Our Rating
3.5/5
Pros
Cons
Introduction
Mini’s Electric hatchback has proven a key addition to this British brand’s line-up and is now the firm’s most popular product.
Mini is now looking to broaden its horizons with an electric version of its well-loved Convertible, aiming to combine the top-down feel with zero tailpipe emissions. Arriving as the first genuine electric cabriolet (if you discount the Fiat 500, which the roof doesn’t fully recline on), it reaches showrooms towards the end of the current Mini’s lifetime, and as a result, Mini is capping production numbers overall to 999, with only 150 examples set to come to the UK.
It’s certainly got exclusivity on its side, but is this a convertible that’s worth considering? Let’s get behind the wheel.
Performance
This Convertible features an identical powertrain to the standard Mini Electric hatchback, and uses a single electric motor driving the front wheels. It develops 181bhp and 270Nm of torque, allowing for a 0-60mph time of eight seconds and a top speed limited to 93mph.
It also retains the standard hatchback’s small 32.6kWh battery (a similar size to those used in some hybrid SUVs), which limits this Convertible’s range to just a claimed 124 miles, which is 20 miles less than the hatchback.
In the real world, the range is more like 90-100 miles, which does compromise its usability somewhat. At least the charges are speedy if you do need to venture further afield, however, with a 50kW DC rapid charger allowing for 35 minutes for an 80 per cent charge.
Ride and handling
The Mini Electric is one of the most enjoyable fun cars to drive, and unsurprisingly taking the top off does little to detract from the experience. It’s gained 150kg in weight over the standard Convertible, but at 1,475kg is still quite light by EV standards. It means it still feels fairly agile while avoiding some of the ‘shake’ issues faced by other convertibles.
The additional weight means it doesn’t feel as quick as the standard hatch, but it still offers more than enough performance, though this can cause the car to pull to one side under hard acceleration.
Despite not being perfectly executed, the idea of an electric convertible is good. It means you’re able to drive along with the top down knowing that no tailpipe emissions are being produced.
Interior
To anyone familiar with a modern Mini interior, there will be no surprises when it comes to this Convertible’s cabin. The quality is fantastic, with upmarket materials used throughout. Black leather upholstery is included as standard on this special edition, though we reckon Mini could have been a bit bolder with the colour choice, or allowed for greater variation.
The main touchscreen, housed within the main dial, is starting to show its age, however, and is fiddly and not all that intuitive to use. As for practicality, there will be no surprises, but it’s not the most spacious car to use every day. While no less roomy than the standard Convertible, the 150-litre boot is only best for a few weekend bags, and though there are rear seats, adults will struggle to get comfortable.
Equipment
The Electric Convertible comes in a fixed specification, albeit one that comes very generously equipped as standard.
There’s the choice of Enigmatic Black or White Silver paint, while you get 17-inch ‘three-pin’ alloy wheels as standard too. There are small yellow details to highlight that this is electric, but it’s very subtle.
Equipment highlights include heated seats, a digital dial display and an excellent Harman Kardon sound system. You also get adaptive cruise control and a head-up display as well.
Cost
The real downside with the Mini Electric Convertible, however, is its price. You’ll need to be a diehard Mini fan to want to splash the cash, as it’s priced from a steep £52,500.
That’s £20,000 more expensive than the Mini Electric hatch, and £19,000 more than a petrol Convertible with similar equipment. The one good thing is that there are no options available as everything is pretty much included anyway.
Verdict
Objectively, the Mini Electric Convertible is quite tough to recommend, with its sky-high price and limited range compromising its appeal.
That said, if you want a true drop-top EV, your options are quite limited, and if you’ve got the means there’s plenty going for this cool, stylish and generously-equipped Mini.
