► Drop-top MINI EV launched
► Just 150 coming to the UK
► Is it a case of style over substance?
MINI showcased a convertible version of its Electric hatch in summer 2022. What followed was a torrent of screaming requests from interested buyers, demanding the company builds a production version. MINI dutifully complied – and it’s now on sale.
However, it certainly isn’t a car for the masses. The production run is a mere 999 examples long, of which just 150 will make it to the UK. Each one costs a whopping £52,500, which is an astronomical sum of money to spend on a car that’s about to be replaced.
The next-generation MINI Hatch will enter production later this year – and there’s a convertible version of the new MINI Electric expected to arrive in 2025. So, why would anyone want to part with that much cash for an outdated car built using yesteryear’s electric technology?
We’re struggling to justify it, but MINI reckons its branding will be enough to attract buyers to the party. It’s pitching the MINI Electric Convertible as a trendy city runabout for those living in the most sought-after properties on the Monopoly board – and it know those buyers have money to burn.
What’s different between the MINI Electric Convertible and the Hatch?
The convertible has a soft-top roof. Oh, and it’s 105kg heavier. The result of these two changes is that the convertible is almost a second slower from 0–62mph than the hatch and it can’t go as far between charging stops. MINI says it’ll do 124 miles (compared to the hatchback’s 145 miles), but we reckon that’ll fall to less than 100 miles in the real world once met with a British winter.
It’s also identical inside to the range-topping MINI Electric Resolute Edition hatch. That doesn’t seem fair considering you pay a £17,000 premium for the convertible. The price walk between the petrol-powered MINI Hatch and MINI Convertible is only around £3,000, so why is this electric model so much more expensive than its comparably equipped tin-top sister?
We’d have liked to see some model specific trims and maybe some fancy upholstery, but the only major difference is a ‘one of 999’ badge for the front wing. MINI didn’t even change the standard EV’s digital gauge cluster, which is problem because its frosted glass screen becomes opaque in the sun. So, when you have the roof down, you’ll struggle to read it.
The convertible roof is also more frustrating than it is entertaining. It doesn’t matter whether you have it up or down, you simply can’t see out of the back with it. Leave it erected and the tiny rear window gives you a keyhole view of the cars following you. Fold it away and the bundle of fabric perched on the rear end is tall enough to obscures a tank. It’s hopeless.
Surely the driving experience makes up for it, though?
Somewhat, but it’s far from perfect. We’ll start with the good bits. The motor produces 181bhp and 199lb/ft of torque, which means it’s quick in a straight line. Mash the throttle into the carpet and it’ll surge forwards with relentless intent until running its electronic buffers at 93mph.
It’s like a turbocharged car with none of the lag (or the daft whoosh noises). The steering wheel even squirms around in your hands as the front wheels scrabble for grip in the same way as a hot hatch with a limited slip differential. We’ll admit, that’s quite fun. And all that torque is available the moment you flex your big toe, so you can slingshot out of corners much faster than you can in the petrol convertible.
However, the drop-top EV doesn’t handle as well as the hardtop – and both are utterly trounced by the petrol-powered Cooper S. To prevent the Electric Convertible from folding in half when you hit a pothole, MINI’s engineers have added quite a bit of bracing to chassis. That adds weight, which slows it down – and we don’t think the bracing has achieved the desired effect.
The convertible is noticeably softer than the hardtop MINI Electric, thanks in part to the extra flex in the body shell (which is to be expected when you hack the roof off a car). And while that’ll no doubt suit its intended role as a posh Londoner’s posing pouch, it leaves little left to excite keen drivers, no matter how much MINI’s ‘go-kart feel’ advertising campaigns argue to the contrary.
Its steering system is heavy and direct, like the MINI Electric Hatch’s, but it’s about as talkative as an introverted librarian. Couple that with the sterility of the electric motor and you’re left with a rather antiseptic driving experience. It’s like playing a sim racer, not driving a real car. Oh yeah, and there’s more than a noticeable amount of scuttle shake, which is inexcusable for the price.
Verdict
The MINI Electric Convertible is a difficult car to recommend. It’s feels like a cash grab from a manufacturer who knows its brand image is strong enough to get away with it. Remember, the MINI Electric Convertible is an end-of-life vehicle built using recycled components – but it costs £50,000. No matter how exclusive it is, that’s awfully cheeky.
We could forgive some of the MINI Electric Convertible’s foibles (such as its rubbish range, naff visibility, slower acceleration and neutered handling) if it wasn’t for its immense price. But you could have a BMW i4 (which is one of the best electric cars on sale today) and a £2,500 holiday for the same money as this MINI. That seems like a no-brainer in our book.
‘But wait,’ we hear you say. ‘I want a convertible, not a saloon!’ Well, in that case, you’d probably be much happier behind the wheel of proper sports car like the Porsche 718 Boxster. Or two Mazda MX-5s. And if you must have an electric convertible, we’d strongly advise you to wait for the MG Cyberster. It’ll cost about the same as this MINI, but it’ll be quicker, it’ll have a longer range and some attention-grabbing scissor doors. That’s much more special than a MINI Electric with no roof.
