The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is the latest addition to the British brand's lineup of electric vehicles. It's also the first electric convertible from MINI, and it promises to deliver a fun and eco-friendly driving experience in the city and beyond.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible made its global debut in London, where it electrified the streets with its eye-catching design and zero-emission performance. The car was unveiled at a special event at the iconic Battersea Power Station, which is being transformed into a new urban district with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
The event showcased the MINI Cooper SE Convertible's features and benefits and its connection to London's culture and history. The car was accompanied by a live performance from British singer-songwriter Tom Grennan, who also collaborated with MINI on a song inspired by the car called "Little Bit of Love."
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is based on the conventional MINI Convertible but with some distinctive differences. The most obvious is the lack of a tailpipe, as the car is powered by an electric motor producing 181 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. The motor draws energy from a 32.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack that provides an estimated range of 149 miles on the WLTP cycle.
The MINI electric car also features a unique grille design with a yellow accent, as well as yellow mirror caps and side scuttles. The car can be customized with various color options, including a new Zesty Yellow that matches the sunny mood of the car. The interior is also updated with a digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a toggle switch that replaces the start/stop button.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible offers four driving modes: Sport, Mid, Green, and Green+. The Sport mode enhances the steering and throttle response, while the Mid mode balances performance and efficiency. The Green mode optimizes energy consumption by reducing power output and limiting the use of comfort features. The Green+ mode goes even further by deactivating features like heating and air conditioning to maximize range.
The car also has two levels of regenerative braking: high and low. The high level allows for one-pedal driving, as the car slows down significantly when lifting off the accelerator. The low level mimics the coasting behavior of a conventional car, requiring more use of the brake pedal.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible can be charged using various methods, depending on the available infrastructure and time. The car comes with a standard charging cable that can be plugged into a regular household outlet, but this takes about 15 hours to fully charge the battery. A faster option is to use a wallbox or a public charging station that can deliver up to 11 kilowatts of power, which reduces the charging time to about three hours.
The fastest way to charge the car is to use a direct current (DC) fast charger that can provide up to 50 kilowatts of power. This can replenish 80% of the battery in just 36 minutes or add about 62 miles of range in 15 minutes. The car has a Combined Charging System (CCS) connector that is compatible with most fast charging stations in Europe.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is eco-friendly and fun to drive. The car has a low center of gravity and a balanced weight distribution, thanks to the placement of the battery under the floor. This enhances the handling and agility of the car, making it ideal for zipping through tight corners and narrow streets.
The electric car also has a lively acceleration, thanks to its instant torque delivery. The MINI electric car can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 93 mph. The car also has a sporty sound that matches its dynamic character, created by an acoustic pedestrian protection system that emits artificial noise at low speeds.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is more than just a car, it's a lifestyle statement. The car combines the joy of open-air driving with the benefits of electric mobility, offering a unique and sustainable way to enjoy the city and beyond. The car also connects with its drivers and passengers through various digital services and features, such as the MINI Connected app, the MINI Navigation system, and the MINI Online portal.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is expected to go on sale in Europe in March 2022, with a starting price of €39,900 (about $45,000). The electric city car will also be available in other markets, including the US, where pricing and availability will be announced later.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is the perfect car for those who want to have fun while being green. It's the electric drop-top that's ready to rock London and the world.
