MINI has confirmed that, following on from last July's electric Convertible concept it will build a limited production run of electrified cabriolets and that they'll go on sale later this year.
The concept was unveiled at an enthusiast event in the United States last summer, and the news that MINI intends to put the model on sale comes as something of a surprise, given that production of the current-generation MINI Hatch and Convertible is due to finish up later this year. Building the new convertible variant, however, isn't expected to represent a major undertaking for the firm. Just 999 examples are slated for production, with the model utilising the same powertrain as the MINI Electric and the same production line in the Netherlands as the MINI Convertible.
Bronze accents
While the electric Cooper SE Convertible looks for the most part the same as last year's concept - and almost identical to the combustion-powered MINI Convertible - there are a few minor details setting it apart. The model is available in a choice of black or pale silver, but unlike the concept it gets some nice bronze-coloured detailing such as door handles, side scuttles and light surrounds to contrast with the main body.
The MINI badges and lettering are all finished in piano black, with the model sitting on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels with a similar three-pin plug socket design to those optionally found on the hard-top MINI Electric. Also like the hard-top is the fact that the electric convertible gets a little yellow badge at the front and rear marking it out from its combustion-powered equivalents. Finally, there's a little plaque inside the door sills bearing the inscription of the build number, e.g. "1/999".
High-spec interior
Befitting the fact that the electric cabrio is likely to cost quite a bit more than both the standard MINI Electric and most versions of the Convertible, the standard interior spec is high. The model gets a set of heated sports seats with a heated Nappa leather-trimmed steering wheel ahead of the driver. There's not a huge amount to differentiate the electric version's interior from that of a standard well-equipped Convertible, though a set of bright yellow toggle switches standing out against the piano black dashboard surfaces do separate the two.
The electric convertible comes as standard with a head-up display as well as active cruise control with Stop & Go capability and the roof can either be opened fully or partially slid back to act as a big sunroof. The roof can, incidentally, be fully opened on the go at speeds of up to 30km/h.
Short range
Dimensionally, there's no difference between the electric and combustion-powered MINI Convertibles, and the model gets the same powertrain as the 233km MINI Electric. That means a small 32.6kWh battery mated to a 183hp electric motor to deliver a 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds. Range between charges, however, has suffered compared to the hard-top MINI Electric, with a maximum of just 201km on tap.
Fifth of all MINIs are electric
"Three years ago, we launched the all-electric Mini Cooper SE, and today one in five Minis sold in Europe is an all-electric Mini," said the company boss, Stefanie Wurst.
"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."
Buyers hoping for an electric convertible to be added to the MINI line-up full-time, however, are set to be disappointed. With the next-generation MINI Electric not due until 2024 and the next MINI Convertible confirmed for 2025, a fully-electric cabriolet likely won't be launched until mid-decade at the earliest.
Pricing for the electric MINI Convertible has yet to be announced, as has whether any of the 999 examples will make it to Ireland - though it has been confirmed that 150 units are for the UK and it is expected that any Irish cars would have to come from that allocation.