[DougMcL]

Originally Posted by TimMcC

.

Have heard it's a lot more efficient than the i3 at speed, presumably due to the aerodynamics as I think the motors are the same

It has the same motor as the i3s and is much more efficient than the i3, despite being heavier with fatter normal sized tyres. CDa (aerodynamic coefficient and frontal area) is less than the i3.

Has a usable battery capacity of 29 Kwh so at 4 miles per Kwh has a usable range of 116 miles. Some people can get 6 miles per Kwh though...

[DougMcL]

I also test drove a Honda E. Amazing car with amazing tech. Great suspension and ride but just a bit dull. Also considered the CX30. But after driving the Mini.... just no way. Behaves like a proper little hot hatch, torque steer and all.

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

Originally Posted by DougMcL

Fuck. Really? Mind you getting to London would have been an issue.

Delivery is included in the price, our Clubman was dropped outside the house. Not sure if Northern Ireland would have been though.

[gangzoom]

Originally Posted by Goneinsixtyseconds

Not too bad, but not sure it’d be as cheap as a Leaf. The BMW U.K. Forces scheme that you should qualify for is £345 deposit, £345 monthly, 48 month pcp, 8,000 miles a year. If you’re buying cash it looks like a £2,300 discount.

Not sure if there’s better deals, OP might know?

Thanks for that, mother in law now starting to look at the ordering process.

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

Originally Posted by gangzoom

Thanks for that, mother in law now starting to look at the ordering process.

They don’t always make it easy. They don’t answer the phone number on the U.K. Forces website from my experience. The way I used to speak to them was by phoning Park Lane and asking for that department, usually got through then. The lady I spoke to, Priscilla, seemed a bit more responsive than others given feedback on here.

Make sure you check numbers if you add options, for me and others on here, they tried it on by adding too much to the monthly cost. With the discount and gfv it generally worked out at about £15 per £1,000 added. If it’s much more than that challenge them.

For example I added £1500 of options, first quote added £50 a month to the price, so £2500 nearly, more than the options cost! When challenged they said, sorry, we’ve made a mistake, and then it came back at just under £20 a month extra, which was right.

They were adding on things like delivery when redoing the numbers, but they’re included and free.

Once you get the right numbers, the deal is then fairly straight forward.

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

Originally Posted by gangzoom

Thanks for that, mother in law now starting to look at the ordering process.

The cheapest version of the electric Mini on there is now £319 deposit, £319 a month. Pretty good.

[DougMcL]

Originally Posted by Goneinsixtyseconds

Make sure you check numbers if you add options

There aren't any options on a Mini Electric. It is either 1,2 or 3

I suspect there is an LCI2 coming in March so things may change and the options and spec may change!

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

Originally Posted by DougMcL

There aren't any options on a Mini Electric. It is either 1,2 or 3

I suspect there is an LCI2 coming in March so things may change and the options and spec may change!

That’s a good thing I guess, nothing for Park Lane to play smoke and mirrors with.

[DougMcL]

I have removed most of the Mini Electric only styling... Replaced the fugly electric nose cone with a Cooper S grille. It's not only BMW owners who change their grilles!

Next step is to remove the E2 badges from the back. I may leave the Cooper S badge on the back in yellow, normal S is in red. There are also E badges on the indicators in yellow. These may get replaced for red S badges.

[DougMcL]

Just another observation. I can't explain just how much this little car feels like a BMW. I last drove a BMW Mini way back in 2003. This is really just like a compact version of a 3 series. The switchgear (although it looks different) feels just like an F series BMW. It's actually quite uncanny. Build quality is superb, much better than it looks in the pictures. I absolutely love it. So much character which the F30 and G20 both lack.

[davyk31]

I’m considering an I3S, how does the Mini compare to it? Would be keen enough on the Mini but the back seats are just too small as I have 2 teenage kids to transport about.

[DougMcL]

They have the same drivetrain Davy, though the mini is apparently quicker. The i3 has skinnier wheels and probably doesn't handle as well. There is more room in the back of a mini than you might expect, though getting in might be an issue. Belfast has two demonstrators with an i3 opposite though god knows how long it will be before you can try!

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by davyk31

I’m considering an I3S, how does the Mini compare to it? Would be keen enough on the Mini but the back seats are just too small as I have 2 teenage kids to transport about.

Depends how far and how regularly they're in the car. The F56 we had easily fits teenagers but it's not a great car for a an hour in the back.

[gangzoom]

Mother in law just confirmed her order, Level 2 spec, British racing green, delivery is next week. Local dealer got within in £10/month of the BMW forces deal (thanks for the tip).

I was surprised at the sub £30k asking price, than the £2k financial contribution on top, cash price is just over £25k. When you consider a base Model 3 is over £40k it shows either how cheap the Mini is or overpriced Teslas are!!

[DougMcL]

She will love it!

[gangzoom]

Originally Posted by DougMcL

She will love it!

I think so too, her last combustion car was a Mini before she moved into a Zoe and than Leaf.

She barely does 4000 miles a year and never more than 50 miles a day so range is not an issue. I actually tried to convince her to buy it outright, as looking around apart from the MG there isn't another EV so cheap!! Who would have thought a Mini would be cheaper to buy brand new versus a Hyundai/Kia - you need over £30k for one of those!!

[DougMcL]

Yeah. It is absolutely unbelievable value, given the spec. Level 2 is the sweetspot. 4k more for a sunroof, leather and Harmon Kardon - I don't think so. Standard stereo rocks anyway. I actually love the way it torque steers when you boot the throttle. Such a hoot!

[DougMcL]

Mini have just done an LCI2 to their F56. They've done a BMW with the grilles and made them huge. Foglights gone. At least the electric looks more like a normal car without the silly yellow bits. Just a yellow S instead of a red one.

Old vs new







http://www.motoringfile.com/2021/01/...h-convertible/

Think I prefer mine with the Cooper S grille

[isleaiw1]

Prefer the look of yours but no doubt the new one will grow on me and I will be wanting an SE soon..... shame they dont do a 5 door hatch version yet.....

[DougMcL]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

Prefer the look of yours but no doubt the new one will grow on me and I will be wanting an SE soon..... shame they dont do a 5 door hatch version yet.....

I think blacking out chrome trim has maybe had its day. I really think the Mini suits its chrome elements. The inside of the LCI2 is also a mess with fussy detailing, though it does get a larger idrive screen.

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

Doesn’t look much bigger than the old one in the comparison pic. Just a bit different in shape and more joined up to the lower intake, which was still there on the pre LCI.

The sporty one looks bigger as they add a more obvious surround for it all.

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by DougMcL

Mini have just done an LCI2 to their F56. They've done a BMW with the grilles and made them huge. Foglights gone. At least the electric looks more like a normal car without the silly yellow bits. Just a yellow S instead of a red one.

Old vs new

[IMG]http://s3.motoringfile.com/wp-conten...s-1200x800.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://s3.motoringfile.com/wp-conten...31_highRes.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://s3.motoringfile.com/wp-conten...11_highRes.jpg[/IMG]

http://www.motoringfile.com/2021/01/...h-convertible/

Think I prefer mine with the Cooper S grille

[IMG]https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/at...8;d=1610921726[/IMG]

Agree saw this yesterday and really not impressed. I know there's the initial shock, or the fact it looks unusual ... but I just don't think it looks very good sadly.

You've been kind and not shown the rear. That's messed up now!