This Classic Mini EV ‘Restomod’ Costs Over RM720K!

UK specialist coachbuilders unveils the Mini eMastered as a reborn classic that harnesses electric propulsion!

Renowned specialist UK coachbuilders David Brown Automotive just unveiled its latest creation based on the classic Mini. Dubbed the Mini eMastered, the firm has treated this iconic classic with a peppy electric propulsion conversion matched with a host of modern updates and added luxury on board.

To ensure the classic icon’s famed handling abilities remain as close to original as possible, David Brown Automotive opted to swap out the Mini’s original combustion ((CE) powertrain with a new and equally compact EV system.

The result sees this reborn classic retain the same 640 KG kerb weight as it did in with its original ICE setup. This, in turn, sees the eMastered promising similar performance and drive dynamics as the ICE-powered original. Given the next set of facts, perhaps this is one promise that's been fulfilled...

The compact 18.8 kWh battery and e-motor setup develops 97 HP and 175 NM, as well as a claimed WLTP range of up to 177 KM.

Despite swapping from an ICE to an EV powerplant, the Mini eMastered retains the same 640 KG kerb weight as it originally did with an ICE setup.

The package consists of an 18.8 kWh battery juicing a front-mounted motor that drives the front wheels with 97 HP and 175 NM, thus granting the Mini eMastered a 0-100 KM/H in time of 8.5 seconds and a V-max of 148 KM/H.

Despite the small battery, this reborn classic can still cover up to 177 KM (WLTP). As for charging, the setup only accepts 6.6 kW AC inputs, meaning a full recharge using a typical home wallbox takes roughly three hours to complete.

“There is an inherent challenge in electrifying such an iconic model, to retain the high levels of reliability, performance, and quality that our customers expect,” says Michelle Gay, sales and marketing director at David Brown Automotive regarding challenges faced when converting this classic from ICE to EV.

On board, this restomod also sees its cabin get both modernised and upgraded with added luxuries.

Notably bits include bespoke aluminium switchgear, plush brown leather seats, as well as a modern Pioneer infotainment touchscreen offering both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

On board, no expenses were spared by David Brown Automotive as they’ve transformed this classic’s once basic cabin into a luxurious one. It features plush brown leather seats, bespoke aluminium switchgear and buttons, and a modern Pioneer infotainment display offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Some classic touches remains, like the wooden-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, as well as the signature large round instrument display dial. From the images provided, we can see that the quality of materials used to fashion the cabin and its trimmings are very high-end indeed.

Elsewhere, the Mini eMastered also sees its exterior updated lightly with a colour-matched front grille plus an orange-hued roof. Other notable changes include the switch to modern LED lights, lightweight cast alloy wheels, as well as subtly flared wheel arches at all four corners.

For the exterior, changes include the body-coloured grille, orange-hued roof, as well as subtly
flared wheel arches.

Modernisation of the exterior bits even include the adoption of LED lighting and lightweight alloy wheels.

Aptly, the end result sees this reborn classic standing arguably toe-to-toe with other notable modern retro ‘restomods’ – i.e. the ‘reimagined Porsche 911s’ by Singer Vehicle Design. Of course, this much attention to detail, especially by a specialist coachbuilder, naturally comes at high costs.

Sources online indicate that each commissioning of the Mini eMastered by David Brown Automotive starts at £125,000 – roughly RM724,144 based on current exchange rates. Yes, this electrified reborn classic’s has an equally ‘shocking’ base price, but one can argue the end result somewhat justifies it…