The MINI Cooper SE brings a dash of electric style and substance to the streets of Doha.

• The latest generation of the Sports Activity Vehicle, first launched over two decades ago, delivers exceptional comfort, versatility, and dynamic everyday driving pleasure.

There are cars that get you from A to B, and then there are cars that make every drive feel like an event. The MINI Cooper SE available in Qatar through Alfardan Automobiles, the official importer of BMW Group vehicles in Qatar, is firmly in the latter category. It looks familiar at first glance, that undoubtable MINI silhouette with the rounded headlights and cheeky stance, but spend just a little time behind the wheel and you quickly realise this is a MINI reimagined for a new era of driving.

In Doha’s stop-and-go traffic, the Cooper SE is in its element. Tap the accelerator and the instant torque snaps you forward with a satisfying jolt that never seems to fade, even after a week of daily commutes. The 160 kW motor puts down 218 horsepower and 330 Nm of torque, launching the car from 0 to 100 in just 6.7 seconds, which feels even quicker thanks to the seamless electric power delivery. The lithium-ion battery is tucked neatly into the floor, giving the Cooper SE a planted feel on roundabouts and Doha Corniche curves, and that famous go-kart handling MINI drivers have always boasted about has found its natural partner in electric propulsion.

On paper, the 54.2 kWh battery gives you up to 402 km of range, but what’s most impressive is how manageable it feels in daily life. Plugging into a fast charger, you can go from 10 to 80 per cent in about half an hour while grabbing coffee, and on a regular wall box at home, the MINI topped itself up overnight without fuss. The MINI app makes it even easier, pointing out available chargers and letting you keep an eye on charging progress from your phone.

Inside, it feels like a space that has been designed as much for fun as for function. The slim, round OLED display at the centre of the dash isn’t a mere talking point. A delight to use, you can call up navigation or switch between MINI’s playful driving modes. The toggle bar brings back the tactile joy of older MINIs, while the recycled materials, clever ambient lighting, and neat design touches give the cabin a light and modern personality. Even the seating feels fresh, with Vescin upholstery that’s soft, sustainable, and durable all at once.

Ownership, too, comes with peace of mind in this case. Alfardan Automobiles has bundled in an 8-year or 160,000 km battery warranty, four years of service with unlimited mileage, and a three-year or 200,000 km MINI warranty, so stepping into electric ownership feels more reassuring than experimental.

After a week with the MINI Cooper SE, what stands out isn’t just the performance or the design, though both are first-rate. It was the sense that this car is tailored to Doha’s rhythm… quick off the line for city driving, agile in tight spots, easy to charge, and charming enough to draw a smile every time you approach it in a car park. MINI has managed to bottle up six decades of playful driving DNA and pour it into a thoroughly modern, sustainable package that feels like the right car for this moment.