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.”
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