The Mini's story started in 1959, when the British Motor Corporation (BMC) launched the original Mini to meet the demand for fuel-efficient, compact cars.
The first Mini was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis.
It was the darling of rally racing in the 1960s, winning the Monte Carlo Rally multiple times.
In 1994, BMW acquired the Rover Group, which included the Mini brand. By 2000, BMW relaunched Mini. The Mini Cooper Convertible made its debut in 2004.
Mini Cooper Models
Currently there are 3 Mini Cooper Convertible trims:
- Mini Cooper Convertible: It comes with a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine, producing 161 horsepower.
- Mini Cooper S Convertible: This has a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which delivers 201 horsepower, so it is faster than the base model.
- John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible: The JCW is a performance-focused variant and it delivers up to 228 horsepower from a tuned 2.0-liter engine. It is also sportier in look and handling
Each model includes a soft-top roof that retracts in just 18 seconds, even while driving up to 18 mph.
Design and Interior
The Mini Cooper Convertible retains the Mini signature look - round headlights, short overhangs, and well - that cheeky grin!
It's compact yet premium, with BMW's influence showing in the materials and tech.
Inside the car, there is a circular center display with infotainment features like Apple CarPlay, navigation, and ambient lighting.
Seating is cozy, and can accommodate up to 4 passengers if need be!
The rear sets can be folded to get more cargo space.
Dimensions and Practicality
The Mini Cooper Convertible basically measures approximately 152.8 inches in length, 68 inches in width, and 55.7 inches in height with slight variations across trims or models.
The fact that it is a compact car makes it perfect for urban areas and tight parking spots. Mini Cooper convertibles have a modest trunk - about 5.7 cubic feet, and you can fold the rear seats to increase cargo capacity when needed.
Fuel Economy
Mini Cooper Convertibles are known for having relatively good fuel economy compared to most convertibles. The base Cooper Convertible averages around 31 mpg combined, while the sportier Cooper S Convertible gets about 29 mpg combined, and the high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible is the lowest because its more powerful engine - 27 mpg combined.
Performance and Handling
The driving dynamics of a Mini Copper is like that of a Go Kart. With a low center of gravity, tight steering, and compact dimensions, the Mini Copper Convertible makes driving even on twisty roads relatively easy.
Pricing - How Much Does a Mini Cooper Convertible Cost?
While the Mini Cooper Convertible is not a very cheap convertible it is still an affordable one.
Pricing starts at about $33,000 for the base model and rises as high as over $40,000 for the high-performance model - the JCW.
Compared to $50,000+ premium convertibles like BMW Z4, Audi A5 Cabriolet, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Convertible, the Mini Cooper Convertible is still quite affordable.
Is There an Electric Mini Cooper?
Yes, there is an electric Mini Cooper! It is officially known as the Mini Electric or Mini Cooper SE.
It's a fully electric version of the iconic 3-door Mini hatchback. It offers 181 horsepower and a range of 110-125 miles per charge. It has a 32.6 kWh battery and supports fast charging.
But it is not a convertible!
Is There an Electric Mini Cooper Convertible?
No, BMW does not currently have an electric Mini Cooper Convertible currently being sold!
There was actually a limited edition Mini Electric Convertible release back in 2023, but that was just for some European market, with just 150 sold!
However, plans are underway for a fully electric Mini Cooper Convertible to be launched worldwide. It is expected to launch in 2026.
