Pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering helped automakers create better, or even revolutionary, cars and the British brand MINI did the same again in 2023 when it launched the MINI Cooper SE Convertible.
The British brand was famous for creating unusual vehicles. They were not just attractive-looking but also beautifully engineered. With a few exceptions, most of their cars were sold like hotcakes. Of course, they had their flops, but the Convertible version was not among them. Another success story was the MINI Cooper SE, which sported an electric motor instead of an ICE. So, the automaker tried its luck and combined these two vehicles. The result was the first-ever open-top EV on the market, produced in a limited 999 units.
MINI made the vehicle available in two colors: Enigmatic Black and White Silver. Thus, these vehicles were easy to spot on the road. Also, the front fascia featured a black panel instead of the main grille. The car sported a body-colored bumper and, underneath it, a four-slat air intake to cool the electric drivetrain components. On the front fenders, behind the wheel wells, the automaker installed a set of vents fitted with a badge that said the car's production number. The automaker installed the charging port on the right-rear quarter panel, in the same place as the fuel-filler cap for ICE-powered versions of the MINI Convertible.
Inside, the cockpit promised enough room for four adults, albeit those seated in the back didn't have too much legroom. At the front, the driver and side passenger enjoyed the leather-wrapped sports seats. In addition, these were also heated. No words about ventilation, though. On the lower spoke of the steering wheel, the automaker placed the specific badge of MINI Electric.
The drivetrain was carried over from BMW and provided 181 hp (184 PS), and the battery pack provided enough juice for 201 km (125 miles).
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