The electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible
The electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible
We all know what a success the MINI Electric has been.
Since it went on sale three years ago, one in five MINIs sold in Europe are electric.
And now, finally, a strictly limited-edition cabriolet version of the attractive EV is to go into production.
The electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible has become a reality just might months after the company displayed a drop-top prototype. Just 999 examples of the production model will be built, with 150 units earmarked for the UK. But — and it’s a big but — it comes with a hefty price tag of £52,000.
MINI has set the car’s specifications, and it will be available in a choice of just two colours, White Silver or Enigmatic Black.
As you would expect, it also comes with some special touches, including leather sports seats with Nappa touches, bespoke 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, which are made from recycled aluminium, and a 1/999 numbering plaque. There’s also Bronze Resolute exterior detailing, black door mirror caps, ambient lighting, keyless entry and the MINI Yours soft-top roof.
The comprehensive ‘standard’ spec list also includes a heated Nappa leather steering wheel, a rear-view camera, active parking, driver assistance tech, active cruise control, sat nav, a Harmon Kardon stereo, wireless phone charging, a heads-up display and more piano-black trim.
In terms of its external dimensions, the limited run electric cabriolet is pretty much identical to its combustion sibling. That means it’s 3,863mm long and 1,727mm tall, while boot space is 160 litres. It also has an electrically powered, Union Jack-embossed cloth soft top.
Thinking of making the switch to electric?
MINI claims it’s the first fully electric, fully convertible model to be sold. Its only potential rival is the Fiat 500 Cabrio EV, but that’s only fitted with a landaulet rear.
The cabriolet model uses the same 181bhp single-motor set-up as the standard MINI Electric, however the 0-62mph time is a tad slower than the fixed-roof MINI Electric, taking 8.2 seconds to cover the sprint. That is clearly a result of the additional weight created by some extra strengthening for the convertible. For the same reason, range is also down slightly to 124 miles.
With the ongoing success of the MINI Electric in the UK and across Europe, it was only matter of time before a cabriolet version was officially launched. Its introduction has been discussed by head of MINI, Stefanie Wurst.
‘It is this success which has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible within only a few months,’ she explained.
‘I’m delighted that we can offer customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling.’
