MINI E Coupe Spied Testing

BMW has kicked off the next phase in its electric-vehicle testing, with a new electrified MINI Cooper Coupe spied testing this week.

And while the previous MINI E hatch formed the basis of testing BMW's new i3 EV, this 'MINI E Coupe' is believed to be a prototype for the British brand's first electric offering. 

Unlike the i3, MINI's branch of BMW's electric vehicle program is likely to include a performance aspect, explaining the racing wheels and large wing on this spied tester. 

That's not to say that the i3's powertrain isn't a capable unit: in 2010, the MINI E hatch completed a lap of the famed Nurburgring circuit in 9 minutes and 51 seconds (video at link).

Now, that's not 918 Spyder territory, but it's a quick turn. 

Power for that MINI E was provided by a 150kW electric motor, offering around 220Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels through a single-stage helical transmission.

In the new BMW i3, the electric system delivers 125kW and 250Nm, sending power instead to the rear wheels. 

Watch for new details on the MINI E Coupe to surface over the coming months.