2019 Mini Electric – pricing, specs and release date

Making its public debut at next month’s Frankfurt motor show, the Mini Electric is based on the three-door Mini hatchback, which currently has a four-star rating on our road test. In fact, we think it’s one of the best small cars around, so on paper an all-electric version with minimal running costs would appeal to plenty of drivers.

This concept car’s futuristic looks will be toned down for pro

duction. For the moment, the car features aggressive front and rear bumpers, a closed-off front grille, side skirts and LED lights at the front and rear. At the rear, those lights form the shape of a Union Jack, drawing attention to Mini’s status as a British company.

While these enhancements are designed to make the Mini Electric appear sporty and agile, they also help to channel air around the car, making it more aerodynamic and increasing its driving range.

2019 Mini Electric interior

We have yet to see inside the Mini Electric concept car but, as it’s based on the three-door Mini hatchback, expect to find seating for five, a reasonable boot and an infotainment system running the latest version of parent company BMW’s iDrive software, controlled via a rotay dial on the centre console. Innovations from the most recent BMW models, such as the fully digital and customisable instrument display seen in the latest 5 Series, are also likely to feature.

2019 Mini Electric price

The electric Mini will sit at the very top of the company’s hatchback range, so will cost significantly more than the current model. The Mini Countryman plug-in hybrid – Mini’s first electrified production car – has a price tag of £31,575, which is in excess of £8000 more expensive than the regular car. If Mini follows the same logic with the all-electric three-door hatchback, expect a starting price of around £23,000.

Read more: WhatCar