Walmart seemed really keen to sell the DJI Mini SE, but that won't be happening for some time (if ever). Everything else is standard Mini inside, from the central 8.8-inch infotainment display to the iconic toggle switches between the sun visors and below the climate controls. I was super impressed with the flying capabilities of the DJI Mini 2 SE. Not only the drone has the same flying prowess as its more expensive sibling, the Mini 2, but it also has Level 5 wind resistance (up to 10.7 m/s or 38 km/h) and ±0.1 m vertical and ±0.3 m horizontal hovering accuracy (with vision positioning). This, combined with the superb gimbal performance, ensures that the DJI Mini 2 SE stays where you left it in the air.

With 181hp / 199lb-ft (135kW / 270Nm) on tap, the front-wheel drive Mini Cooper SE does the 0-60mph sprint in about 6.5 seconds (0-100km/h in about 7s). That actually makes it one of the fastest Minis currently on the market. Other than camera options, the weakness is the range. We found that at about 250m (820ft) the signal was at its limit. This, however, is as it is sensible to fly with such a small drone (it gets hard to see with the naked eye at this point). There's more customisable lighting at the rear, with the tail lights able to be customised, showing the familiar Union Flag signature, or a choice of other modes. They're joined by a strip on the tailgate, with all lighting featuring a welcome and a goodbye animation. It also has the ability to top up your phone charge from its much bigger battery; no bad thing given flying keeps the phone screen on so draws power. With a good, modern phone you also get a good, bright screen. Compared to the top-of-the-line drones, the Mini SE (and the Mini 2 SE) don’t do a lot, but it does what it sets out to well. Pictures and video from the air and for many that will be enough, and are very shareable; indeed they look good for any scenario short of professional editing.Camera Quality: Equipped with a 12-megapixel camera capable of recording 2.7K video at 30fps, the Mini SE delivers respectable image and video quality. While it may not match the capabilities of higher-end DJI models, the results are more than sufficient for casual aerial photography and videography. When it's time for a refill, the Mini Cooper SE supports DC fast charging at up to 50KW. That's not spectacular, but since the battery is small, it only takes about 36 mins for an 80% charge. Inspired by our history, we have developed our own new design language, defining our DNA,” he told Auto Express, adding that the new car's appearance is “characterised by a clear, reduced design language intuitively focused on the essentials of the brand.” Minimal improvements like this come with improvements to motors or just the software driving them (both drones use identical propellors, too). It is worth noting, though, that in both cases the maximum flight time is measured at constant forward travel; hovering actually uses more power so drains the battery a little faster. However, the Mini asks you to understand a few home truths. BMW could have given it more range and will do down the line. But, that will likely make it heavier and more expensive, with longer charging times and less cabin space. For this first proper production attempt it studied a lot of Mini owner data, sussed out the average Cooper S travels 26 miles a day, and moulded the Mini Electric’s performance to suit that brief, needing only a couple of recharges to slip into the average Mini audience’s life unnoticed.

Optional high-speed 5G data connectivity and MINI's MyMINI app means the new Cooper is the brand's most connected car ever – and this extends to MINI's new “Hey MINI!” personal assistant, with owners also able to choose Spike, a digital depiction of a dog, as their avatar of choice. But the arrival of the DJI Mini SE does cloud the picture a little, and this certainly isn't a year where we can make confident predictions about release cycles. So far, we've seen stronger rumors about the long-awaited DJI Mavic Pro 3, which is expected to replace the almost three-year-old DJI Mavic 2 Pro, but the latest rumors suggest that model has been delayed. It’s not short of rivals either – among them the Fiat 500, Honda e, Peugeot e-208, Renault Zoe, Ora Funky Cat and Vauxhall Corsa Electric, to name but a few – so it’ll need to rely on more than just its looks to tempt buyers. The base model is well equipped in all markets, and includes heated seats and a heated steering wheel, an 8.8-inch infotainment system with navigation, plus auto LED headlights and wipers. Other trims add a power moonroof and power folding mirrors, leather seats, a Harman-Kardon audio system, adaptive cruise control, and self parking.Price is a non-binding recommendation of the manufacturer (including VAT, excluding transportation costs). Prices shown may differ. Your MINI retailer will gladly give you more information on models available, options and binding price information. We thought the flying experience was solid and dependable, and appreciated that the bottom sensors both prevented violent crashing into the ground, and made drift-free indoor use possible (outdoors the GPS helps with this).