In an exciting development for EV enthusiasts, Mini is set to unveil a limited edition production run of the all-electric Mini Convertible at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 13th to 16th, 2023. Building on the success of the one-off prototype presented last summer, Mini is gearing up to deliver an exclusive open-air driving experience to lucky customers. With only 999 units available for the entire European market and a mere 150 units allocated to the UK, this unique offering is expected to generate considerable buzz among automotive enthusiasts and collectors.
Visitors to the Goodwood Festival of Speed can anticipate an interactive experience at the Mini stand, complete with exciting giveaways. The highlight of the display will be a large circular screen, inspired by the concept car's revolutionary circular OLED. The entire event will be hosted by Mini's new virtual assistant, Spike, a delightful canine character designed to enhance the brand's interaction with customers.
Stefanie Wurst, Head of the Mini Brand, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming release: “Three years ago, we introduced the Mini Electric, and today, one in five Mini models sold in Europe is an all-electric Mini. This success has inspired us to swiftly bring the Mini Electric Convertible to market. I'm thrilled that we can offer 999 Mini customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling.”
For the team at WhichEV, we've always had a soft spot for the Mini Electric, despite its short comings – so the convertible version is a welcome addition.
The Mini Electric Convertible will feature a fixed specification, providing customers with a choice of two exterior paint colours: Enigmatic Black or White Silver. The car's aesthetics will be further enhanced with Resolute Bronze finishes on the door handles, side scuttles, and the surrounds of the front and rear lights. The Mini logo and model lettering will be elegantly presented in Piano Black. Emphasizing its exclusivity, the Convertible will be adorned with an E logo, reminiscent of the Mini Electric, on the front apron and rear. Additionally, each unit will bear edition-specific details on the side scuttles and door sill trims, featuring unique consecutive numbering.
Adding to its allure, the Mini Electric Convertible will showcase striking 17″ Electric Power Spoke 2-tone alloy wheels crafted from 100% secondary aluminium. This combination of sustainable manufacturing processes, powered by green electricity, and the use of recycled materials significantly reduces CO2 emissions.
Inside the cabin, Mini Yours sports seats in Leather Lounge design offer supreme comfort with seat heating and adjustable thigh support. The multifunctional sports steering wheel, finished in luxurious Nappa leather, is also equipped with heating capabilities and prominently displays the Mini Electric logo. Interior surfaces feature an elegant Piano Black finish, while ambient lighting and signature Mini Electric yellow accents, such as the start-stop toggle switch, complete the interior's sophisticated design.
The Mini Electric Convertible will be equipped with advanced eDrive services, providing the driver with real-time energy consumption, range, and economical driving tips through the Mini Head-Up Display. For extended journeys, the vehicle offers the convenience of Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function and Mini Driving Assistant to enhance driving comfort.
Powering the Mini Electric Convertible is a compact yet formidable 135kW/184hp electric motor, ensuring optimal axle load distribution, agility, and responsive handling. With a 0-62 acceleration in 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 93mph – the only real downside with the Mini Convertible's spec is the range, limited as it is to just 124 miles. The vehicle's dimensions, including boot space, remain unchanged, providing a practical 160 litres of storage capacity. Getting in and out of the vehicle will be as fun as ever for ‘those of a certain stature'.
BMW's promotional images make it clear that the target market is an affluent young couple living near the coast – so entry/exit should not be an issue.
Manufactured alongside the conventional Mini Convertible in the Netherlands, the Mini Electric Convertible will have a limited production run of 999 units. With only 150 models allocated to the UK, eager customers will have the opportunity to own this remarkable vehicle for a hefty £52,500 on the road.
As a leading premium automobile manufacturer, the BMW Group, which includes Mini, Rolls-Royce, and BMW Motorrad, has established a global reputation for innovation and sustainability. The BMW Group's commitment to long-term thinking and responsible action is evident in their strategic direction, emphasizing sustainability and efficient resource management throughout their production process. That is something that carries forward to the Mini Convertible.
With its distinctive design, cutting-edge technology, and limited production numbers, the Mini Electric Convertible is poised to make a lasting impression in the world of electric mobility.
If you think you'll be needing one of the limited edition convertibles, you can find out more here.