Credit: BMW
German automaker BMW has unveiled what it is claiming is the world’s first convertible with a purely electric drive, the Mini Cooper SE Convertible.
Mini unveiled a one-off cabriolet (convertible) version of its all-electric Cooper SE back in July 2022 to unsurprisingly rave reviews. But it made only one. This time around 999 models will be made – and limited to Europe where they will attract a price of €60,000 (around $A93,000).
Mini claims the prize of world first convertible by pipping rivals such as for the Fiat 500e and Hongguang Mini EV. It will be available from April.
“Three years ago we launched the all-electric MINI Cooper SE, and today one in five Mini sold in Europe is an all-electric Mini,” said Stefanie Wurst, head of the Mini Brand.
“This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the Mini Cooper SE Convertible within only a few months. I’m delighted that we can offer 999 Mini customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling.”
Boasting a range of 201 kilometres (WLTP) a 135kWh/184hp electric motor accelerates the Mini Cooper SE Convertible to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
Edition-specific 17” alloy cast alloy wheels are made of 100% secondary aluminium while the Convertible is available in colours Enigmatic Black and White Silver.
Door handles, side scuttles, and the surrounds of the front and rear lights are finished in Resolute Bronze. The textile soft top with typical Union Jack pattern can be opened, closed, or set as a sliding roof at up to 30km/h.
BMW also expects that the Mini Cooper SE Convertible will shorten “the transition period to the introduction of the next-generation all-electric model family.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.
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