Stars of The British Motor Show 2023 -MINI Electric Convertible

What is the most exclusive electric convertible coming to British shores this summer? 

It’s a question that is usually answered with ‘Bugatti’, ‘Lamborghini’ or ‘I don’t care unless I win the Euromillions’, but not this time. 

Amazingly, Mini can stake a claim for releasing one of the most exclusive new cars to go on sale in 2023, and it’s only a humble 3-door convertible. 

So why all the hullabaloo?  

Well, following the success of the electric Mini hatch, the British brand released an electric convertible concept last year. It was originally only intended to be a bit of fun, but potential customers immediately bit Mini’s hand off for a production version. 

Sensing an opportunity to fast-track its electrified future, Mini relented – resulting in the Mini Electric Convertible. 

Of course, this variant won’t enjoy a full-blown production run. In fact, only 999 examples will ever be built, with a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it 150 cars reaching British shores. 

As exclusivity goes, this Mini is in hypercar territory. 

The car itself is fairly familiar and looks almost identical to the standard electric hatch. Apart from the soft top of course. 

Talking of which, the fabric roof is electrically powered as you would expect, and is able to open and close at up to 18 mph. Alternatively, you can set it to perform as a sliding roof – which is a nod to its main adversary, the Fiat 500e. 

Inside, you’ll find an attractive Piano Black interior colour (which coats the dashboard and other exposed plastics), a head up display system, sports seats in the front, and some quirky lighting to spice up the cabin. Look closer, and you will spot the badging that denotes this as a special edition. 

The Mini Electric Convertible is available in either Enigmatic Black or White Silver, with Resolute Bronze being used to pick out design details in the bodywork. 

You will also spot the 17-inch ‘Power Spoke’ wheels which are similar to those used on the hatch, and the standard Mini Electric badging to mark the car out as an EV. 

Under the bonnet (sort of…) is the same 32.6kWh battery that you will find throughout the electric Mini Hatch range, which powers a single electric motor connected to the front wheels. This little unit packs a strong punch, with a power figure of 182 bhp and 199 lb ft of torque. That’s Cooper S territory. 

In terms of battery range, you are looking at a claimed figure of 125 miles, which is pretty close to the hatch’s efforts (140 miles). 

Ultimately, the Mini Electric Convertible is a fantastic way to have some fun in the sun this summer – and the lack of engine noise will allow you to drink in the sights and sounds around you all the more. 

While the £52,500 list price is steep, given the extremely limited numbers, this Mini makes for a tempting runaround.  

If you want to take a closer look at this ultra-rare Mini while you have the chance, find it at The British Motor Show between 17-20 of August.