Mini has reportedly pulled the plug on its plans for an electric version of the Cooper Convertible, originally rumoured for production in 2027 across China and the United Kingdom.
While an official statement is yet to be made, multiple factors, including weak demand and market challenges, are believed to have influenced the decision.
The Mini Cooper SE Convertible was introduced as a concept several years ago, sparking excitement among electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts.
However, sources cited by BMW Blog suggest the project has been shelved quietly.
Among the suspected reasons are profitability hurdles, increasing competition from Chinese automakers and a challenging EV convertible market. Convertibles already occupy a niche segment, and transitioning them to electric platforms narrows their appeal even further.
Sales figures also highlight the challenge. In the US, petrol-powered Cooper Convertible sales plummeted by 89.1% in Q3, with only 127 units sold. Year-to-date figures weren’t much better, with a 33.3% decline to 3,278 units.
However, 2023 also showed promise, with a 64.8% annual increase resulting in 5,331 units sold, making it Mini's third best-seller after the Countryman and the 2-Door Hardtop.
Convertible enthusiasts aren’t entirely out of options.
Mini has confirmed that a new petrol-powered Cooper Convertible will debut early next year and become available for the New Zealand market.
The entry-level model will feature a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 120kW and 250Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. It can sprint from 0 to 96 km/h in 7.9 seconds, offering a blend of performance and classic Mini charm.
While an electric Mini drop-top seems unlikely in the near future, the upcoming petrol-powered convertible aims to keep open-air driving alive for the brand's loyal fans.