Need a totally electrical convertible?
There stay no choices for the U.S.; however if you happen to’re in Europe, you’re in luck, with a Mini Cooper SE Convertible that may doubtless be obtainable for one thing lower than exotic-car costs.
Again in July, Mini teased the concept of an reasonably priced electrical convertible that’s a part of a “completely electrified model family” that may coexist with inside combustion fashions for some years.
Now it’s already charging that concept into a really particular version. Beginning in April 2023, the Mini Cooper SE Convertible can be supplied on the Continent, in a restricted run of 999 autos.
“Following the positive feedback on the unique specimen presented in summer 2022, MINI is now going ahead with a small series of the all-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible,” the model confirmed Tuesday.
MINI Cooper SE Convertible (Euro spec)
The Cooper SE Convertible is 151.6 inches lengthy, 68.0 inches extensive, and 56.2 inches excessive—all numbers primarily carried over from the gasoline Mini Cooper hardtop—and it’s constructed on the identical 98.2-inch wheelbase.
Mini says that the Convertible can be supplied in Enigmatic Black and White Silver exterior hues, with door handles and different trim given a bronze end and mannequin lettering in black. The ability-operated comfortable prime might be operated at as much as 19 mph.
With the identical 181-hp electrical motor on the entrance wheels because the Cooper SE, it could actually speed up to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds. That’s a couple of second and a half slower than the Mini Cooper SE, and it signifies that the Cooper SE Convertible could also be a number of hundred kilos heavier than the hardtop, maybe bringing the curb weight nearer to three,500 kilos.
MINI Cooper SE Convertible (Euro spec)
The 2023 Mini Cooper SE is rated at 114 miles of EPA vary for the U.S., from a 32.6-kwh battery pack. Primarily based on the European WLTP cycle, which tends to be extra optimistic than the U.S. EPA cycle, Mini says that the Cooper Convertible will cowl 125 miles on a cost—a 13% discount versus the 144 miles the SE hardtop will get on that very same cycle—so that may quantity to solely round 100 miles of U.S. EPA vary, if Mini have been to contemplate bringing any of those Stateside.
Though 100 miles may appear foolish for America, it might be an awesome formulation for enjoyable. That sounds prefer it is likely to be lots for a few hours of seaside cruising—or top-down commuting—all with out listening to and smelling an exhaust.
