MINI Moves to Fixed Sunroofs Electric Model

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If you want a new MINI and like the wind in your hair you’ll need to get a combustion model. MINI has eliminated the retractable sunroof on all new electric models moving to a fixed, single pane of glass. But it’s not all bad. There are a few good reasons MINI went this route and even a few benefits.

Why has MINI chosen to eliminate the ability to open the expansive glass sunroof? Several factors likely play a role. For one, having a sunroof that opens reduces drag and also reduces range. It’s also not the worst idea to take the small electric motor out of the roof, and simplifying the design will remove weight exactly where you’d want to reduce it.

The move will also reduce long-term issues like leaking or even rattles that have plagued some cars in the past. Just ask R50 or R56 owners about leaking sunroofs, for instance.

Finally, there’s the cost factor for both MINI and the consumer. It allows MINI to reduce cost and (theoretically) pass that savings on to the consumer with a lower option price.

But the real deciding factor was how owners used their cars and (didn’t) use their sunroofs. In the research that MINI did, they found that the majority of owners never or rarely opened the sunroof. With that in mind, it would seem the vast majority of owners would be better off with a simpler, more expansive pane of glass than with the previous retractable sunroof.

While we love the feature of opening the sunroof and will miss the option, we wonder how many will truly even notice.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

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