Electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible gets green light for production

Limited run of 999 cars to be built as MINI puts electric convertible into production following successful one-off concept

Less than eight months after it showed its electric Cooper SE Convertible prototype, MINI has announced the EV drop-top will go into limited-series production.

Just 999 examples will be built, with 150 units earmarked for the UK at a price of £52,500. Sales begin in April, but specifications are fixed, with a choice of just two colours: White Silver or Enigmatic Black.

MINI claims a range of 125 miles for the Cooper SE Convertible, with efficiency of 3.6 miles per kWh putting the battery size at around 34.7kWh. Expect a 50kW charge rate for an 80 per cent top-up in 36 minutes, identical figures to the MINI Electric hatch.

The Convertible also uses the same 181bhp electric motor as the current MINI EV but no doubt some extra strengthening for this Convertible model, adding a little weight, means it's slightly slower, with a 0-62mph time of 8.2 seconds. The Union Jack-emblazoned roof can be raised and lowered electrically at speeds of up to 18mph.

The new car features special door sills and 1/999 badging, plus 17-inch wheels made from recycled aluminium. Other design details include black door mirror caps and more piano-black and Bronze Resolute exterior detailing, as well as the MINI Yours soft-top roof.

Inside, there’s a heated Nappa leather steering wheel, sports seats, more piano-black trim, ambient lighting and keyless go. A head-up display also features alongside a Harmon Kardon stereo, wireless phone charging, sat-nav and a rear-view camera. Active cruise control, driver assistance tech and active parking also feature.

MINI boss Stefanie Wurst said: “Three years ago we launched the all-electric Cooper SE, and today one in five MINIs sold in Europe is electric.

“I’m delighted that we can offer 999 customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling.”

Click here for our list of the best electric cars on sale in the UK right now...

Sean’s been writing about cars since 2010, having worked for outlets as diverse as PistonHeads, MSN Cars, Which? Cars, Race Tech – a specialist motorsport publication – and most recently Auto Express and sister titles Carbuyer and DrivingElectric

Recommended

Used MINI Convertible (Mk2, 2009-2015) review
Used MINI Convertible - front
Used car tests

Used MINI Convertible (Mk2, 2009-2015) review

A full used buyer’s guide on the MINI Convertible focusing on the Mk2 model that was on sale between 2009 and 2015
21 Sep 2023
Best convertibles and cabriolets to buy 2023
Best convertibles - header image
Best cars & vans

Best convertibles and cabriolets to buy 2023

Love the feeling of the wind in your hair while driving? These are the best convertible cars for the job
17 Jul 2023
MINI Convertible review
MINI Convertible - front tracking
In-depth reviews

MINI Convertible review

The MINI Convertible is our favourite small rag-top thanks to its practicality, fun and premium feel
7 Jul 2023
Convertible of the Year 2023: MINI Convertible
MINI Convertible - Convertible of the Year 2023
Awards

Convertible of the Year 2023: MINI Convertible

The MINI Convertible is the 2023 Auto Express Convertible of the Year, with the Fiat 500 and Mazda MX-5 commended
5 Jul 2023

Most Popular

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates
Renault 5 EV concept at 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates

Renault’s reborn Renault 5 will start from €25,000 in Europe, suggesting a circa-£30k price in the UK. It's due on sale in the summer of 2024. Here's …
1 Dec 2023
‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’
Opinion - Fiat Scudo
Opinion

‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’

With some huge savings to be had, Mike Rutherford thinks a van could be the perfect vehicle
3 Dec 2023
New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash
BMW Neue Klasse SUV exclusive image - front
News

New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash

BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric SUV could carry the iX3 nameplate and our exclusive images preview how it might look
30 Nov 2023