New Mini Cooper S Convertible Review: The Ultimate Wind-in-Your-Hair Experience

Few cars embody pure driving joy quite like the Mini Cooper S Convertible. This latest generation combines the iconic Mini character with modern technology, a punchy 204 hp engine, and that irreplaceable wind-in-your-hair feeling that makes every drive special.

We spent extensive time with the new Mini Convertible to see if it still delivers that magic formula of style, performance, and personality that’s made it a British icon for decades. Here’s everything you need to know about this pint-sized drop-top.

First Impressions: Cuteness Overload

At just 3.9 meters long, the Mini Cooper S Convertible is roughly the same size as a Suzuki Swift. But while that makes it one of the smallest convertibles you can buy, it also gives it an undeniable charm that larger drop-tops simply can’t match.

Exterior Design: Modern Mini at Its Best

Front End
The smoothed nose immediately identifies this as the latest generation Mini. Those iconic round headlights give it an irresistible face that’s instantly recognizable, while short overhangs and a chunky body maintain that classic Mini silhouette.

Side Profile

• 18-inch wheels come standard in the UK (substantial for such a small car)
• Stubby proportions emphasize the compact, purposeful stance
• Clean body lines with minimal fussiness
• Roof mechanism visible when folded (more on this later)

Rear Design

• Union Jack detailing in the tail lights (patriotic touch)
• Downward-opening tailgate that supports up to 80 kg (perfect viewing platform for sunsets)
• Missing: Central exhaust pipes (long been a Cooper S identifier)

The Roof: Star of the Show

The fabric soft-top is the Convertible’s defining feature, and it’s impressively engineered:

Opening/Closing Speed:

• 18 seconds to open
• 15 seconds to close
• Operates at speeds up to 30 km/h (18 mph)

Sunroof Mode: A welcome feature returns—you can open just the front section of the roof for a quasi-sunroof experience without going fully topless.

Design Compromise: When folded, the roof doesn’t sit completely flush with the bodywork. The folds are visible and slightly obscure rearward visibility in the mirror. It’s not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.

Interior: Modern Tech Meets Mini Charm

Dashboard Design: Bold OLED Centerpiece

The interior represents a modern interpretation of the classic Mini dashboard, dominated by a massive round OLED touchscreen that serves as the focal point.

OLED Display Advantages:

• Remains vibrant and clear in harsh sunlight (crucial for convertible use)
• Crisp, high-resolution graphics
• Customizable “experiences” with different themes, fonts, and visual styles
• Themes reflect on the heads-up display as well

Functionality Issues: The touchscreen is slick and feature-packed, but perhaps too feature-packed. Many functions require diving into sub-menus, which can be irritating when you’re trying to make quick adjustments.

Positive Note: The heads-up display is excellently implemented, showing navigation, audio settings, and radio station info clearly. You rarely need to glance at the central screen once you’re familiar with the system.

Physical Controls: Minimalist but Thoughtful

While most functions live in the touchscreen, the center console panel provides welcome tactile controls:

• Rotary volume knob (satisfying to use)
• Twist-to-operate engine start/stop switch (quirky Mini touch)
• Toggle for experiences/drive modes
• Small toggle gear selector (point of contention—more later)

Interior Quality: Mixed Bag

What We Loved: ✓ Chunky steering wheel (perfect to hold)
✓ Knitted fabric dashboard finish (unique aesthetic)
✓ Ambient lighting projected onto knitted fabric (stunning at night)
✓ Vegan Vegitan upholstery (BMW’s recycled material that looks like leather)
✓ Power-adjustable front seats with massage function

What Could Be Better: ✗ Scratchy plastics in lower areas
✗ Ordinary power window buttons (cheap feeling)
✗ Knitted fabric likely difficult to keep clean (dust magnet with roof down)
✗ Tiny glove box (practicality sacrifice)
✗ No seat heating or ventilation (surprising omission)

Quality Verdict

The interior quality is inconsistent with the premium pricing. While the upper dashboard and steering wheel feel special, venture lower and you’ll find plastics that wouldn’t be out of place in a budget hatchback. At £35,000+, buyers deserve better throughout.

Practicality: Surprisingly Usable

Front Seats: Well Catered For

Comfort Features:

• Large, supportive seats with power adjustment
• Driver’s seat massage function (rare in this segment)
• Good driving position with excellent forward visibility
• Heated steering wheel (genius for chilly roof-down drives)

Storage:

• Wireless charging pad (upright phone position at console base)
• Two cup holders
• Small storage box between front seats
• Modest door pockets (small bottle capacity)
• Tiny glove box (disappointing)

Rear Seats: Tolerable Surprise

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Can adults actually sit in the back of a Mini Convertible?

Answer: Surprisingly, yes.

Rear Seat Reality:

• Upright backrest but adequate headroom (even for taller passengers)
• Sufficient legroom for short journeys around town
• Not generous, but not torture either
• Friends won’t complain for quick trips
• Getting in/out remains awkward

Realistic Use: Perfect for occasional rear passengers, children, or extra storage. Not suitable for long motorway trips with four adults.

Boot Space: Adequate with Roof Up

Cargo Capacity:

• 160 liters with roof folded down
• Rear seats fold for additional storage
• 80 kg load capacity on lowered tailgate (unique party trick)

Practical Note: Boot space is acceptable for weekend getaways or shopping trips, but you’re not taking four people and full luggage on holiday. This is a lifestyle car, not a practical family hauler.

Practicality Verdict

For a tiny convertible, the Mini punches above its weight. The rear seats are usable (shocking), boot space is adequate, and front occupants are genuinely comfortable. Just don’t expect Golf-level practicality.

Engine and Performance: Pocket Rocket

Powertrain Specifications

Under the clamshell bonnet sits a proper performance engine:

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol
Power: 204 hp
Torque: 300 Nm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
Drive: Front-wheel drive

Performance Figures (claimed):

• 0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds
• Top Speed: 147 mph (237 km/h)
• Weight: 1,380 kg

On-Road Performance: Grin-Inducing

Put simply: 204 horsepower in a car barely larger than a Swift equals naughty, grin-inducing fun.

Acceleration Character: The engine is lively and energetic, responding eagerly to throttle inputs. There’s a meaty power band that encourages short bursts of excitement whenever traffic permits. While 6.9 seconds to 60 mph isn’t hypercar territory, it feels genuinely quick in such a small, low-slung package.

Transmission Performance: The 7-speed DCT is quick to upshift, maintaining momentum during spirited driving. However, downshifts aren’t quite as urgent, and there’s a significant issue: no manual control whatsoever.

Critical Omission: No gear lever position for manual mode and no paddle shifters. In a car this involving and fun, the lack of manual override is genuinely baffling. You’re stuck letting the gearbox make all the decisions.

Engine Sound: Pumped-In Theater

The soundtrack is not quite as special as previous Cooper S models:

What You Get:

• Nice depth to the exhaust note
• Turbocharger hisses (if you isolate wind noise)
• Competent but not dramatic

What’s Missing:

• Pops and crackles of older Cooper S models
• Genuine exhaust drama
• Much of the sound is artificially pumped through speakers

For purists, this is disappointing. The mini Cooper S used to have one of the best exhaust notes in the hot hatch world. This generation feels sanitized by comparison.

Handling and Dynamics: Point-and-Shoot Perfection

This is where the Mini Cooper S Convertible truly shines.

Steering: Direct and Delightful

The steering is weighty but incredibly direct. There’s genuinely no delay between your steering input and the front wheels’ response. It feels telepathic.

Driving Character: The car darts into corners with enthusiasm. In true Mini fashion, it operates as a point-and-shoot device—you aim, the car goes exactly there. The precision is remarkable.

Handling: Centralized Mass Magic

Despite weighing 1,380 kg (not lightweight for something this small), the Mini Convertible feels tight and composed. Because you sit centrally in such a compact car, the mass feels centralized around you, creating a sensation that the car is pivoting around the driver.

Cornering Behavior:

• Minimal body roll
• Tremendous front-end grip
• Confidence-inspiring balance
• Feels stable and planted despite short wheelbase

Ride Comfort: Sporty Compromise

The Cooper S rides on 18-inch wheels with short-travel suspension. This is not a luxury car setup—it’s a sporty little hatchback that prioritizes handling over comfort.

Ride Quality:

• Can feel jiggly over rough urban roads
• Firm but not punishing
• Excellent road holding at highway speeds (feels ironically like a bigger, heavier car)
• You can carry big speeds with big confidence

Verdict: If you want cloud-like comfort, buy a luxury saloon. If you want an engaging, confidence-inspiring drive, the Mini’s firm setup is perfect.

Convertible Experience: When It All Comes Together

The Magic Moments

On the right day—blue skies, mild temperatures, low pollution—the Mini Convertible delivers one of the finest driving experiences available. The combination of:

• Tight, responsive handling
• Punchy acceleration
• Wind-in-your-hair freedom
• Compact dimensions that make every road feel like a B-road
• Iconic styling that turns heads everywhere

…creates something genuinely special.

The UK Reality Check

Let’s be honest: the UK climate isn’t ideal for convertibles. Between rain, cold, traffic, and unpredictable weather, opportunities for perfect roof-down driving are limited.

But here’s the thing: On those rare perfect days, you’ll be grateful you have the option. The resulting experience is satisfying enough to justify the convertible compromise for the right buyer.

Roof-Down Considerations

Headroom: With the roof down, you get infinite headroom and an airy cabin feel. The compact car suddenly feels spacious.

Wind Blast: At motorway speeds, wind noise and buffeting are noticeable. The Mini is better suited to B-road blasts than sustained high-speed cruising with the roof down.

Weather Protection: With the roof up, the cabin feels surprisingly cozy and well-insulated. This isn’t a drafty compromise convertible.

Technology and Features

Standard Equipment (UK Spec Expected)

Infotainment & Tech:

• Large round OLED touchscreen
• Heads-up display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless expected)
• Customizable “experiences” themes
• Navigation system

Audio:

• 12-speaker, 365W Harman Kardon sound system (punchy and clear)

Comfort & Convenience:

• Power-adjustable front seats with massage
• Heated steering wheel
• Wireless charging pad (50W)
• Reverse camera
• Ambient lighting

Convertible-Specific:

• Electric soft-top operation
• Sunroof mode (partial opening)
• Wind deflector (optional)

What’s Missing

For a premium-priced convertible, some notable omissions:

• No paddle shifters or manual gearbox control
• No seat heating or ventilation
• Limited rear USB charging ports
• Small glove box storage

Running Costs and Ownership

Expected UK Pricing

While official UK pricing hasn’t been confirmed for this generation, we expect:

Mini Cooper S Convertible: £35,000 – £40,000 (depending on options)

Comparison Point: You’re paying approximately £5,000-£8,000 premium over the equivalent Cooper S hatchback for the convertible roof and associated engineering.

Fuel Economy (Expected)

Official Figures (estimated based on previous generation):

• Combined: 40-45 mpg
• Real-world: 35-40 mpg

The 2.0-liter turbo engine is reasonably efficient given the performance, but enthusiastic driving will see those figures drop significantly.

Insurance and Tax

• Insurance Group: Likely Group 25-30 (moderate to high)
• VED (Road Tax): Standard rate (petrol, over £40K on-the-road likely means luxury car supplement for first five years)
• Servicing: BMW/Mini servicing costs (not cheap, but reasonable service intervals)

Depreciation

Mini Convertibles historically hold their value reasonably well, particularly Cooper S models. The iconic styling and limited production compared to mainstream hatchbacks help maintain residual values.

Rivals and Alternatives

Direct Competitors

Fiat 500C (£18,000 – £25,000)

• Much cheaper, similar cute factor
• Less powerful, less involving to drive
• Better value for city use

Mazda MX-5 (£27,000 – £36,000)

• Two-seater only (more focused convertible experience)
• Rear-wheel drive (more engaging for purists)
• Better driving dynamics, less practical

Audi A3 Cabriolet (Discontinued, but available used)

• Larger, more premium interior
• Less characterful, more conventional
• Better rear space and practicality

BMW 2 Series Convertible (Discontinued new, available used)

• Larger, more powerful options
• More refined, less quirky
• Higher running costs

The Mini’s Unique Position

The Cooper S Convertible occupies a sweet spot: small enough to feel special and nimble, powerful enough to be genuinely fun, practical enough for four occasional occupants, and iconic enough to make ownership feel special.

Who Should Buy the Mini Cooper S Convertible?

Perfect For:

✅ Style-conscious drivers who want something distinctive
✅ Enthusiast drivers who prioritize handling and fun
✅ Empty-nesters or couples who rarely need rear seats
✅ Second-car buyers who want a weekend toy
✅ City dwellers who appreciate compact dimensions
✅ Mini fans who love the brand’s heritage and character
✅ Those who value experiences over pure practicality

Not Ideal For:

❌ Families needing regular four-seat transportation
❌ Budget-conscious buyers (expensive for what you get objectively)
❌ Practicality-first purchasers (limited boot, tight rear seats)
❌ All-weather driving in harsh climates
❌ Those who want manual gearbox control (no option available)
❌ Buyers prioritizing interior quality at this price point

The Verdict: Heart Over Head

The new Mini Cooper S Convertible is fundamentally a heart-over-head purchase. Objectively, £35,000-£40,000 for a tiny convertible with scratchy plastics, no manual transmission option, and limited practicality doesn’t make financial sense.

What Makes It Special

But Mini has never been about cold objectivity. It’s about:

• Iconic design that makes you smile every time you see it
• Engaging driving dynamics that turn every journey into entertainment
• Wind-in-your-hair moments on perfect days
• Character and personality in a world of bland SUVs
• An antidote to taking life too seriously

Final Thoughts

For the way it looks, the way it drives, and the way it makes you feel, the Mini Cooper S Convertible justifies its premium—if you’re buying with your heart.

The lack of manual transmission control is genuinely disappointing, and the interior quality could be better for the price. But when the sun’s out, the roof’s down, and you’re carving through country lanes with 204 horses on tap, those complaints fade away.

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)

Would We Buy One? As a second car or weekend toy, absolutely. As your only vehicle or rational purchase, probably not.

But rationality has never been the point with Mini. And that’s precisely why we love it.

Quick Specification Summary

Final Recommendation

Buy it if: You want a fun, characterful convertible that makes every drive special and you’re willing to pay a premium for that experience.

Skip it if: You need practicality, value-for-money, or a car that makes rational sense on paper.

The Mini Cooper S Convertible is a lifestyle choice more than a transportation appliance. And for those who understand that distinction, it’s one of the most rewarding cars you can buy.

Welcome to the wind-in-your-hair club. Membership has its privileges.

Have you owned a Mini Convertible? Share your experiences in the comments below!