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+.
