2025 MINI Cooper S Convertible: What’s New, What’s Not and Comparing it to the F57

DimON · 2025-03-21T12:40:18Z

The MINI Cooper S Convertible has always been the automotive equivalent of a double espresso on a crisp morning—invigorating, stylish, and just the right amount of indulgent. Now, with a new model arriving just in time for spring, it’s the perfect moment to take a deep dive into what’s changed and how it stacks up against its predecessor, the F57.

Design: New and Old Meet

At a glance, the F67 looks… well, like a MINI. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. While the hardtop has made a bold break from tradition with its controversial triangular taillights, the convertible remains more conservative, sticking with the classic vertical rear lights of its predecessor. But this wasn’t a design choice so much as a limitation—MINI simply couldn’t fit the new taillights into the convertible’s rear structure.

Up front, the grille is a bit more simplified, and the headlights have a more modern LED signature, but overall, this is a very familiar shape. While some brands are pushing the boundaries of convertible design, MINI has played it safe here. Maybe too safe.

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Under the Hood: More Power, but No Manual

There’s some good news here: the F67 gets a bump in power over the outgoing F57. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder now produces 201 hp—an increase of 13 hp over its predecessor. That results in a slightly quicker 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds. It’s not a massive jump, but it does give the car a bit more urgency when you put your foot down.

However, there’s a tradeoff: the manual transmission is gone. MINI has officially dropped the stick shift from the U.S. lineup, leaving the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic as the only option. While the DCT is quick and smooth, it doesn’t quite match the engagement that a proper manual gearbox provided. Worse yet, in the U.S., MINI has removed paddle shifters on all but JCW models, leaving most buyers without any way to manually shift gears at all.

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Driving Experience: Still a MINI, but Not a Revolution

MINI has made some small but meaningful tweaks to the chassis and suspension. The F67 features a slightly wider track, additional bracing for improved rigidity, and revised steering calibration. The result? Sharper turn-in and better composure through corners. It’s still playful, but it doesn’t feel like a dramatically different car from the F57.

That’s both good and bad. If you loved the way the old model drove, you’ll appreciate the subtle improvements. But if you were hoping for a more transformative upgrade, you might be disappointed. MINI played it safe here, and while the F67 remains fun to drive, it doesn’t break new ground.

Interior & Tech: A High-Tech Makeover

Inside, the biggest change is the 9.5-inch circular OLED display that replaces traditional gauges. It’s bright, responsive, and packed with features, but it also marks a major departure from MINI’s analog roots. Some will love the modern, minimalist approach, while others might miss the tactile nature of physical buttons and dials.

The materials have also been upgraded, with MINI using a mix of soft-touch plastics, fabric-trimmed panels, and its new synthetic “Vescin” upholstery instead of leather. It’s more sustainable, but traditionalists might not be thrilled by the lack of real leather. That said, MINI’s focus on comfort means the new materials absorb less heat, keeping the interior cooler on sunny days—something convertible owners will appreciate.

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Final Thoughts: A Safe, Sensible Upgrade

The 2025 MINI Cooper S Convertible sticks to a well-worn formula. The extra power is welcome, the sharper handling is a nice touch, and the new tech gives it a more modern feel. But at the same time, the lack of a manual, the absence of shift paddles on most models, and MINI’s generally cautious approach to change make it feel more like an incremental update than a bold step forward.

For longtime MINI Convertible fans, this will still be a fun, stylish, and characterful drop-top. But if you were hoping for something truly groundbreaking, you might be left wanting.