MINI is Doubling Down On Open-Tops With New Electric & Combustion MINI Cooper Convertibles

The MINI Cooper Convertible is dead. But just temporarily. MINI is gearing up to launch not one but two entirely different open-top models offering both petrol and electric power. What will they look like and when should we expect them? As usual, we have all the exclusive answers.

The previous F57 MINI Convertible was offered as a petrol model until the very end of production when MINI released a limited-production electric version. It turns out that move was actually a wildly successful test as the electric convertible sold out quickly. Those sales reportedly gave MINI the confidence to push forward with not just one but two new convertible models. And yes one is entirely electric.

The Petrol F66 MINI Cooper Convertible

First, let’s talk about the combustion model. Code-named the F67, it follows the same formula the F56 did when it evolved into the F66. The F67 has MINI’s all-new design language with every aspect of the exterior changed except the glass and doors. Inside, things are even more of a revolution with MINI’s new circular display and a much more minimal interior. You can read all about these changes in our recent exclusive look at F66 vs. its predecessor, the F56.

One interesting note. The rear lights of the F67 convertible will not change shape like the rest of the lineup. While the LED layout will change to mimic the new triangular lights, the shape of the rear wasn’t conducive to redesigning the lights entirely like on the F65 and F66.

The Electric J03 MINI Cooper Convertible

The J03 MINI Convertible will leverage the J01 platform that underpins the new electric MINI Cooper and forms the foundation of the J05 Aceman. 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 also be built in China, BMW forecasts the majority of its sales in the UK, Europe and North America. And yes, as you’d expect being built in the UK will mean North American imports as well.

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. This effort will be focused on reducing drag typically associated with convertible tops.

It appears that MINI might debut the car in 2025 with sales beginning in 2026. This timing could coincide with an LCI refresh scheduled for the J01 which could include tweaked styling and even higher range and performance.

If we look at previous convertible introductions, expect MINI to introduce several new exterior colors, interior trims and even a new wheel design.

This also means MINI will, for the second time in its history, have two open-tops to choose from. Previously MINI offered the R57 Convertible alongside the R59 Roadster. While those cars had some clear differences, the only real distinction between these two new models on the surface will be EV or combustion power.

Exclusive Details: Petrol & Electric MINI JCW Convertibles

The Petrol F67 MINI Cooper Convertible

MINI’s goal is to make these new JCWs look nearly identical. But behind the wheel, we expect some major differences. In what some might see as a disappointment, the petrol F67 MINI Cooper JCW will not see an increase in horsepower. Unlike the Cooper C or the Cooper S, MINI is holding the line on power output and instead bringing some upgrades elsewhere. 

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any performance upgrades. The F66 JCW will have a slightly revised B48 engine under the hood – more specifically the B48A20O2. The big performance update will be torque which increases from 236 to 258 lb-ft giving the car a bit more grunt. 

Perhaps just as important, torque peaks lower in the rev range. Previously in the F56 JCW torque maxed out at 1,450 RPM. The B48A20O2 sees this change to 1,250 RPM meaning maximum power is even more immediate. These are small but subtle differences that point to a slightly quicker or more responsive B48 engine.

The Electric J03 MINI Cooper Convertible

The J01 is a bit more foggy for us but our sources have been consistent in saying we’ll see at least 260 hp and even more torque. The limiting factor will be traction given that both the electric Cooper JCW and the Aceman JCW will remain front-wheel drive only. 

There is one function the J01 will offer that the F66 might not have. While the J03 is a bit more foggy for us we do know it will have more power. And like in the Countryman SE, MINI will introduce a “boost” function that gives you more power for a 10-second period. This will be operational via a paddle behind the steering wheel on the left side.

Finally, our sources tell us that the battery size will remain the same as the SE models. Because of the increased performance, we’d expect range to decrease a bit – perhaps as much as 5-10%.

MINI Cooper Convertible Models & Timing