Published on February 15th, 2023 | by Subhash Nair
0All-Electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible Debuts With Limited Production Run In Europe
Series production for the MINI Cooper SE Convertible will be limited to just 999 units.
It has been quite some time since MINI launched their first electric vehicle, the Cooper SE. Now, the company has finally decided to take the same formula to the one convertible model they sell. Back in July 2022, this vehicle existed as a single test prototype. The response to it was apparently so good that they decided to put it into production alongside the standard petrol Convertible model in the Netherlands. 999 units will be made exclusively for sale in Europe starting April 2023.
The Cooper SE Convertible features the same electric drivetrain and battery as the Cooper SE 3-door Hatchback. Range is limited to just over 200km on a full charge. It gets a 184 horsepower electric motor with enough oomph to get the Mini Cooper SE Convertible going from 0-100km/h in… 8.2 seconds.
That’s almost a second slower than the 3-door hatchback, but it’s to be expected due to the added weight of the convertible roof mechanism. That mechanism also takes up a bit of space in the boot, so cargo space has shrunk down from 211L to 160L. The soft-top can be opened or closed electronically at speeds of up to 30km/h. On this electric model, it has been given a Union Jack pattern.
Being a limited production model, the Mini Cooper SE Convertible is available in just two colour options – Enigmatic Black and White Silver. Door handles, side scuttles, and light surrounds are finished in Resolute Bronze.
The logos and model lettering is finished in Piano Black. There’s an ‘E’ logo on the front apron and on the rear to help further distinguish it from the petrol model, as well as the very eye-catching 17″ cast alloy wheels in the Electric Power Spoke 2-tone design. Another design change is the addition of serialized lettering on the door sill trims and side scuttles.
Inside, this model gets MINI Yours Leather Lounge design with a multifunctional sports leather steering wheel in Nappa leather. There’s a MINI Electric badge on the lower steering wheel spoke. Yellow colour accents in the cabin also help distinguish it from the ICE model.
MINI claims this is the first ‘locally emission-free premium convertible in the small car segment’ despite the fact that the smart EQ fortwo cabrio exists.