Is the MINI Cooper SE still the perfect “city EV” in 2026?

[marktuan]

Hi everyone,
I'm new here and seriously considering picking up a used 2022–2024 MINI Cooper SE as my first EV. I’ve been lurking through a lot of the threads here and it seems like owners absolutely love the driving dynamics and “go-kart” handling, even if the range is limited.

My situation:

• Mostly city/suburban driving
• Around 25–40 miles per day
• Home charging available
• Rarely do road trips longer than 150 miles

From what I’ve read, the biggest tradeoff is obviously range, but many owners seem to say the real-world experience is better than the numbers suggest for urban use.

A few questions for long-term owners:

1. After a couple years, how has battery degradation been?
2. Any recurring issues I should watch for when buying used? I’ve seen mentions of charge-port sensors and grill shutters.
3. Is the ride really as stiff as people say, or is it exaggerated?
4. Would you still buy the SE today, or would you jump to something with 250+ miles of range?

Honestly, the charm and compact size are what keep pulling me back toward the MINI instead of a more “logical” EV choice. Curious how many of you are still daily-driving yours as an only car in 2026.

 

[MacMini34]

Hello

A few questions for long-term owners:

1. After a couple years, how has battery degradation been?

Don't know, but it seems to charge to about 100 miles at the moment and as the weather warms I expect it will get to about 110. Best I've seen is 121 miles. Tires make a difference. I have 2 original Hankooks Evo 3 and 2 General As-07s on it at present - had to replace one of each - when the first Hankook wasn't repairable, I didn't want another as replacement as they seem to be wearing very fast.

1. Any recurring issues I should watch for when buying used? I’ve seen mentions of charge-port sensors and grill shutters.

All vehicles have their foibles so it's somewhat luck of the draw. The Cooper SE seems quite reliable probably due to an EV being worked into an existing, mature platform and MINI really had to up their game after the R series of vehicles.

1. Is the ride really as stiff as people say, or is it exaggerated?

It's a bit stiff. A test drive will show you if it works for you.

1. Would you still buy the SE today, or would you jump to something with 250+ miles of range?

Hmmm, interesting question. The J01 EV Cooper hasn't made it here (USA) and reviews have been mixed. It's quite a bit heavier which affects driving dynamics and the controls being all through the screen is a very big negative to many. We, in the US, miss out on a lot of smaller city type cars available in Europe; the Renault 5 being a prime example. The EV world has changed quite a bit in the last 3 years. I replaced my aging, busted Honda Pilot with a Honda Prologue to give us longer range and more space options, and to ditch the combustion engine world.

Honestly, the charm and compact size are what keep pulling me back toward the MINI instead of a more “logical” EV choice. Curious how many of you are still daily-driving yours as an only car in 2026.

My wife absolutely loves it due its nimbleness and compactness. I got it for all our local driving; 1-5 mile trips, 500-600 miles a month that produced terrible mileage in my Honda Pilot V6. It's been terrific for its role and has managed a couple of 160 mile round trips - with plenty of time available to L2 charge at the destination factored in. I've never L3 charged ours

Other points:
I'm a silly MINI fan having had a 2011 Cooper S 6MT and would like an R52 (1st gen convertible) or a 2nd gen roadster to add to the roster.
My lease deal was very good and we're buying it out, saved a decent amount off msrp.
Unlike other EVs where depreciation has been hard, the SE is holding up quite well.
I'd go for a 22-24 model for the facelift.

HTH
MacMini34