In an age where practically everything, even “family” crossovers, are dripping with aggressive styling touches, it’s refreshing to have a car that doesn’t take itself so seriously. That’s what the Mini hatch has long been about, and there’s now an updated convertible version to match the new two-door and four-door Mini Cooper models that debuted this year.
Like the hardtops, the 2025 Mini Cooper Convertible gets a new aesthetic treatment inside and out. Practically speaking, the exterior isn’t a radical reimagining of the now-classic Mini touches we’ve seen over the past couple decades under BMW’s umbrella. The headlights get a new look and the grille is a little less rounded than it is before. That said, the 2025 Mini hatches are about as adorable as a car can reasonably get without going in a totally ridiculous direction, so if you liked the old cars you’ll still like this new one. Unlike the other models, though, this car still gets the same taillight setup as the old Mini Convertibles did.
Also unlike the hardtop cars, the Mini Cooper Convertible gets a unique feature all its own. Since you can actually drop the roof here (in 18 seconds and at speeds up to 19 mph, no less), this car heralds the return of the “Always Open Timer”. Basically, the timer located in the central 9.5-inch circular display will tell you how long you’ve driven around with the roof open. Again, it’s a fun little touch you won’t see on some more serious drop-tops. You know, like some of BMW’s own performance-minded convertibles.
On the performance front, the 2025 Mini Cooper Convertible models share the same powertrain options as the conventional hatches. The normal Cooper model, therefore, gets a 2.0-liter engine with 161 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The Cooper S has the same displacement, but the actual output gets a bump to 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft. Sadly, a 6-speed manual option does not carry forward with the launch of the 2025 models — so a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is your only option here. With an auto, you can expect the Cooper S model to hit 60 mph in just under 7 seconds (then factor in a little more for the less potent Cooper, of course).
While the 2025 Mini Cooper Convertible carries on with its gas-powered counterparts, the electric Mini Hatch will almost certainly be the way forward in the next generation. This should be the last crop of Minis powered by internal combustion, so if the idea of a peppy, turbocharged little convertible tickles your fancy, you may want to act in the next few years before it’s gone.
2025 Mini Cooper Convertible pricing starts at $34,945 (including $995 destination), while the Cooper S comes in at $38,195. Both models will hit dealers in January 2025.
