The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is the latest addition to the British brand’s electric lineup, and it promises to deliver a thrilling and sustainable driving experience in one of the world’s most iconic cities: London. The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is the first fully electric convertible from MINI, and it combines the classic design and go-kart feeling of the original with the cutting-edge technology and zero-emission performance of an EV.
I had the chance to test-drive the MINI Cooper SE Convertible in London, where it made its global debut earlier this month. Here are some of the highlights from my trip and why this car is a game-changer for electric mobility.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is a joy to drive.
One of the first things I noticed about the MINI Cooper SE Convertible was how fun it was to drive. The car has a powerful electric motor that delivers 184 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque, which translates to a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph).
The car also has four driving modes: Sport, Mid, Green, and Green+, which allow you to adjust the steering, acceleration, and regenerative braking according to your preference and driving situation. I found Sport mode to be the most responsive and exhilarating, especially on the winding roads of London’s countryside.
The car also handles well in urban traffic, thanks to its compact size and agile steering. The MINI Cooper SE Convertible has a turning circle of only 10.7 meters (35 feet), which makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and park in crowded areas.
The car also has a range of smart features that make driving more convenient and safe, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, parking assistant, head-up display, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and MINI Connected Services.
But perhaps the best feature of the car is its convertible roof, which can be opened or closed in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph). The roof also has a sunroof function that allows you to slide it back by 40 centimeters (16 inches) for some fresh air without fully opening it.
Driving with the roof down was a blast, especially on a sunny day. The car has a wind deflector that reduces turbulence in the cabin and a rollover protection system that protects passengers in case of an accident. The car also has a heated steering wheel and seats that keep you warm when it gets chilly.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is eco-friendly and efficient.
Another thing I liked about the MINI Cooper SE Convertible was how eco-friendly and efficient it was. The car has a lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 32.6 kWh, which gives it a range of up to 233 kilometers (145 miles) on a single charge.
The car also has a regenerative braking system that recovers energy when decelerating or braking and feeds it back into the battery. This helps extend the range and reduce brake wear.
The car also has an intelligent energy management system that optimizes the power consumption of various components, such as the heating, cooling, lighting, and entertainment systems.
The car also supports fast charging, which allows you to recharge up to 80% of the battery in 36 minutes using a DC charger with a maximum output of 50 kW. Alternatively, you can use an AC charger with a maximum output of 11 kW to recharge up to 100% of the battery in two hours and 30 minutes.
The car also comes with a charging cable that can be plugged into any standard household socket, which takes about 15 hours to fully charge the battery.
The electric car also has a low maintenance cost, as it does not require oil changes or spark plugs. The battery pack has an eight-year or 100,000-kilometer (62,000-mile) warranty, whichever comes first.
The car also has a low environmental impact, as it does not emit any tailpipe emissions or noise pollution. The car also uses recycled materials in its interior, such as seat fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles.