Dreaming of some carefree – and emission-free – driving in the summer sunshine? Then you'll want to check out the new Mini Cooper SE Convertible.
Due to arrive this spring, the machine is a limited-run drop-top version of the existing Mini Electric, and is set to rival the Fiat 500 Electric Cabrio in a battle of the reimagined EV cult classics.
The new machine is based on a one-off concept version of the Mini Electric based on the Cooper S Convertible that the firm revealed last summer.
Mini will now build 999 Cooper SE models - 150 of which for the UK - with prices for the new all-electric convertible starting from £52,500. That’s a sturdy £23,500 more than the entry-level hatchback version.
The electric convertible gets the same 135kW motor and 32.6kWh battery as the hatchback model, with the Mini cable of 0-62mph sprint in 7.3 seconds. It has an official range of 125 miles - that’s 20 miles less than the standard car. Mini says its first all-electric convertible ‘favours agile and easily controllable handling’.
The fully electrically powered textile roof - emblazoned with the Union Jack pattern synonymous with the Cooper model - can be opened and closed in just 18 seconds when driving at up to 18 mph.
Mini’s electric drop-top EV is offered with a fixed specification, with buyers only able to choose between two colour options: Enigmatic Black and White Silver.
The door handles, side scuttles and the front and rear lights are finished in bronze, with the front apron gaining a large E logo to signify the car’s zero-emission characteristics. It also gets 17 inch alloy wheels featuring a two-tone design.
The Mini Cooper SE Convertible is equipped with various safety-based features including Active Cruise Control and Mini Driving Assistant.
Inside the electric convertible is equipped with Mini’s eDrive system, which displays information on current energy consumption, range and driving style tops to the driver.
It also gets leather sports seats finished in leather, a multifunction leather sports steering wheel head-up display and Piano Black trim.
The new Mini Cooper SE Convertible will be built alongside the current combustion-engined Mini Convertible in the Netherlands and is available to order in the UK from April.
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