Mini unveils the electric Cooper SE Convertible, a limited-edition model to be sold exclusively in European markets from April.
To be produced in a run of no more than 999, it mates the open-top appeal of the existing Cooper Convertible with the electric drivetrain of the Cooper SE to create the most expensive roadgoing Mini model to date.
With a starting price of €60,000 ($64,308), the Cooper SE Convertible comes at a €24,300 ($26,045) premium over the fixed-roof Cooper SE in Germany – home country to Mini parent BMW Group.
The launch of the Cooper SE Convertible comes less than six months before Mini plans to unveil the all-new fourth-generation Cooper, which once again will offer the choice of either a traditional gasoline engine or an electric drivetrain.
The last of the third-generation Cooper models use the same fabric roof as its internal-combustion-engine sibling. Featuring a Union Jack imprint (pictured, below), it opens automatically at the press of a button at speeds up to 19 mph (31 km/h).
Mini Cooper convertible Union Jack
Dimensions remain the same as for the Cooper SE, with a length of 152 ins. (3,861 mm) and width of 68 ins. (1,727 mm). However, the packaging of the roof reduces the volume of the trunk by 1.8 cu.-ft. (51 L) to a claimed 5.7 cu.-ft. (161 L).
The front-wheel-drive Cooper SE Convertible is powered by the same electric drivetrain as the Cooper SE. It combines a single front-mounted electric motor delivering 184 hp and 199 lb.-ft. (270 Nm) of torque with a 28.9-kW (net) lithium-ion battery.
Mini claims a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 7.3 seconds and an overall range of 125 miles (201 km) on the WLTP test cycle.
The decision to produce the Cooper SE Convertible in limited numbers comes after strong demand for the fixed-roof Cooper SE across Europe.
“Three years ago, we launched the Cooper SE, and today one in five Minis sold in Europe is electric. This success has spurred us to implement the small series within only a few months,” says Stefanie Wurst, head of the Mini brand.
Mini Cooper convertible interior
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