Mini Cooper SE vs BMW i5
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Mini Cooper SE | BMW i5 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 184 | 601 | -69.4% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 270 | 820 | -67.1% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 15.2 | 18.2 | -16.5% |
| NCAP safety | 4★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $38,664 | $107,460 | -64.0% |
- BMW i5 makes about 69% more power (601 vs 184 hp).
- Mini Cooper SE is the more efficient EV, using 15.2 kWh/100km against 18.2.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (EU and Germany); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: Cooper SE or i5?
Mini Cooper SE advantages
- Energy efficiency (+16%)
- Affordability (+64%)
BMW i5 advantages
- Engine power (+69%)
- Pulling torque (+67%)
- Crash-test safety (+20%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Mini Cooper SE if you want the lowest charging costs per km.
- Choose the BMW i5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Mini Cooper SE if you want the lower upfront cost.
Value for money
BMW i5 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Mini Cooper SE vs BMW i5: which should you choose?
Mini Cooper SE (2024 Cooper SE Level 3) — electric hatchback with 184 hp and 270 Nm, rated at 15.2 kWh/100km, 4-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $38,664 in the EU market.
BMW i5 (2024 M60 xDrive) — electric sedan with 601 hp and 820 Nm, rated at 18.2 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $107,460 in the Germany market.
Mini Cooper SE vs BMW i5: BMW i5 is more powerful. BMW i5 makes about 69% more power (601 vs 184 hp). Mini Cooper SE is the more efficient EV, using 15.2 kWh/100km against 18.2.
Performance
The BMW i5 is the more powerful, at 601 hp against 184 hp, with 820 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
The Mini Cooper SE is the more efficient EV, drawing 15.2 kWh/100km against 18.2 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
Mini Cooper SE is rated 4 stars by Euro NCAP and BMW i5 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Mini Cooper SE lists lower at about $38,664 (USD-converted from the EU market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mini Cooper SE better than the BMW i5?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. BMW i5 makes about 69% more power (601 vs 184 hp).
What is the main difference between the Mini Cooper SE and the BMW i5?
BMW i5 makes about 69% more power (601 vs 184 hp). Mini Cooper SE is the more efficient EV, using 15.2 kWh/100km against 18.2.
Which is better value?
BMW i5 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Mini Cooper SE if you want the lowest charging costs per km. Choose the BMW i5 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.