Verdict
The RM193,888 MINI Electric asks RM25,000 more than the Nissan Leaf, but brings a 54.2-kWh battery, 402-km range and 95-kW DC charging ceiling against 40.0 kWh, 270 km and 50 kW. Its 215 hp and 6.7-second 0-100 km/h time also make it the quicker car. The Leaf is the sensible space choice: five doors, five seats and a 435-litre boot versus the MINI’s three doors, four seats and 210 litres. Its RM100 annual road tax also halves the MINI’s bill.
Pick the MINI Electric if you want the 402-km range, 95-kW DC charging and much stronger 215-hp performance, and can live with three doors and a 210-litre boot.
Pick the Nissan Leaf if five seats, five doors and a 435-litre boot matter more than the MINI Electric’s extra range, pace and charging capability.
Key differences
- Price: MINI Electric RM193,888; Nissan Leaf RM168,888.
- Battery and range: MINI Electric 54.2 kWh and 402 km; Nissan Leaf 40.0 kWh and 270 km.
- Charging: MINI Electric 11 kW AC and 95 kW DC; Nissan Leaf 6.6 kW AC and 50 kW DC.
- Performance: MINI Electric 215 hp, 330 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds; Nissan Leaf 148 hp, 320 Nm and 7.9 seconds.
- Practicality: MINI Electric has 3 doors, 4 seats and a 210-litre boot; Nissan Leaf has 5 doors, 5 seats and a 435-litre boot.
- Dimensions: MINI Electric is 3,858 mm long with a 2,526-mm wheelbase; Nissan Leaf is 4,480 mm long with a 2,690-mm wheelbase.
Electric
- 402-km EV range from a 54.2-kWh battery.
- 215 hp and 330 Nm; 0-100 km/h takes 6.7 seconds.
- 95-kW DC and 11-kW AC charging, plus adaptive LED headlamps and active cruise control.
- RM25,000 dearer, with RM200 annual road tax versus RM100.
- Only 3 doors, 4 seats and a 210-litre boot, against the Leaf’s 5 doors, 5 seats and 435 litres.
- Heavier at 1,605 kg versus 1,544 kg.
Leaf
- Five doors, five seats and a 435-litre boot.
- Euro NCAP five-star rating with six airbags and autonomous emergency braking.
- Three-year/100,000-km manufacturer warranty, 6.6-kW wallbox and space-saver spare tyre.
- 270-km range from its 40.0-kWh battery is 132 km short of the MINI Electric.
- 50-kW DC and 6.6-kW AC charging trail the MINI’s 95 kW and 11 kW.
- 148 hp and a 7.9-second 0-100 km/h time fall behind the MINI’s 215 hp and 6.7 seconds.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM193,888 | RM168,888✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM200 | RM100✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 215 hp✓ | 148 hp |
| Motor Torque | 330 Nm✓ | 320 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 54.2 kWh✓ | 40.0 kWh |
| EV Range | 402 km✓ | 270 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW✓ | 6.6 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 95 kW✓ | 50.0 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | Constant Ratio Gearbox for EV |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Nissan |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.7 seconds✓ | 7.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 170 km/h✓ | 155 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,858 mm | 4,480 mm |
| Width | 1,756 mm | 1,790 mm |
| Height | 1,460 mm | 1,540 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,526 mm | 2,690 mm |
| Weight | 1,605 kg | 1,544 kg |
| Doors | 3 | 5 |
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 210 litres | 435 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/40R18 | 215/50R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/40R18 | 215/50R17 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Maxxis Premitra 5 | Dunlop Enasave EC300 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Night Flash Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Night Flash Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | e-Pedal, Intelligent Ride Control, Intelligent Trace Control |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars — With 6 Airbags and Autonomous Emergency Braking |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 4 Three-point belts | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, Front Passenger Seat | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For Front Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projector with High Beam Assist | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory and Massage Function | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB C, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 1 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System | 5" Display Radio/CD Player with USB, Bluetooth, AUX-in and 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Flip Switch | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with Around View Monitor (AVM) |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | 6.6 kW Wallbox, 7" Information Display, Climate Control Timer |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 3 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 2 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty, Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years | 3-year/60,000 km Free Service, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty, Complimentary Usage of Nissan SUV, MPV or Pick-up for 23 Days per Year |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Electric & Leaf for sale
Electric vs Leaf FAQ
Is the MINI Electric or Nissan Leaf better?
The MINI Electric is better for range, charging and performance, with 402 km, 95-kW DC charging and 215 hp. The Nissan Leaf is better if you need five seats, five doors and 435 litres of boot space.
What is the price difference?
The MINI Electric costs RM25,000 more than the Nissan Leaf. It also has RM200 annual road tax, compared with RM100 for the Leaf.
Which one is more practical for a family?
The Nissan Leaf is more practical. It has five doors, five seats, a 435-litre boot and a 2,690-mm wheelbase; the MINI Electric has three doors, four seats, a 210-litre boot and a 2,526-mm wheelbase.