Recently, MINI launched its first electric convertible, the MINI Cooper SE convertible. This car isn't quite a sports car, it's more like a fun, sporty hatchback. The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is exactly what its name sounds like - a convertible version of the all-electric Cooper SE hatchback.
The MINI Cooper SE hatchback is a pretty fun little electric car, so the convertible should be just as fun. In fact, it might even be more fun because of the open-air driving experience. Sure, it has a very short range, maxing out at 143 miles, and it's not particularly powerful, with only 184 horsepower, but it should still be as agile and fun to drive as other small MINIs. The MINI Cooper SE convertible takes 7.7 seconds to accelerate from 100 kilometers to 100 kilometers.
As for the convertible itself, it's an electrically powered folding soft top that takes 18 seconds to open or close and can be operated at speeds of 30 km/h. This is the same convertible top found on the petrol MINI convertible. Interestingly, though, despite the addition of the soft-top roof, the load compartment is said to be unchanged at 160 liters. However, when the roof is down, the Cooper SE experience may be very different from the standard Cooper or Cooper S.
Driving an electric convertible is more fun than it sounds, because the lack of powertrain noise actually feels pretty cool, plus it allows every other sound of nature to fill the driver's ears. There's something incredibly peaceful about driving an electric convertible, especially at normal speeds, and it makes the driver feel one with the environment. It can also be relaxing in normal traffic. Maybe not in a big city, but in a suburban town it might be pretty good.
There is no official starting price yet, as this car was just revealed during the 2022 MINI US Tour event. But expect it to cost several thousand dollars more than the standard Cooper SE, which starts at $29,900. The MINI Cooper SE convertible won't break any new ground. Its range is very short and it doesn't advance the EV game in any way. However, it does offer a unique experience that should actually be quite fun, and at a very reasonable price.
