Founded in 1969, MINI was originally part of the British Motor Corporation before moving over to British Leyland, and subsequently, the Rover Group. When BMW acquired the Rover Group in 2000, MINI came along with it. The German manufacturer has excelled at keeping the British spirit alive through new additions to the classic collection that don’t compromise on the iconic MINI design. 

Key highlights

MINI is known for its small economy cars that all have similar characteristics: acceleration, speed, and a retro aesthetic that’s like no other. MINI cars are one-of-a-kind, and have become something of a statement piece. They’re cars that aren’t just practical on the road – they’re a lot of fun to drive. 

MINI Electric

Attendees at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2008 were among the first to lay eyes on the MINI E – the brand’s first electric car. However, with no back seats and only a sliver of boot space, it’s not surprising that this car never made it into production. MINI actually took a long time to get into the electric car leasing business, with owner BMW first focusing on the BMW i3. The MINI Countryman – a plug-in hybrid based on MINI’s 5-door model – was the first electrified MINI to hit the market back in 2017. The MINI Electric, the brand’s first fully electric, zero emissions car, finally emerged in 2020. 

Top models

While the MINI brand was first launched in 1969, the concept of the iconic MINI Cooper – the brand’s most famous car – has been around for much longer. Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis ten years earlier, the Cooper is often what comes to mind when we hear ‘MINI’, and it’s become a big part of British culture. It even had a starring role in the opening ceremony at the 2012 summer Olympics in London.

In the EV leasing world, the leading Cooper S model is the MINI Electric, which takes (almost) everything that’s so loved about this particular car and turns it into an emissions-free alternative.

Similar brands

If you’re thinking about leasing a MINI electric car, don’t forget to check out BMW’s own collection. The i3 – and subsequent models in the range – have been inspired by the early MINI E prototype.