Mini Cooper Convertible SE

Overview

The 2024 Mini Cooper EV Convertible SE was a super-exclusive, limited-run electric drop-top, blending iconic Mini go-kart fun with zero-emission, open-air motoring! Sadly, this cheeky charmer was an EU-only affair and its short production has already wrapped up, meaning no official US MSRP was ever announced. Think of it as a rare collector's item for sun-seeking EV fans, offering that classic Mini character with a silent twist. Its primary draw was being one of the very first all-electric small convertibles on the scene, even if only for a fleeting moment.

What's New for 2024?

For 2024, the Mini Cooper EV Convertible SE marked its final, and very brief, appearance. This wasn't about yearly updates; its entire gig was a special, limited production run that spanned from 2023 and concluded in 2024. So, "new" for 2024 really meant it was your last call to snag one of these incredibly rare electric sun-soakers, if you were in Europe, that is! Its short life makes it an instant curio, a unique footnote in Mini's electric journey before the next-gen models arrived.

Design & Exterior

This electric soft-top absolutely screams Mini! It rocks the brand's trademark bulldog stance, complete with those cute round headlights and a cheeky grin. The SE trim gets some cool EV-specific yellow accents and unique 17-inch Power Spoke alloy wheels. The power-folding fabric roof tucks away neatly for maximum wind-in-your-hair thrills. Dimension-wise, it’s properly compact: just 151.6 inches long, 68 inches wide, and a low-slung 56.4 inches tall, perfect for zipping through city streets. It's unmistakably Mini, just with a greener heart and an infinite-headroom option!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, it’s classic modern Mini with a funky, circular-themed design and decent quality materials for a small car. You get supportive sports seats up front, though the two rear spots are best for kids or very good friends on short trips. Tech-wise, an 8.8-inch central touchscreen infotainment system is standard, likely with Apple CarPlay. A digital driver display keeps vital stats in view. Cargo space is, well, convertible-cozy at 5.7 cubic feet in the trunk – enough for a weekend getaway bag. No frunk here, though!

Performance & Driving Experience

This little electric ragtop is a proper hoot to drive! Its front-wheel-drive setup is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) kicking out 135 kW (around 181 hp) and a punchy 199 lb-ft of instant torque. That means a brisk 0-60 mph dash in just 7.9 seconds – quick enough to surprise a few folks at the lights! Expect that trademark Mini go-kart handling, making it super agile for city driving and curvy roads, though the ride can be a tad firm. Regenerative braking helps to top up the battery on the move.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Cooper EV Convertible SE packs a 28.9 kWh usable battery, delivering a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 106 miles – ideal for city cruising and sunny B-road blasts rather than cross-country epics. Efficiency is a decent 3.67 mi/kWh. For charging, it sports an 11 kW AC on-board charger, meaning a full top-up takes under 3 hours at home. On the go, DC fast charging maxes out at a modest 49 kW, getting you from 10-80% in about 30-35 minutes. It features Europe's CCS Type 2 port; a US version would've used CCS Type 1.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While specific NHTSA or IIHS ratings for this very limited-run EU model aren't available, the standard Mini Cooper hardtop on which it's based generally performs well in crash tests. You'd expect a suite of driver aids, likely including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and possibly lane departure warning as standard. Features like adaptive cruise control or a head-up display would typically be part of optional packages on Mini SE trims, had it been configured for the US market.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Since the Cooper EV Convertible SE wasn't sold in the US, it doesn't carry a US warranty. However, if it had been, you'd typically expect Mini's standard coverage: a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery and electric drivetrain components, a common offering for EVs. Mini USA also usually includes complimentary maintenance for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles. Alas, for this EU-exclusive drop-top, these are purely hypothetical for US buyers.