Mini Cooper SE Convertible: small series of an electric convertible
The one-off is followed by a small series: the Mini Convertible is soon to be available with electric drive. If you want one, you'll have to hurry - or wait.
(Bild: BMW)
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The battery-electric Mini quickly drove its way into the hearts of this editorial team. Despite all its drawbacks, it warms the hearts of those who deal with the subject of cars on an emotional level and don't just look for the optimum model on the basis of brochure specifications. The success of the Mini Cooper SE proves BMW right: despite hefty prices and some weaknesses, one in five Mini cars in Europe is already an electric car, according to BMW. Last summer, the group put the e-powered Mini Convertible on display, only to immediately emphasize that it was and would remain a one-off. This combination will not actually be available for purchase until the next generation.
Yet the small e-cabrio segment urgently deserves growth. Currently, Stellantis in particular fills this niche, at truly proud prices, because the Fiat 500E convertible is priced confidently. Perhaps it was the prospect of being able to serve a small but affluent target group that prompted BMW to turn the one-off into a small series of 999 units. Technically, there is no surprise whatsoever.
Drive and battery from the three-door model
The powertrain is taken from the regular Mini Cooper SE, as is the battery. Here and there, the driver can draw on a maximum of 135 kW. At 28.9 kWh (net), the battery's energy content is comparatively small for a current electric car, and the charging power of 50 kW at best is also modest. In the cycle, consumption of 17.2 kWh is slightly higher than in the three-door - the convertible is just heavier. The range is only 201 km even in WLTP.
No choice
In order not to push production costs too high on the one hand, and to achieve a decent margin on the other, there will be hardly any choice in the small series. The customer can only choose between black and "White Silver" as the exterior color, the rest is included: things like leather upholstery, navigation system, head-up display and distance control are always included. BMW has not yet named prices, but it can be assumed that the calculators will form a sum from the combination of the components "small series", "electric car" and "full equipment" for which there is considerably more car elsewhere. The group of coldly calculating pragmatists has left Mini out of the equation at least since the takeover by BMW.
Mini Cooper SE Convertible (6 Bilder)
Production model follows with the next Mini generation
The small series is likely to sell out quickly despite an expected price of around 50,000 euros. The electric Mini Convertible will be available from April. Those who don't get their chance needn't fret: Next year there is to be a new Mini generation, which will again include a convertible. It would be surprising if it were not also available with electric drive. We can then expect a much larger battery and significantly higher charging power. However, a price of less than 40,000 euros is definitely not expected.
(mfz)