MINI has ended months of speculation by announcing that it will put a fully-electric MINI Convertible into production. However, the brand is only planning to build 999 examples for the European market, with just 150 earmarked for the UK. Each will come with a hefty price tag of £52,500. 

MINI presented a fully finished prototype last year (driven here by Electrifying.com), and stated at the time that it had no firm plans to put it into production. However, such was the public response that bosses were persuaded to commission a limited run of cars to meet demand. According to MINI, the cabrio will shorten the transition period to the introduction of the next-generation all-electric model family, which will feature an electric convertible model as part of its new, expanded range.  

Badged MINI Cooper SE Convertible, the new model will only be offered with two paint finishes, black and silver, and will come with bronze detailing. All models will come with bespoke badging and 17-inch cast alloy wheels made from 100 percent secondary aluminium.

Convertible will use the same 28.9kWh (usable) battery pack and motor set up as the hatchback version of the MINI electric

In terms of running gear, the Convertible will use the same 28.9kWh (usable) battery pack and motor set up as the hatchback version of the MINI electric. The 184bhp front-mounted motor delivers a 0-62mph time of 8.2 seconds (0.9 seconds slower than the hatch), and offers a WLTP range of 125 miles - 20 miles less than the hatch.

With a length of 3,850mm, a wheelbase of 2,495mm, 1,727mm width and 1,427mm height, the dimensions, including the 160-litre boot, remain unchanged compared to the petrol powered MINI Convertible.

However, one key element that has changed significantly over the hatch is the price. Where the hatch version of the MINI Electric starts at £29,000, the Convertible starts at £52,500 - a £23,500 premium. Even when compared to the highest spec MINI Electric Resolute, the Convertible is still £17,450 more expensive. 

The MINI Convertible Electric will be built in alongside the petrol-powered MINI Convertible in the Netherlands. Order books for the new model are expected to open soon. 

MINI Electric Convertible Review

Open all hours? Just 150 examples of the new MINI Convertible Electric will come to the UK