The 2023 Mini Cooper SE Resolute Edition's Bronze Trim Hints at a Future Without Chrome

The 2023 Mini Cooper SE electric caris going even more green with a new special design package that tones down the base-SE's brighter flourishes, and signals an employment of more sustainable materials. Dubbed the Resolute Edition, the new look adds style to the all-electric Mini Cooper with a green paint job, bronze trim that replaces all of the chrome, and traditional Pepper White mirror finishes to differentiate itself from other Minis with a traditional touch.

Green With Envy?

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The first thing you'll notice about the Resolute Edition Cooper SE is the deep, rich Rebel Green paint finish. It's a color that was originally reserved for the John Cooper Works model, which honestly diminishes its former exclusivity for those owners while also taking away from the originality of this new package. However, the roof and exterior mirror caps will come in Pepper White, continuing the tradition set with the original Mini over 60 years ago, which is a nice touch.

While that color combo is great looking, the exclusive Resolute Bronze trim replaces the chrome and really makes the Cooper SE a more understated, handsome little car. Especially when you add in the Piano Black lower windshield edge, inner grille frame, brand logos, and the model badge along with Mini's cool 17-inch Electric Collection Spoke wheels. Unlike the regular SE, this is trying to come across as tastefully traditional as it can get (save for the wheels, which even look like European power sockets).

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The only thing that takes away from the clean look are a pair of exclusive stick-on hood stripes. The stripe and the door sill trims feature a pattern made of parallel lines with a gold and silver color gradient and "Resolute" inscriptions. It'd be more impressive to see actual individual pin-striping work instead of one large sticker, leaving this aspect of the package more hit or miss for us.

Why Bronze Over Chrome?

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We asked Mini if that Bronze treatment will make it beyond the Resolute Edition. Andrew Cutler, Mini's Head of Communications, said, "At this point the bronze and brass trim elements are exclusive to these special editions."

That shouldn't bum you out, however, as Cutler also stated that, "we are looking at a broader range of trim finishes beyond chrome, in part to offer more options for customization and also reduce the use of chrome, a material not known to be very sustainable." If not bronze, be sure to expect more trim material variations in the future.

An Updated Classic Mini Interior

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Sitting in the incredible Light Gold Checkered fabric and Black Pearl leatherette seats, you'll find the familiar and timeless Mini Cooper design. The anthracite headliner, black armrests and knee kick panels are contrasted by the light gold curved and straight gloss black pinstripe patterns on the matte black dash inlays. The Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel features a small "Resolute" script located on the bottom spoke of the wheel.

Upgrades In Safety And Convenience

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The Resolute Edition isn't light on safety and convenience items, featuring Mini's Driver Assistance Package including a heads-up display, park assist, lane departure warning, and Active Cruise Control that features "Stop and Go" function. You also get the updated—and far more praised—8.8 inch touchscreen that allows you to control vehicle functions, the radio controls, navigation, and apps you have connected to your phone such as Apple CarPlay. This package wouldn't be complete without it.

It's Still An Electric Mini Cooper

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While the Resolute Edition adds great looks inside and out, it is still a Mini Cooper SE Hardtop underneath—and that's no bad thing. The same 181 hp electric motor is powered by a 32.64 kWh battery with an EPA-estimated range of 114 miles, making it a great commuter car. It's also capable of Level 3 DC Rapid Charging at 50 W, getting your Cooper SE charged to 80-percent battery capacity in just 40 minutes, offering 90 miles of range in under an hour of charging. Production of the 2023 Mini Cooper SE Resolute Edition is planned to start in March of 2022 and arrive here in the U.S. this spring for an MSRP of $38,750.