First driving test Mini Electric Cabrio – Whisper boat for the street

Why is that actually so rare, an electric convertible?

This undoubtedly has to do with things like space and especially weight, because both convertibles and EVs are heavy by nature. But the market plays an even bigger role, because it seems to be turning away from the open car. In other words: the convertible is increasingly becoming a toy for the real rich. Somewhat affordable models are almost non-existent. The gap left by those cars is filled by all kinds of SUVs and crossovers, and EVs of course. Electric open driving is already possible, thanks to the Fiat 500e and the Smart ForTwo. However, the Fiat is not a full-fledged convertible and even with the Smart there is always a large roll bar on the back and part of the side windows remain.

Is the Mini a real convertible?

Certainly! Convertibles are always open, but the Mini takes it a step further. The windshield of the Mini Cooper SE Convertible, as it is also known, is set very far back and very upright. As a result, you can also see the blue sky when you look diagonally upwards. Yet we are still surprisingly sheltered, even on the highway. The windshield is necessary for this, but then you whiz around without a roar. As a compromise, it is even possible to partially open the roof, as a kind of sliding roof. That is not recommended, especially at higher speeds, because the driving wind does come in in an annoying way.

Is it a real Mini Electric?

Yes, because nothing changes under the skin compared to a closed electric Mini. So we have the same 184 hp electric motor and the same battery, which is not excessively large at 32.6 kWh. With the regular Mini this has the advantage that the car is relatively light, but in the naturally heavier convertible coach that advantage is less. It weighs 1,540 kg, quite a lot for such a compact model. On the other hand: for an EV it is still not too bad. Because of that higher weight and the poorer fairing, you lose even more range. With 201 kilometers it should be over, even according to the positively set WLTP test cycle. Not impressive, although in practice it is probably less bad because this toy will always be the second or third car of the family.

Small mistake: the infotainment screen ‘just’ shows a closed Mini Electric

And how does it drive, so open and electric?

Birds chirping, the wind through the trees, the murmur of the sea… every sound comes through as if we were walking in a circle. At low speeds, there is the mandatory buzz that should warn pedestrians, but at higher speeds, all that remains is the tire noise and the soft, high-pitched whistle that the electric motor naturally gives under load. Wonderfully soothing! At a lower speed, the sensation is somewhat reminiscent of a whisper boat, which is also quiet and open. With that you actually know enough: great touring!

Nice, but with the ‘normal’ Mini Convertible that exhaust hum is fun. Don’t you miss that?

To be fair: sometimes yes. Especially when it goes a bit louder, the silence somewhat detracts from the experience. Now we mainly hear the groan of the front tires, which in fast corners let us know that the end of the grip is in sight. The fairly solid weight of 1,540 kg therefore applies, but it is actually long overdue. Because the electric powertrain is just as toxic and responsive as the steering, it actually fits very well in the picture in that respect. Those 184 horsepower seem well chosen, because that way you can just go full throttle without excessively spinning front wheels. Don’t worry: the super direct steering, the excellent handling and the fine seating position also make this Mini a real fun machine. What you may lack in stiffness or sharpness, is more than made up for in good weather by the simple fact that you are steering in the open air.

Can I still buy the Mini Electric Convertible?

Not through the Mini dealer. Mini will build a total of 999 copies of this farewell edition, which will appear just before the all-new Mini Cooper is presented in September. The thirty copies for the Netherlands are long gone. Incidentally, the answer to the above question also depends on your budget, because the Mini Electric Convertible cost €62,990. For that amount, it is, by the way, very richly equipped as standard.

What money. Is there still something to choose?

Yes, between the paint colors ‘Silver White’ and ‘Enigmatic Black’. The latter is secretly deep-dark blue, but the interior is always black. For the rest it ends quickly, because Mini does not build that many and therefore offers (or offered) little choice. Anyone who has one drives around in a Dutch product. After all, the Mini Electric Convertible is also (still) built in Born in Limburg.

The only other color available: ‘Enigmatic Black’. Actually it is deep dark blue.

Is the electric Mini Convertible finished after this series?

Officially, the brand says nothing about it, but a sequel seems inevitable. After all, with the new Mini Cooper, the emphasis is even more on electric powertrains, while the Convertible is also an integral part of the Mini range. So wait!