Mini is doing the unthinkable. While many car manufacturers have cut convertibles from their model ranges, Mini has introduced a cabriolet version of its personality-plus, all-electric Cooper SE.
Unfortunately for those of us with aspirations of swanning around in this cool electric cabriolet, the electric Mini Cooper Convertible is a one-off.
It’s been created to accompany a traditional Mini enthusiast road trip called “Mini Takes the States”, which will take a winding route from Vermont to South Carolina to give participants a firsthand experience of the Cooper SE’s go-kart handling in the open air.
While the electric Mini convertible is a one-off, that hasn’t stopped it from claiming the hearts of automotive media. And for good reason: there are few cabriolet options currently on the market, either in the US or Europe (let alone the limited market that is Australia.)
Yes, there is the Fiat 500e that is slated for arrival locally in early 2023, and notwithstanding confirmation of the cabriolet’s inclusion in an Australian line-up, it really is more of a sliding roof than a true convertible.
There are also come contenders out of China, including the inventive Polestar O2, which promises to offer a hard top from which issues forth its very own drone for ultimate influencer sequences.
But for now, I like the idea of the convertible electric Mini, even though it’s unlikely we’ll ever get to sit in one in the near future. Mini fans in the United States will at least be able to see for themselves just how well an electric drivetrain and powered fabric roof go together.
Mini says the roof can be opened at the touch of a button when the car is driving at a speed of 30km/hr and under. There are three settings: open, closed and sunroof.
The one-off electric version of the current generation Mini Cooper SE is powered by an electric motor from the now discontinued BMW i3 installed in a subframe under the hood, its 135 kW motor is enough for a bit of fun on winding country roads.
A low centre of gravity, decent torque from low revs and the lack of engine noise all promise a perfect confluence of a silent smooth start with the wind whipping through your hair.
Specs are the same as for the standard Mini Cooper SE: with a top speed of 150 km/hr and electric range of 230 kilometres. For a long-distance trip this is going to mean frequent stops to charge: just wind the top down and enjoy the ride.
