Let’s be honest—there aren’t many electric convertibles out there. In fact, you can count them on one hand. The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is one of the few, and it’s an interesting little machine. Not because it’s the fastest or the longest-range EV, but because it exists at all. Here’s what you actually need to know.
What Is It?
The full name is the MINI Cooper SE Convertible, and it’s built by the BMW Group under the MINI brand. In the EV world, this is an entry-level premium electric car, though the price tag doesn’t always feel that way. It’s a 2+2 soft-top convertible with front-wheel drive (FWD), meaning the electric motor sits up front and powers the front wheels.
So what makes it notable? This was one of the first series-produced premium electric convertibles ever offered to the public—initially launched as a limited 999-unit special edition in Europe before MINI opened up wider availability.
Battery, Range & Charging
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible packs a 32.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, with about 28.9 kWh usable. Let’s talk range, because that’s usually the first question people ask.
Under the WLTP cycle (Europe’s testing standard), you’ll get roughly 201 kilometers (125 miles). Under stricter testing, it’s closer to 171 km (106 miles). Translation? This is not a road-trip car. It’s a city car that happens to lose its roof.
Charging specs:
AC charging (home or public slow charger): 11 kW – full charge in about 3 hours and 15 minutes
DC fast charging (CCS port): 49–50 kW peak
10% to 80% charge: Approximately 30 minutes at a 50 kW station
A quick heads-up: these specs apply to the current model based on the previous-generation platform. MINI is reportedly working on a next-gen electric convertible using a newer architecture, expected to enter production in Oxford starting 2026. So this version is essentially the “first draft” of an electric drop-top.
Who Is This For? (Pricing & Fit)
Official pricing for the electric SE Convertible varies by market, but we can use its gas-powered sibling as a baseline. The MINI Cooper S Convertible (petrol version) starts around £27,360 GBP (roughly $38,000 USD). Because the SE adds battery costs on top of that, expect a real-world starting price in the low-to-mid £30,000 GBP range or about €40,000 EUR in Europe.
Who should actually buy this car? Honestly? An urban driver or weekend cruiser with a garage or driveway for charging—someone who wants open-air driving without feeling guilty about emissions. This is not a family hauler. It’s not a long-distance EV. It’s a fun second car or a stylish commuter for someone who doesn’t drive more than 50–60 miles a day.
Where it fits in MINI’s lineup:
Sits between the MINI Cooper SE 3-Door (more practical hatchback) and the MINI Countryman SE (larger, all-wheel drive, more space)
Main rivals from other brands:
Fiat 500e Cabrio – softer styling, less power, but actually more range
MG Cyberster – bigger, faster, but also more expensive
Closest direct competitor for comparison shoppers:
The Fiat 500e Cabrio 42 kWh is your best apples-to-apples match. Here’s the trade-off: the Fiat has a larger battery (42 kWh vs. MINI’s 32.6 kWh) and goes farther (about 193 miles WLTP vs. MINI’s 125 miles). But the MINI fights back with significantly more power (181 hp vs. 117 hp) and a much nicer interior. So do you want range or driving enjoyment? That’s really the question.
The Bottom Line
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible isn’t trying to be a Tesla. It’s not a rational purchase for most people. But if you live in a dense city, have a place to charge, and want the experience of silent, top-down driving with a premium badge—there’s almost nothing else like it. The Fiat 500e Cabrio is the only real alternative, and the choice between them comes down to whether you prioritize range or performance.
For now, the MINI Cooper SE Convertible remains a rare breed: an electric convertible that sacrifices range for character. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends entirely on how you drive.
