MINI Hardtop 2 Door trim comparison
2024 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Cooper S vs Cooper SE
The Hardtop 2 Door Cooper S starts at $29,100 while the Cooper SE is $30,900. That $1,800 gap buys 5 meaningful differences.
$1,800 more is ~$32/month. The question is whether the added equipment will matter to you every week.
Start with the Cooper S if the 2.0L I4 Turbo already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the Cooper SE only when the electric powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The Cooper SE adds about $32/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $1,920 more overall with interest. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the Cooper S and Cooper SE share the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $1,800 for 4 measurable differences, which works out to about $450 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 5 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Cooper S | Cooper SE |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $29,100 | $30,900 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 Turbo | electric |
| Horsepower | 189 hp | 181 hp |
| Torque | 206 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG / MPGe | 23 MPG | No published data |
| Highway MPG / MPGe | 33 MPG | No published data |
| Combined MPG / MPGe | 27 MPG | No published data |
| Fuel Tank | 11.6 gal | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 2,813 lbs | 3,143 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 98.2" | 98.2" |
| Length | 152.8" | 151.7" |
| Width | 68.0" | 68.0" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.4" |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Cooper S vs Cooper SE Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the MINI Hardtop 2 Door lineup, the MINI brand hub, the Subcompact Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 Hardtop 2 Door Cooper SE cost than the Cooper S?
The Cooper SE starts at $30,900 compared to $29,100 for the Cooper S. That is a $1,800 difference, or approximately $32/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Cooper S and Cooper SE have the same engine?
No. The Cooper S uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo (189 hp, 206 lb-ft), while the Cooper SE has the electric (181 hp, 199 lb-ft). Both pair with the same 6-speed manual.
Do the 2024 Hardtop 2 Door Cooper S and Cooper SE have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with FWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2024 MINI Hardtop 2 Door Cooper SE worth $1,800 more than the Cooper S?
The $1,800 buys the electric. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the Cooper S does the same job for less.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $1,800 Gap
The Cooper SE earns its premium. For $1,800 more, you get the electric engine (+-8 hp), making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the Hardtop 2 Door lineup.
How the Cooper S and Cooper SE Feel Different
The Cooper SE uses a different powertrain configuration than the Cooper S. That means -8 more horsepower and -7 more lb-ft of torque.
The Short Version
$1,800 more for the Hardtop 2 Door Cooper SE gets you 4 real differences. At $32/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
MINI Hardtop 2 Door Cooper S
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Cooper S best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
MINI Hardtop 2 Door Cooper SE
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the Cooper SE when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with MINI or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.