Mini claims limited-run Cooper SE Convertible is the first production electric ragtop
AFTER a ten-year model run, a new, fourth-generation Mini is due soon and in the run up to that anticipated moment, the brand has launched a limited run of 999 Cooper SE Convertibles, the small car specialist’s first battery-electric drop-top.
While a petrol-powered Mini convertible in various specifications has been on the market for nearly 20 years through three generations, the fully electric Mini Cooper SE hatch has only been available for three years overseas (a little less here priced from $55,650 + ORC).
The two are now melded into an exclusive zero-emissions fun car that took a mere eight months to progress from concept through planning into production, facilitated by adapting a front-wheel drive internal combustion engine chassis.
Mini intends to leverage the fun aspect of its Europe-only drop top BEV en-route to becoming a fully electric car-maker and as a diversion until the new-generation Mini arrives.
The largely British-based company makes the claim that this is the world’s first production convertible with a purely electric drive, although the original Tesla Roadster may qualify for that honour.
Few other brands could make this claim at the moment – although the MG Cyberster is imminent – as much of the BEV focus internationally has been on small cars and SUVs of various denominations.
The electric Mini drop-top was hatched after positive feedback from a concept model teased in the European summer last year.
It jolted Mini into going ahead with a small series of the all-electric Mini Cooper SE Convertible pictured.
Under the cute skin is the same powertrain as a Cooper SE electric hatchback, which means a 135kW electric traction motor driving the front wheels.
Power consumption combined is a relatively efficient 17.2kWh/100km according to WLTP – providing It has a range of 201km – and the SE Convertible is said to accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
In detail, the Cooper SE Convertible will be available in Enigmatic Black and White Silver. A colour called Resolute Bronze highlights the door handles, side scuttles and front and rear light surrounds.
Piano Black is used to highlight the Mini logo and other nomenclature.
Denoting electron power, the car’s E logo, also featured on the Cooper SE hatch, is attached to the front apron and on the rear.
Other body-specific detailing adorns the door sill trims and side scuttles coupled with the ‘1 of 999’ exclusive lettering of each car.
Funky-looking ‘Electric Power Stroke” 17-inch alloy wheels (also shared with the SE hatch) are in a two-tone finish and made of 100 per cent secondary aluminium.
The soft textile electric roof with Union Jack pattern can be deployed at up to 30 km/h.
Inside are sports seats upholstered with ‘Mini Yours Leather Lounge’ design and feature seat heating and adjustable thigh support.
The multi-function sports steering wheel is also trimmed in Nappa leather and can be had with optional heating.
Piano black fascias inside can be set off by ambient lighting while the design of the interior emphasises the fully electric character of the open-top four-seater with yellow colour accents including the start-stop toggle switch.
Numerous other features are complemented by the eDrive services lifted from the Mini Cooper SE.
They provide the driver with information on current energy consumption, range and tips for an economical driving style.
Essential information is displayed on the head-up display. Other features include adaptive cruise control with stop and go function as part of a broader active safety and driver assist technology suite.
Mini brand head Stefanie Wurst said: “Three years ago we launched the all-electric Mini Cooper SE, and today one in five Minis sold in Europe is an all-electric Mini. 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.”
Keyword: Just 999 Mini Cooper SE Convertibles to be made