The MINI Cooper SE Convertible is the first electric convertible from the British brand, and it promises to make driving in London more fun and eco-friendly. I got to test drive this car in its natural environment: the busy and vibrant streets of London, where it was launched to the world.
London is a great city for electric cars, as it offers many benefits for zero-emission vehicles, such as free access to the congestion charge zone, lower parking fees, and a growing network of charging stations. It is also a city that loves MINI, as it is the birthplace of the iconic car that has been a symbol of British style and culture for decades.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible combines the best of both worlds: it is an electric car that is efficient, innovative, and sustainable, and it is also a MINI that is fun, stylish, and customizable. It is a car that lets you enjoy the open-air driving experience while reducing your carbon footprint.
As I drove through some of London’s most famous landmarks, such as Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, and Hyde Park, I was impressed by how the MINI Cooper SE Convertible performed in the city traffic. The car was agile, responsive, and smooth, thanks to its electric motor that delivers 181 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque.
The car also has a sporty character, with a low center of gravity, a front-wheel-drive system, and a suspension tuned for dynamic driving. The car can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 93 mph. It also has four driving modes: Sport, Mid, Green, and Green+, which adjust the steering, throttle, and regenerative braking settings.
The MINI Cooper SE Convertible has a range of up to 168 miles on a single charge, according to the WLTP cycle. That’s enough for most urban trips and some weekend getaways. The car can be charged at home using a standard outlet or a wallbox, or at public charging stations using a Type 2 or CCS connector. The car can reach 80% charge in 36 minutes using a 50 kW fast charger.