen, Mini Operating System 9, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a head-up display, Mini High-Fi sound system, heated steering wheel, leatherette and cloth seats, heated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof.
We’re in a Cooper S. Can we still put it in “S”? A bit of a mind scramble—hit subscribe and the notification bell to be notified when all of our reviews drop. We post twice a week: the first on Wednesday, the second on Saturday. Follow us on Instagram at motormouthuncore and motormouthauto.
Ride/Handling
There is no actual S Mode, but guess what—there is Go-Kart! It gives you that lively, engaging Mini feel. The handling is sharp, the dual-clutch transmission is smooth and quick-shifting, and maneuverability is a breeze. Parallel parking in the city? A dream.
Acceleration from a stoplight is excellent, passing power on the highway is very good, and the cabin remains quiet. Auto start-stop is fairly smooth, and this vehicle provides Mega feedback. This is not about refined smoothness; it’s about fun, engaging driving.
Exterior
Goodness, Mini—you didn’t make it weird! It’s still proportionally correct, compact, and looks better than the last generation. Standard 17-inch wheels, optional 18-inch recycled aluminum wheels, signature round LED headlamps, new grille, triangular rear lights, and available black or white roof options.
More driver-assist technology is included, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Suspension and damping systems remain top-notch.
Interior
The “Big Eye” dashboard keeps it traditional, reminiscent of retro Minis. 9.4-inch OLED display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the system can be a bit slow. Profiles allow customization for drivers, and graphics are crisp and clear.
Panoramic sunroof with manual shades, available navigation with augmented reality, power front seats with memory, Harmon Kardon sound system, wireless charging, stop-and-go parking assist, surround view, and digital key plus. Interior materials are high-quality and durable, with a retro-modern aesthetic.
Rear Seats/Cargo
Rear seat legroom is decent, with 30.8 inches in the back and 41.4 inches in the front. Cargo space is 8.9 cubic feet behind the second row, 34.4 cubic feet overall. Not power-operated, but functional with a small cargo area under the floor and a tire repair kit.
Questions, Coffee & Cars
Instagram questions include: When will the electric Mini arrive in North America? Only the Countryman EV is scheduled to arrive by the end of the year. Materials on the dash and doors are textured and durable, easy to clean with a vacuum or professional detailing. Compared to the GTI, the Mini is engaging and lively but less practical for cargo.
Pricing
Pricing (Canada): Cooper C just under $35,000; Cooper S just under $40,000. (US): Cooper C, just under $29,000; Cooper S, just over $32,000. Fuel economy for the Cooper S: 8.4 L/100 km city, 6 L/100 km highway (28 MPG city, 39 MPG highway). Warranty: 4 years/80,000 km (50,000 mi), complimentary maintenance for 3 years/40,000 km (36,000 mi inthe US).
Competition
Other sporty hatchbacks to consider:
- Volkswagen GTI: 2 L turbo 4-cylinder, 241 hp, starting $37,000+
- Toyota GR Corolla: 1.6 L turbo 3-cylinder, 300 hp, ~$50,000
- Mazda 3 Sport: 2.5 L 4-cylinder, 191 hp, ~$26,000
- Honda Civic Hatchback: 1.5 L turbo 4-cylinder, 180 hp, ~$36,000
Final Thoughts
Two things we love: The look and handling. Improvement needed: Infotainment system speed and, ideally, a power liftgate. Overall, the Mini Cooper S is fun, modernized, and a worthy option in its segment.