Compare 2026 MINI Base Models
MINI's 2026 UK range offers a refreshing mix of iconic fun, modern electrification, and varying levels of practicality.
The current line-up includes the MINI Cooper 3-Door, MINI Cooper 5-Door, MINI Convertible, MINI Aceman, and MINI Countryman.
Across the range the models share MINI's signature excellent handling and fun driving experience, the unique circular OLED infotainment, and a 7-speed automatic gearbox.
Here’s a breakdown of the basic differences:
Body Style, Size and Space
- MINI Cooper 3-Door: The purest, most iconic MINI experience. A compact 3-door hatchback focused on agile city driving and head-turning style. It delivers the classic MINI personality in its smallest, lightest form. It’s strictly a 4-seater vehicle (2 rear passengers), it offers 211L of boot space (731L with the rears seats down).
- MINI Cooper 5-Door: Essentially the same car as the 3-Door but with slightly larger proportions, and of course two extra rear doors and more rear space, it can accommodate 5 people (3 rear passengers, although 3 large adults in the back might be a stretch). It keeps the fun factor while improving everyday usability for passengers. Boot space is tad more than the 3-door Cooper; 275L (925 L with the rear seats down).
- MINI Convertible: The open-top experience. A cool 2-door soft-top convertible based on the Cooper platform. Like the 3-door Cooper it’s a 4 seater (2 rear passengers) and boot space with the rear seats up is similar to the 3-door Cooper; 211L, although it should be noted with the roof down it shrinks to 160L of available boot space. With the rear seats down, you get up to 665 litres (just over 600 litres with the roof down).
- MINI Aceman: MINI’s first purpose-built all-electric crossover/SUV. It sits between the Cooper hatch and the larger Countryman with a raised ride height, more rugged SUV-like styling, and crossover proportions while retaining MINI’s fun-to-drive ethos. It appeals to those wanting EV practicality and low running costs in a more rugged MINI package. It’s a 5-seater, boot space is a little better than the 5-door Cooper at 300 litres (1,005 litres with rear seats down).
- MINI Countryman: The biggest and most versatile MINI in a compact SUV/crossover package. It offers the most interior space, higher ground clearance, and optional ‘ALL4’ all-wheel drive for tackling more demanding driving conditions. It’s a 5-door model with the most generous boot space; 450–460 L (depending on spec), 1,390–1,450 L with rear seats down.
Engines and Efficiency
- Cooper 3-Door & 5-Door: Choice of an efficient 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine model (badged ‘Cooper C’) or a Punchier 2.0 litre petrol models (badged ‘Cooper S’), the Cooper S can achieve 0-60mph in a tad over 6-seconds, the more efficient Cooper C sacrifices a bit of performance (0-60mph in around 7.5 seconds), they offer fuel economy of typically 41-48 mpg.
- Cooper 3-Door ALL Electric: Either with a 36.6kWh battery (Cooper E model) or 49.2 kWh battery (Cooper SE), these two full electric variants offer a range of up to 190 and 250 miles respectively.
- Convertible: Choice of an efficient 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine model (badged ‘Cooper C’) or a Punchier 2.0 litre petrol models (badged ‘Cooper S’) - no electric option available. Performance and efficiency take a small hit over the standard Coopers models.
- Aceman: Electric only options. Entry E model (up to192 miles range) or more powerful SE (up to 252 miles range). Quick charging and zero emissions.
- Countryman: Choice of petrol mild-hybrid (1.5-litre FWD “C” or 2.0-litre AWD “S”) or full electric (single-motor FWD “E” or dual-motor AWD “SE ALL4”). Electric versions offer strong performance and up to ~287 miles range in top specs.
Which MINI Should You Choose?
- Pure fun and style on a budget - Cooper 3-Door (petrol or electric).
- Fun + need a bit more rear passenger space - Cooper 5-Door.
- Open-air thrills and cool appeal - Convertible (accept the practicality and small hit on efficiency trade-offs).
- More rugged crossover appeal with super low EV running costs - Aceman (excellent middle ground).
- Maximum space, versatility, practicality or for family use - Countryman (petrol for low mileage around town use or full electric for high mileage users).
All current MINI models benefit from the brand’s excellent build quality, distinctive design, and strong residual values in the UK.