MINI Cooper fans will soon have the chance to drive the 2023 MINI Cooper SE Convertible EV, which will be produced in a limited number of 999 units for European markets. The carmaker initially revealed the prototype version of the electric convertible in July 2022, calling it a one-off creation designed to showcase the brand's all-electric future. However, MINI has now announced that it will produce a small series of the model, which is set to go into production in April.
The 2023 MINI Cooper SE Convertible EV is essentially the prototype brought to the street, based on the production Cooper SE Hardtop. The car is equipped with a single 181-horsepower (135-kilowatt) electric motor that powers the front wheels, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) in 7.3 seconds. The car's battery has a WLTP-tested range of 125 miles (201 kilometers) on a full charge.
Appearance-wise, the MINI Cooper SE Convertible EV is equipped with the same 17-inch Electric Power Spoke wheels as the hardtop model. The car is available in Enigmatic Black or White Silver with bronze trim on the outside, while Mini badging is finished in Piano Black. The interior of the vehicle features leather heated sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more Piano Black trim with occasional flashes of yellow. The car's eDrive system, with a heads-up display, is part of the tech package.
One of the notable features of the 2023 MINI Cooper SE Convertible EV is its folding roof, which can be raised or lowered at speeds up to 19 mph (30 kph). The car's door sills are also marked with special branding to identify it as one of the 999 special edition models.
Stefanie Wurst, head of MINI, said, "Three years ago, we launched the all-electric MINI Cooper SE, and today one in five MINI sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible within only a few months. I'm delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling."
Production of the 2023 MINI Cooper SE Convertible EV will start in April, and the model will be exclusive to Europe. Pricing details have yet to be announced.
Source: MINI