London is known for many things: its history, its culture, its landmarks, its weather. But one thing that the city is not famous for is its air quality. In fact, London has some of the worst air pollution in Europe, with levels of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter exceeding the legal limits set by the European Union.
That's why it was a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively—when MINI chose London as the venue for its global launch of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible, the brand's first electric convertible. The event, which took place on September 29, 2023, was a celebration of MINI's heritage, innovation, and sustainability.
A Spectacular Show
The launch event was held at the iconic Battersea Power Station, a former coal-fired power plant that is now being transformed into a mixed-use development with residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. The power station's four distinctive chimneys were lit up with colorful projections that showcased MINI's history and future.
The highlight of the show was the unveiling of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible, which emerged from a giant inflatable dome on the riverfront. The car was driven by British actor and comedian James Corden, who hosted the event and entertained the audience with his witty remarks and jokes.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is based on the MINI Cooper SE Hardtop, which was launched in 2019 as MINI's first all-electric model. The convertible version retains the same powertrain and battery as the hardtop, delivering 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque. It has a range of 110 miles on a single charge, according to EPA estimates.
But what sets the MINI Cooper SE Convertible apart from its hardtop sibling is its soft-top roof, which can be opened or closed in 18 seconds at speeds up to 18 mph. The roof also has a sunroof function that allows it to slide back by 16 inches for a partial opening. The roof is available in three colors: black, gray, and a new green hue that matches the car's body color.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible also features some unique design elements that distinguish it from other MINI models. For instance, it has a hexagonal grille with yellow accents and an E badge, circular LED headlights with matrix technology, aerodynamic wheels with asymmetrical spokes, and a charging port on the right rear fender. Inside, it has a digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a toggle switch to select between four driving modes: Sport, Mid, Green, and Green+.
A Sustainable Choice
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is not only fun to drive but also environmentally friendly. According to MINI, it emits zero tailpipe emissions and has a lower carbon footprint than a comparable gasoline-powered car over its entire life cycle. It also uses recycled materials in its interior, such as recycled plastic bottles for the seat fabric and recycled aluminum for some trim pieces.
The car can be charged at home or at public charging stations using either AC or DC power. It comes with a standard 11-kW onboard charger that can fully charge the battery in three hours using a Level 2 charger. It can also use a DC fast charger that can replenish 80 percent of the battery in 35 minutes.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in early 2024, with a starting price of $34,000 (before any federal or state incentives). That's about $4,000 more than the hardtop version, but still competitive with other electric convertibles on the market, such as the Fiat 500e Cabrio and the Smart EQ Fortwo Cabrio.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is a great addition to MINI's lineup, as it offers the best of both worlds: the thrill of open-air driving and the benefits of electric mobility. It also shows that MINI is committed to its vision of being a leader in urban mobility and sustainability while staying true to its roots as a fun and stylish brand.
As James Corden said at the launch event, "The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is the perfect car for London. It's electric; it's cool, it's chic, it's fun. It's everything that London is and everything that London wants to be."
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