MINI Cooper SE Convertible Debuts as Euro-Only Electric Droptop

Following last year’s concept, MINI today introduced a production-ready Cooper SE Convertible as a limited-edition model. Just 999 units will be built, all of which are earmarked for Europe.

The brand’s first electric droptop features the same powertrain as the hardtop we already know, delivering 181 horsepower and drawing energy from a 32.6kWh battery.

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The extra weight from the roof mechanism makes the car slower in the 0-100 km/h sprint—8.2 seconds versus 7.3 seconds—and also affects range. Based on the WLTP test cycle, the Cooper SE Convertible can travel up to 201 km, which is a 13.7 percent decrease. For us in North America, that would mean 158 km instead of 183 km.

The textile soft top can be opened, closed or set as a sliding roof at speeds of up to 30 km/h, MINI says.

The body is available in either Enigmatic Black or White Silver. In both cases, bronze-coloured accents can be found on the doors, grille frame, side scuttles and headlight/taillight surrounds. The 17-inch black and silver wheels sport the unique Electric Power Spoke design also seen on the hardtop. By the way, each unit will be numbered from 1 to 999.

The interior features sport seats with adjustable thigh support. Despite MINI wanting to get rid of animal-sourced materials, the steering wheel is wrapped in Nappa leather. Piano Black surfaces are included throughout, with yellow accents adding a touch of flair.

What about the price? This is where it gets ugly. In the U.K., where 150 units will be sold, the new Cooper SE Convertible starts at £52,500, the equivalent of $84,650 CAD at the current exchange rate. As a reminder, the standard Cooper SE carries a base MSRP of $45,590 in Canada, minus federal and provincial EV incentives.