MINI adds Electric Convertible to its line-up – but only for a limited run

Tags: #electric-vehicles #electric-convertibles

MINI has added an electric version of its convertible to its line-up, but only for a limited run of 999 cars worldwide. Joining a very select few convertible EVs of… well… the Fiat 500, just 150 MINI Electric Convertibles will be coming for the UK, and buyers will have to stump up for the privilege of owning one.

Originally created as a one-off show car in 2022, production of an electric version of the MINI Electric wasn’t guaranteed as at the time, the brand was just “testing the waters of emission-free, open-top driving with MINI”.

What MINI found was a very receptive audience, with production going ahead thanks to positive feedback from both public and press alike. Those who drove the car reckoned it kept true to the best parts of both the MINI Electric and the petrol-powered convertible – agile, quick, stylish and most importantly, fun.

Underneath, the MINI Electric Convertible doesn’t pack any surprises. It gets the same powertrain as the MINI Electric hatch meaning 181bhp going through the front wheels, enabling zero to 62mph in just over eight seconds. The same relatively small 32.6kWh battery is used, though range takes a bit of a knock with just 124 miles available from a charge. But, for posing around town on summer days or short evening blasts – or even just as a second car – that’s still plenty.

And posing is something that the MINI Electric Convertible will be very good for. It’s a stylish car, sharing the same dimensions and most of the design cues that make the hatch so instantly recognisable.

Owners won’t be able to go mad with an options list, though. The car is being offered with a fixed specification and just two exterior colour choices – Enigmatic Black or White Silver. Other styling tweaks include Resolute Bronze door handles, side scuttles and light surrounds. The MINI logo and model lettering is finished in Piano Black, whilst edition-specific details are found on the scuttles and door sills, being numbered between zero and 999. Finishing things off are edition-specific, 17 inch Electric Power Spoke 2-tone alloys.

Inside, the MINI Electric Convertible gets MINI Yours sports seats in leather, offering heating and electric adjustment. There’s a multifunctional steering wheel as well as Piano Black and MINI Electric Yellow details. A head-up display, full eDrive services, Active Cruise with stop and go and MINI Driving Assistant are all standard.

So, to the cost for all this funkiness… £52,000! To put that in context, that’s a £20k premium over a well-specified MINI Electric hatch. However, just 150 will be making it to the UK. Whether that represents value is a moot point; these will be gone before you know it.