- BMW tuner AC Schnitzer has unveiled a series of upgrade parts for the Mini Coope J01 EV.
- The kit includes exterior aero parts, a suspension upgrade and one interior upgrade.
- Pricing hasn’t been announced, but you will be able to order the parts individually if you don’t want the whole kit.
For the all-new J01, Mini shifted the electric Cooper from its own platform to one co-developed with China’s Great Wall Motor. This made the new model a much better EV than before, but some of the go-kart feel to its handling was lost. AC Schnitzer has a few mods that should improve how the Cooper SE feels, making it more engaging to drive without affecting its range.
The BMW specialist tuning company now offers a blend of suspension and aero components that make the car look more aggressive and better at going around corners. The biggest changes are the stiffer springs, which lower the front by one inch and the rear by half an inch, which are complemented by 10-millimeter spacers and 19-inch AC1 wheels wearing 225-section tires.
10
AC Schnitzer
Completing the exterior makeover is a front splitter that fits under the factory bumper and a small roof spoiler in the back. AC Schnitzer says that the latter isn’t there just for show and actually helps with airflow and high-speed stability. Inside, only a branded aluminum footrest is offered, but it helps the interior feel sportier and more special. The focal point remains the round infotainment display, which features OLED technology and is unique in the automotive segment.
The lowered and stiffened suspension doesn’t just help the car corner better, but it could also improve range. Having a lower ride height should allow the car to cut through the air better and still achieve its WLTP range of 249 miles (402 km) in the 218 hp Cooper SE and 231 miles (372 km) in the 258 hp JCW model. The latter features an aggressive body kit from the factory, which includes different bumpers and a larger roof spoiler, but the tuner says its parts will fit on any version of the electric Mini, even the base 184-hp Cooper E.
Pricing for the complete kit hasn’t been announced, but you will also be able to order individual parts.
We found a lot to like when we drove the Mini Cooper SE J01 last year. The exterior design is cleaner and better than the gas model and the interior looks and feels unique with its knitted plastic, lights projecting onto the dashboard and the aforementioned round screen.
It also addresses its predecessor’s biggest gripe, the lack of range, but the tradeoff to this more grown-up character is that it’s not quite as fun to throw around a twisty road. Things should improve with the AC Schnitzer suspension kit and more aggressive wheels and tires.
