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MINI Cooper vs Smart EQ forfour
Selected trimCooper EChange trim190 mi · 40.7 kWh · £26,155
Selected trimStandard · 2017-2281 mi · 17.6 kWh · £24,285
At a glance
In this comparison, MINI Cooper leads on value for money and motorway range, while the Smart EQ forfour leads on charging speed and city driving.
Which should you choose?
Choose the MINI Cooper if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
Choose the Smart EQ forfour if...
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you drive in the city - it's compact with an excellent turning circle
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Smart EQ forfour edges ahead overall, but it's close - check which categories matter most to you.
ValueMINI
MINI
5.7
Smart
5
Motorway RangeMINI
MINI
4.4
Smart
3.9
Family
MINI
4.4
Smart
4.6
Too close to call
ChargingSmart
MINI
5.2
Smart
9.5
Cost Per Mile
MINI
8.5
Smart
8.2
Too close to call
City DrivingSmart
MINI
9
Smart
9.7
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
MINI Cooper
Cooper E
- 109 miles more WLTP range
- 75 kW faster rapid charging
- 75 kW more power
- 4.9s quicker 0-62 mph
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | MINI CooperCooper E | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £26,155 | £24,285 (better) |
| Official range | 190 miles (better) | 81 miles |
| Boot space | 210 L (better) | 185 L |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 28 min | Not available |
| 0-62 mph | 7.8 sec (better) | 12.7 sec |
Size Comparison
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MINI Cooper
Smart EQ forfour
Length
MINI Cooper3,858mm
Smart EQ forfour3,495mm-363mm
Width
MINI Cooper1,756mm
Smart EQ forfour1,665mm-91mm
Height
MINI Cooper1,460mm-94mm
Smart EQ forfour1,554mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | MINI CooperCooper E | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,858 mm | 3,495 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,756 mm | 1,665 mm (better) |
| Width with mirrors out | 1,944 mm | 1,875 mm (better) |
| Height | 1,460 mm | 1,554 mm |
| Turning circle | 10.4 m | 8.7 m (better) |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 644 mm spare | 735 mm spare (better) |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | MINI CooperCooper E | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | Not available | 4 |
| Rear legroom | 778 mm | Not available |
| ISOFIX child-seat points | Not available | 2 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 210 L (better) | 185 L |
| Boot space (seats down) | 800 L | Not available |
| Frunk | 0 L | Not available |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 0 kg | 0 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
MINI Cooper
Not enough peers to make confident percentile claims.
Smart EQ forfour
- At 3,495 mm, shorter than 100% of hatchback EVs in our UK catalogue.
- 8.65 m turning circle, tighter than 95% of hatchback EVs in our database.
- 1,665 mm wide, below our 1,750 mm narrow-car threshold.
Full specifications
| Specification |  MINI Cooper Cooper E |  Smart EQ forfour Base |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3.86m | 3.50m-363mm |
| Width | 1.76m | 1.67m-91mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 1.94m | 1.88m-69mm |
| Height | 1.46m | 1.55m+94mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.53m | 2.49m-32mm |
| Ground Clearance | Not available | 100mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 210L (better) | 185L |
| Boot (seats down) | 800L | Not available |
| Seats | Not available | 4 |
| Rear Legroom | 778mm | Not available |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 10.4m | 8.65m (better) |
| Kerb Weight | 1,615kg | 1,275kg (better) |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 40.7kWh (better) | 17.6kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 190 mi (better) | 81 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 75kW (better) | 0kW |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £26,155 | £24,285 (better) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Available | 2024+ | 2017–2022 |
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | MINI CooperCooper E | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 190 miles (better) | 81 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 158 miles (better) | 67 miles |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 28 min | Not available |
| Max rapid charge rate | 75 kW (better) | 0 kW |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 22 kW (better) |
| Usable battery capacity | 36.6 kWh (better) | 16.7 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | NMC |
| Battery architecture | 400V | Not available |
| Heat pump | Not available | Not standard |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | MINI CooperCooper E | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 7.8 sec (better) | 12.7 sec |
| Power | 135 kW (better) | 60 kW |
| Torque | 290 Nm (better) | 160 Nm |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests. One car has more review coverage than the other - we show that rather than guessing.
MINI Cooper
Cooper E
Smart EQ forfour
Base
No critic reviews gathered yet for this car.
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
MINI Cooper
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | MINI CooperCooper E | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £28,900 | £6,495 |
| Average used price | £28,900 | £7,445 |
| Recent used-price trend | Broadly flat | Down 15.8% over ~6 months |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - MINI Cooper Cooper E
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant83%
Child Occupant82%
Vulnerable Road Users81%
Safety Assist77%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Smart EQ forfour Base
Tested 2014
Adult Occupant78%
Child Occupant80%
Vulnerable Road Users56%
Safety Assist56%
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | MINI CooperCooper E | Smart EQ forfourBase |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km (better) | 100,000 km |
Buying options
Get a quote
MINI Cooper
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Smart EQ forfour
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
MINI Cooper
- £28,9002025EV ExpertsView
Smart EQ forfour
No active listings.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MINI Cooper worth the extra £1,870 over the Smart EQ forfour?
The MINI Cooper costs £1,870 more than the Smart EQ forfour. For that premium it adds 109 miles more WLTP range, 75 kW faster peak rapid charging and 75 kW more power. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Smart EQ forfour comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the MINI Cooper or the Smart EQ forfour?
The Smart EQ forfour is £1,870 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £144 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Smart EQ forfour comes out roughly £1,830 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the MINI Cooper and Smart EQ forfour like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 158 miles for the MINI Cooper and 67 miles for the Smart EQ forfour - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The MINI Cooper goes roughly 91 miles further between charging stops.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the MINI Cooper or the Smart EQ forfour?
The Smart EQ forfour is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 91 mm narrower than the MINI Cooper. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 735 mm of total clearance for the Smart EQ forfour and about 644 mm of total clearance for the MINI Cooper. The Smart EQ forfour also turns in a 1.8 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the MINI Cooper or the Smart EQ forfour?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the MINI Cooper and 84% for the Smart EQ forfour. That is close enough that capacity loss should not decide between them. Both use NMC-type cells, so for daily use keep the charge limit near 80% to slow degradation. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More MINI Cooper comparisons
More Smart EQ forfour comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the MINI Cooper and Smart EQ forfour rank among EVs under £30,000Where the MINI Cooper and Smart EQ forfour rank among EVs under £40,000Where the MINI Cooper and Smart EQ forfour rank among the best small electric carsWhere the MINI Cooper and Smart EQ forfour rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the MINI Cooper and Smart EQ forfour rank among the best city EVsWhere the MINI Cooper and Smart EQ forfour rank among the cheapest EVs to run
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used MINI Cooper E / SE (2024 on): Which Battery, Recalls & What to Pay
A used 2024-on MINI Cooper E and Cooper SE buyer’s guide: 40.7 vs 54.2 kWh, how to tell it from the older MINI Electric, the battery and brake recalls, warranty, real-world range, what to pay against new stock and a printable checklist.
GuideBuying a Used smart EQ fortwo or forfour (2017-2024): Charging Faults, Real Range & What to Pay
A used smart EQ fortwo and forfour buyer’s guide: coupe, cabrio or four-seater, the 22 kW charger, charging and 12V faults, real-world range, the battery warranty, what to pay and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .