Exclusive Details On The New Electric MINI Cooper Convertible Including US Sales

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There’s a new electric MINI Cooper convertible coming. The J03 MINI Convertible will follow the familiar script we’ve seen from other MINI Convertibles with some key differences. And it will help usher in some important changes to the recently released electric Cooper family.

First let’s talk about the car itself. The electric J03 MINI Convertible will use the J01 platform that MINI co-developed with Great Wall Motors as a starting point. From there we believe MINI will add similar structural reinforcement (to cope with the lack of a roof) that we’ve previously seen on the F57 convertibles.

Sources tell us that MINI will likely use a similar top to what we’ve seen on the F57 albeit with more attention focused on aero efficiency to help reduce drag. Other changes will be focused on 1-2 new exterior colors with several new interior trim options as well.

The MINI Convertible models & Performance

The J03 MINI Cooper Convertible will be offered in Cooper E and Cooper SE and eJCW models. The Cooper and Cooper SE models will likely mirror the performance of those that are on sale today. However there is a slight chance we’ll see MINI release a refresh of the J01 that coincides with the J03 launch. That refresh would likely focus on styling updates and potentially a range increase.

Refreshed or not, the J03 will likely see range figures that are slightly down on the J01 due to a bit less aero efficiency. That would mean we’d see a Cooper E range around 180 miles and SE around 240 miles (WLTP).

Now let’s talk JCW. Convertible eJCW will have a power output of 252 hp and 255 ft lbs. Making that performance even more impactful will be the typical instant torque from the electric motor. Given that we expect 0-60 times likely in the mid 5 second range.

The J03 JCW will mirror the J01 JCW in terms of performance.

Production Finally Comes to the UK Opening the Door to US Sales

According to sources, the convertible looks like it will be built primarily at the Oxford plant in the UK. While our sources didn’t say the J03 wouldn’t be built in China, BMW forecasts the majority of its sales in the UK, Europe and North America. That could mean the J03 might be exclusively built in Oxford.

Additionally our sources have confirmed that the J03 MINI Cooper Convertible will come to North America in SE and JCW forms. With the car built in the UK, MINI will avoid tariffs that have kept the J01 and forthcoming J05 Aceman from reaching the US and Canada. That will also change as both of those models will also see expanded production to the UK.

We expect to see the J03 MINI Cooper Convertible debut in 2025 with sales beginning in 2026.

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