The MINI Cooper SE Cabrio, fully electric, announces its arrival in Spain in limited units

Last summer MINI presented the Cooper SE Cabrio in the United States. It is a fully electric version of the compact convertible which, at that point, was shown as a prototype with the aim of reaching production someday. That prototype was very well received, which has led the British brand to bring it to market but, be aware, it will do so under a limited production run of 999 units.

The MINI Cooper SE is enjoying relative success; in fact, one in every five MINIs sold in Europe is the fully electric version, and it is this version that, as might be expected, inspires the design of the Cooper SE Cabrio. Like its hardtop sibling, the Cooper SE Cabrio has a specific design, broadly defined by the two body colours available: Enigmatic Black Metallic and White Silver Metallic.

That is not all, as these two colours are complemented by contrasts in Resolute Bronze finish applied to the door handles, the front grille surround, the side scuttles and the outline of both the front and rear lights, while the MINI logos are finished in Piano Black. Add to this the 17-inch alloy wheels in the Electric Power Spoke design with a two-tone finish, and the side skirts.

Opening the doors reveals sill plates framing the door openings, each bearing the individual unit number, leading into a sporty interior that retains the dimensions of the combustion-engine version. Highlights include heated seats in the MINI Yours Leather Lounge design, while the heated sports steering wheel is upholstered in Nappa leather, with final detailing provided by the Piano Black and yellow inserts.

The new MINI Cooper SE Cabrio comes with up-to-date technology, including eDrive services that provide the driver with information on current energy consumption, range and tips for an economical driving style. This information is also shown in summarised form on the Head-Up Display. Among other systems, it also features active cruise control with Stop & Go function and the MINI Driving Assistant.

Mechanically there are no surprises: as with the initial prototype, it has an electric motor delivering 184 CV, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and, thanks to its battery and according to the WLTP test cycle, to achieve a maximum range of 201 kilometres, enough to venture well beyond the city. It is also worth noting that its fabric electric roof can be opened while driving, provided speed does not exceed 30 km/h.

Of the 999 units MINI will build of the Cooper SE Cabrio, 53 will arrive in Spain, starting next May at a price of 61,000 euros.