The Mini Electric Convertible - your definitive guide to this new EV for 2023

Your definitive guide to the new electric mini convertible

The electric Mini hatchback has proved to be a true success for the BMW Group; indeed the Mini EV was the 6th best-selling EV of 2022 with 7,425 registered! When you consider the all-electric hatch outsold the Polestar 2, MG5 and BMW i4, you quickly reach the conclusion that this is a popular option for UK personal and business leasing customers.

So the team at e-car lease were not altogether surprised when Mini decided to emulate their combustion options by introducing a convertible model for 2023.

At present, a customer can only select three versions of the convertible  being:

•  A 1.5 litre petrol Cooper 136bhp;
• A 2.0 litre petrol Cooper S with 178bhp; and
•  A 2.0 litre petrol John Cooper Works with 231bhp.

And having chosen their engine, a customer can also enjoy one of 4 specifications with the Classic, Sport, Exclusive and Resolute. However, the Mini hatchback was created far more simply with just one battery option - the 33kWh 135kW

•  Level 1 - from £29,000 this offers Navigation, a digital cockpit, cruise control and dual zone air conditioning;
•  Level 2 - from £31,000 this offers rear view park assist camera, a driving assistant pack (speed limit & traffic sign info, city collision mitigation for pedestrians, high beam assistance), heated seats, rear parking distance control and part leatherette interior;
•  Level 3 - from £34,500 this offers Navigation plus, front parking distance control, adaptive LED headlights, panoramic sunroof, full leather; and 

•  Resolute - from £35,050 this offers Rebel Green, 17” Resolute alloys, sleek styling in Piano Black interior and exteriorconfig - and with the choice of a number of specifications including:

But in a move away from the above, the Mini brand are limiting this electric convertible to just 999 customers and all of them will be configured on an “SE” specification, But don’t panic, as a mass production option should follow in 2025, when Mini plan to upgrade the entire product line-up.

For 2023 leasing customers, you need to be quick with your local BMW and Mini dealership if you do want to proceed on this option, which is set to cost around £52,500. The only choice for colour will be White Silver or Enigmatic Black. And in terms of specification and features, you can enjoy 17” alloys, black mirror caps, Mini Yours soft-top roof, Nappa leather steering wheel (heated), sports seats, ambient lighting, keyless-go, HUD, wireless phone charging, navigation and a rear view camera.

Mini are also suggesting the active cruise control, driving assistant pack (speed limit & traffic sign info, city collision mitigation for pedestrians, high beam assistance) and active parking will be standard. Mini are indicating that the lucky 999 customers will enjoy the “open-air go-kart feeling”.

So how does the Mini Convertible EV perform - is it a good car?

The new convertible will have a 28.9 kWh usable battery which will deliver 135kW (or 181hp), 0 - 62 times of 8.2 seconds and top speeds of 93 mph. Combined real ranges are a moderate 85 miles in cold weather and 120 miles in warmer weather (on a full charge).

In terms of charging times / capabilities - the standard  11 kW AC max allows a 0 - 100% session in around just over 3 hours with the 49 kW DC rapid charge enabling 29 minute 10 - 80% times. This has a Vehicle Fuel Equivalent of 147 mpg. With just 160L cargo volume, this probably won’t be the ideal family option in BEV format! And as the first, and ONLY, electric convertible in the UK, we expect this to be immensely popular.

So what are the Pros of the Mini Convertible EV? 

•  It’s the only purely electric Convertible to lease in 2023; 
• With a small battery, a “full tank of fuel” will only be around £10; 
•  This has great specification - customers will have a true luxury experience; and
•  The ideal low-mileage Summer EV. 

So what are the Cons of the Mini Convertible EV? 

•  It’s expensive at £50,000+ - expect leasing deals at £500 - £700 per month;
•  The range is limited and unless you are low-mileage / urban customer, this will not be suitable; and
•  The Rapid Charging capabilities are rudimentary with just 50 kW DC - modern EV drivers are demanding 150/200 kW DC faculties in 2023.  

For our best EV deals on the Mini Hatchback and Convertible, browse here