NIO ES6 vs Mini Cooper SE
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | NIO ES6 | Mini Cooper SE | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 489 | 184 | +165.8% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 700 | 270 | +159.3% |
| Energy use (kWh/100km) | 16.8 | 15.2 | +10.5% |
| NCAP safety | 5★ (C-NCAP) | 4★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Electric | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Single-speed | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $47,320 | $38,664 | +22.4% |
- NIO ES6 makes about 166% more power (489 vs 184 hp).
- Mini Cooper SE is the more efficient EV, using 15.2 kWh/100km against 16.8.
- Prices are converted to USD from their home markets (China and EU); taxes and availability differ by country.
Verdict: ES6 or Cooper SE?
NIO ES6 advantages
- Engine power (+62%)
- Pulling torque (+61%)
- Crash-test safety (+20%)
Mini Cooper SE advantages
- Energy efficiency (+10%)
- Affordability (+18%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the NIO ES6 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
- Choose the Mini Cooper SE if you want the lowest charging costs per km.
- Choose the NIO ES6 if you tow, carry loads or drive hilly roads.
Value for money
NIO ES6 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
NIO ES6 vs Mini Cooper SE: which should you choose?
NIO ES6 (2023 Standard 75kWh (Gen 2)) — electric suv with 489 hp and 700 Nm, rated at 16.8 kWh/100km, 5-star C-NCAP safety; priced near $47,320 in the China market.
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.
NIO ES6 vs Mini Cooper SE: NIO ES6 is more powerful. NIO ES6 makes about 166% more power (489 vs 184 hp). Mini Cooper SE is the more efficient EV, using 15.2 kWh/100km against 16.8.
Performance
The NIO ES6 is the more powerful, at 489 hp against 184 hp, with 700 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a single-speed transmission.
Running costs
The Mini Cooper SE is the more efficient EV, drawing 15.2 kWh/100km against 16.8 — lower charging costs and, on the same battery, more range.
Safety
NIO ES6 is rated 5 stars by C-NCAP and Mini Cooper SE 4 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 NIO ES6 better than the Mini Cooper SE?
These two are closely matched — the right pick comes down to which specific strengths you value and the price you actually pay. NIO ES6 makes about 166% more power (489 vs 184 hp).
What is the main difference between the NIO ES6 and the Mini Cooper SE?
NIO ES6 makes about 166% more power (489 vs 184 hp). Mini Cooper SE is the more efficient EV, using 15.2 kWh/100km against 16.8.
Which is better value?
NIO ES6 delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the NIO ES6 if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence. Choose the Mini Cooper SE if you want the lowest charging costs per km.
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.