MINI has been busy this yr, unveiling an all-new lineup of automobiles. Amongst them is the Oxford-built F67 MINI Cooper S Convertible, the most recent addition to the household and a automobile that blends open-top enjoyable with iconic MINI appeal. Sharing its DNA with the F66 hardtop, the Convertible introduces structural enhancements and considerate updates to adapt to the soft-top design. After driving this top-tier drop-top, right here’s every thing it’s worthwhile to know concerning the new MINI Convertible.
Efficiency: Energetic and Succesful
The 2025 MINI Cooper S Convertible is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission, as MINI has discontinued handbook gearboxes throughout the lineup. The Convertible achieves 0 to 62 mph in 6.9 seconds and reaches a high pace of 147 mph. It’s the identical engine present in a number of BMW Group fashions, however it feels greatest suited to smaller vehicles just like the Cooper.
Driving Expertise: Enjoyable, Quirky, and Adjustable
To compensate for the structural flexibility of the soft-top, the brand new F67 MINI Cooper S Convertible options extra chassis bracing and strengthened struts on the entrance and center, and even below the hood, enhancing stiffness. MINI has additionally fine-tuned the dampers and bushings for a setup tailor-made particularly to this mannequin. These changes intention to protect the Cooper S’s trademark driving dynamics, so it comes as no shock that these adjustments give the Convertible a subtly distinct really feel in comparison with the hardtop.
Good
- Enjoyable driving dynamics
- Good sounding engine
- Loads of customizations obtainable
Unhealthy
- No handbook transmission
- 7-speed DCT is laggy
- Inside high quality may very well be higher
The 2025 MINI Cooper S Convertible thrives on its driving dynamics, embodying the playful, go-kart really feel the model is thought for. The B48 turbocharged engine shines on this small automobile, delivering loads of torque for last-second overtaking whereas sounding surprisingly sporty with the highest down. In bigger fashions just like the Countryman, this engine can really feel much less full of life, however within the Convertible, it’s the proper match.
The suspension tuning relies upon closely in your driving mode. In Go-Kart Mode, the stiff setup can really feel bouncy and harsh, particularly on rougher roads like these in South Carolina. The shortage of excessive journey within the dampers turns into noticeable throughout day by day drives, however discover a stretch of easy, winding canyon roads, and the setup feels proper at residence. For a extra relaxed expertise, Private Mode, and others, allows you to configure the settings to your liking, softening the experience and making the Convertible appropriate for day-to-day use.
The steering follows the same sample. In Go-Kart Mode, it’s twitchy and responsive, including pleasure to spirited drives. In decrease consolation modes, it softens and turns into much less participating, catering extra to informal cruising. Torque steer is current, particularly if you flooring the fuel pedal, however it’s predictable and simple to handle.
One downside is the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), shared with different BMW front-wheel-drive fashions and the MINI Countryman. In Consolation mode, it’s noticeably laggy, notably when ranging from a standstill. The delay in delivering energy to the entrance wheels could be unsettling, however switching to Go-Kart Mode considerably improves the responsiveness, aligning the transmission with the automobile’s dynamic character.
Whereas it doesn’t intention to rival hardcore efficiency vehicles, the facility feels greater than sufficient for on a regular basis use. Whether or not accelerating on a freeway with the highest down or weaving by way of metropolis streets, the automobile feels full of life and responsive.
Total, the efficiency feels greater than sufficient, particularly with the highest down, I by no means discovered myself wanting for extra energy. The Cooper S Convertible strikes a terrific steadiness between the thrill of an open roof and good general day by day driving. After all, that’s additionally aided by engineering tips, just like the wind deflector behind the motive force and passenger seats decreasing air turbulence and wind noise with the roof down. Paired with the built-in rollover safety system that deploys immediately if sensors detect a rollover, these options improve each consolation and security.
Inside and House: Practicality for Two, a Problem for 4
The inside house is precisely what you’d count on from a MINI Convertible: nice for 2, tight for 4. At 6’2” (1.9 meters) tall, I discovered the entrance seats to be spacious, providing ample legroom and headroom, even with the highest up. Nevertheless, the rear seats are nearly unusable for anybody apart from youngsters or as extra cargo house.
The game seats are one other spotlight, providing wonderful assist and classy design. The facet bolsters maintain you firmly in place throughout spirited driving, and whereas I didn’t push the automobile to its absolute limits, they felt greater than able to dealing with excessive dynamics. For day by day driving, they strike a snug steadiness between kind and performance.
Enjoyable Reality: Why No Triangular Taillights?
One curious omission on the brand new MINI Convertible is the shortage of the triangular taillights seen on the remainder of MINI’s refreshed lineup. In accordance with the product supervisor from Germany, whereas the Convertible consists of the identical customizable gentle sequences because the hardtop fashions, incorporating the brand new taillights design would have required structural adjustments to the rear.
Cargo House and Roof Folding
The delicate high operates electrically, folding down in simply 18 seconds and shutting in 15 seconds at speeds as much as 19 mph. Moreover, a sunroof operate permits the roof to slip again by 15.7 inches, including flexibility for various driving situations. The trunk provides 7.59 cubic ft of cargo house with the roof up, decreasing to five.65 cubic ft when the roof is down. It’s enough for weekend journeys or day by day errands should you pack gentle.
Accessible in 12 exterior colours, together with the unique Copper Gray, the Convertible provides additional customization with contrasting facet mirror caps in Glazed White or Jet Black. Trim ranges embody Traditional, Favoured, and JCW, making certain there’s a mannequin to go well with each style.
Does the MINI Cooper S Convertible Retain the Go-Kart Feeling?
To reply that, let’s break it down utilizing the defining traits of MINI’s iconic “Go-Kart Feeling”:
Direct Steering
The MINI Cooper S Convertible delivers on exact, sharp steering. In Go-Kart Mode, it feels telepathic, responding pretty fast to your inputs and making each twist and switch participating. Nevertheless, in Consolation Mode, the steering softens, dropping a few of that directness, which could take away from the fun for purists. So the steering has a pleasant compromise in its setup, however overtall, it’s a “MINI.”
Low Middle of Gravity
Fortunately, the Convertible nonetheless has a low heart of gravity that helps it keep steady throughout cornering. Added factors right here for the Convertible.
Tight Dealing with
The chassis and suspension work nicely to reduce physique roll, delivering the nimble and agile dealing with MINI is thought for. It’s not with out its quirks, although—rougher surfaces could make the stiff suspension really feel bouncy and harsh. Nonetheless, on smoother pavement or winding roads, the tight dealing with makes each nook a possibility for enjoyable. Total, I just like the setup.
Compact Proportions
The MINI Cooper’ small footprint stays one among its strongest belongings and in an period the place massive vehicles promote greatest, I’m simply joyful choices are introduced to us.
Punchy Acceleration
The turbocharged 2.0-liter B48 engine shines within the Convertible, delivering fast, zippy acceleration. Whether or not overtaking on the freeway or darting off from a stoplight, the engine offers loads of punch, and with the highest down, the exhaust word enhances the expertise. The laggy dual-clutch transmission in Consolation Mode might hinder this barely, however in Go-Kart Mode, it’s way more responsive.
Driver-Centric Really feel
Behind the wheel, the MINI Cooper S Convertible feels driver-focused, particularly in its extra aggressive modes. The steering, braking, and dealing with all work collectively to make the motive force really feel immediately related to the automobile. Whereas the torque steer is noticeable below laborious acceleration, it’s predictable and provides to the appeal reasonably than detracting from the expertise.
Enjoyable-to-Drive Spirit
This one is straightforward: Mission achieved!
Closing Ideas: A Playful Open-High With MINI Attraction
The 2025 MINI Cooper S Convertible is a pleasant mix of open-top enjoyable, spirited efficiency, and the everyday quirky MINI design. For these looking for a trendy and enjoyable convertible with loads of character, the Cooper S Convertible is a wonderful alternative. Whether or not it’s for canyon carving or informal cruising, this MINI is assured to make each drive memorable. Whereas the way forward for electro-mobility is thrilling, there’s nothing fairly as satisfying as the fun of open-top driving with an engine roaring previous your ears.
Pricing begins at $37,200, with a further $995 vacation spot price. For these searching for a barely much less highly effective choice, the bottom Cooper C Convertible is priced at $33,950 plus vacation spot. Each fashions are anticipated to reach in U.S. dealerships in early January 2025.
Exterior Attraction – 8
Inside High quality – 7
Steering Suggestions – 7
Efficiency – 8
Dealing with – 8
Go-Kart Really feel – 8
Worth Level – 8
7.7
The 2025 MINI Cooper S Convertible is a pleasant mix of open-top enjoyable, spirited efficiency, and the everyday quirky MINI design. For these looking for a trendy and enjoyable convertible with loads of character, the Cooper S Convertible is a wonderful alternative. Whether or not it’s for canyon carving or informal cruising, this MINI is assured to make each drive memorable. Whereas the way forward for electro-mobility is thrilling, there’s nothing fairly as satisfying as the fun of open-top driving with an engine roaring previous your ears.
