All-New MINI Cabrio

The latest generation of MINI now has something special for those fans of the traditional British brand who believe driving pleasure should come with the sky above their heads. It takes just 18 seconds to add sun, air and a sense of freedom to the familiar MINI feeling. For this, the new MINI Cabrio is fitted with a fully automatic textile soft top, powered for the first time by an entirely electric and therefore especially quiet mechanism.

The rollover protection system is now fully integrated into the body structure and remains invisible until it is needed. A new generation of engines, model-specific suspension tuning and a highly torsionally rigid body provide a stronger sporting character and the agile handling for which MINI is known. At the same time, the new MINI Cabrio has made clear progress in comfort, interior space, functionality, material quality, craftsmanship and the range of modern driver assistance systems. Its evolutionary design emphasizes the balance between elegance and sportiness, while both exterior and interior reveal a more mature and distinctive character than the previous model.

The new version of one of the most distinctive premium convertibles in the compact segment represents the most emotional form of MINI driving pleasure. The upright windshield creates a vivid open-air sensation for all four occupants when the roof is down. The fully automatic textile top opens and closes at the press of a button, including while driving at speeds of up to 30 km/h, while the sliding roof function can be used at any speed. As an option, the MINI Yours soft top is available with a woven Union Jack motif used for the first time on a convertible. Other options include the Always Open Timer with new display content, the MINI Connected App with rain warning, two-zone automatic climate control with Convertible mode and a lighter wind deflector that is easier to install.

At market launch, the new MINI Cabrio was offered with two petrol engines and one diesel engine, all using MINI TwinPower Turbo technology. The MINI Cooper S Cabrio was powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine producing 192 hp. The MINI Cooper Cabrio used a three-cylinder petrol engine with 136 hp, while the MINI Cooper D Cabrio was fitted with a three-cylinder diesel engine producing 116 hp. Both the standard 6-speed manual transmission and the optional 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission were newly developed for the latest MINI generation.

The optional MINI Driving Modes switch allows the driver to select an individual vehicle character, emphasizing comfort, sportiness or efficiency. Dynamic Damper Control with adjustable damper settings is also available as an option.

Despite its increased dimensions, the new MINI Cabrio preserves the brand’s typical proportions, while driver and passengers benefit from noticeably greater freedom of movement. The luggage compartment is also significantly larger than in the previous model. Loading bulky items is made easier by the standard Easy-Load function, which allows the soft-top frame to be raised when the roof is closed, as well as by a wider through-loading facility.

A broad selection of modern driver assistance systems is available for the new MINI Cabrio. Park Distance Control with rear sensors is standard. Options include the MINI Head-Up Display, Driving Assistant with camera-based active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high-beam assistant and road sign detection, as well as Parking Assistant and a rear-view camera. Additional equipment includes LED headlights, LED fog lights, Comfort Access and the MINI Excitement Package. The latter includes LED interior lighting, ambient lighting and the projection of the MINI logo onto the ground from the driver-side exterior mirror when the car is unlocked. Exclusive MINI Yours and John Cooper Works components complete the options range.

The MINI Connected infotainment program is more diverse than ever. The new MINI Cabrio can be fitted with an integrated SIM card, enabling intelligent emergency call with automatic vehicle location and accident severity detection, as well as MINI TeleServices remote service functions. MINI Connected XL Journey Mate offers an advanced way to plan routes and support the driver throughout the journey. Numerous apps can be integrated into the car through a smartphone, providing access to social networks, information and entertainment with intuitive, convenient and safe operation through the MINI onboard control system. The MINI Connected App with Streetwise function, online search, sport instruments and a g-force indicator adds further enjoyment and convenience to the drive.

Exterior design: sporty, elegant and noticeably more mature

The generational change of the MINI Cabrio is clearly visible in the exterior design. The new open-top four-seater has gained a more mature and individual character while preserving MINI’s unmistakable energy. The body contours and surface treatment in the brand’s typical style give the car solidity and personality, equally attractive with the roof open or closed. The balance between elegance and sportiness is emphasized by the elongated silhouette, the horizontal chrome strip along the beltline, the short overhangs and the sculpted surfaces. Classic MINI elements — large round headlights with chrome surrounds, the hexagonal radiator grille, side indicators set into side scuttles and the black lower body surround — clearly identify the car as a member of the British premium brand.

The hexagonal outline of the radiator grille is emphasized by the traditional chrome frame and visually connected with the bumper bar below. With the optional Chrome Line exterior, the lower air intake also receives a chrome surround. On the MINI Cooper Cabrio and MINI Cooper D Cabrio, the grille elements and bumper bar, which also serves as the number-plate holder, are finished in high-gloss black. The sportier appearance of the MINI Cooper S Cabrio is highlighted by an additional opening in the hood and air ducts for brake cooling in the lower air intake. A red S badge with a chrome surround appears on both the grille and the side scuttles.

Viewed from the side, the typical MINI proportions are immediately clear. Once opened, the soft top folds compactly behind the rear seat, giving the car the classic look of a convertible with an elegantly stretched silhouette. Strongly modeled surfaces around the wheel arches and doors, together with a side line that rises slightly toward the rear, point to the car’s sporty handling qualities and robust body structure.

The rear of the new MINI Cabrio also combines sportiness and elegance. Large vertical rear lights are positioned far out to the sides and feature chrome surrounds. Together with the substantial tailgate handle above the number plate, the muscular bumper and the body shape widening toward the bottom, they create a rear view typical of MINI. The MINI Cooper S Cabrio is easily recognized by its two centrally positioned exhaust tailpipes and model-specific rear bumper with diffuser. Other versions have a calmer rear design and a single central rear fog light.

As before, the tailgate opens downward and can support a load of up to 80 kilograms. When the soft top is closed, the luggage opening can be enlarged using the standard Easy-Load function. Two locking handles allow the soft-top frame to be lifted higher than in the previous model, making it easier to load larger items. Luggage capacity is 160 litres with the roof open and 215 litres with the roof closed — approximately 25 percent more than before. The rear seat backrest is split 50:50 as standard, and the through-loading opening has been widened to 734 mm, allowing skis, snowboards and other bulky items for work or leisure to be carried safely. Improved sound insulation for the tailgate and soft-top compartment enhances acoustic comfort with the roof both open and closed.

Traditionally, MINI Cabrio passengers are protected from cold and weather by a textile soft top. For the new open-top four-seater, the mechanism trim has been optimized, the interior lining improved and the rear window heated. The roof is suitable for year-round use and offers better acoustic insulation. For the first time in the MINI Cabrio, soft-top operation is entirely electric, making it especially quiet.

If the mood suddenly calls for sun and wind, or if the weather demands a quick return to shelter, the roof can be opened or closed while the car is moving at speeds of up to 30 km/h. Both operations are activated by a toggle switch on the front roof frame. When the car is stationary, the soft top can also be operated using a button on the remote key. In 18 seconds, the window bars and side windows are lowered first, followed by the retraction of the soft top. Closing takes place in the reverse order and requires the same amount of time. A separate convertible-specific button in the driver’s door control panel opens or closes all four side windows simultaneously.

The soft top of the new MINI Cabrio also features a sliding roof function: the front section can be moved back by up to 40 centimetres. This controlled flow of fresh air is activated by the same toggle switch on the roof frame and can be used at any vehicle speed.

The standard soft top is black. As an option, the MINI Yours soft top is offered for the first time — a unique way to personalize the new MINI Cabrio. The black-and-grey Union Jack motif woven into the roof fabric in a classic herringbone pattern refers to the British origins of the brand. Another useful option is the newly developed wind deflector, which is lighter and easier to install. It can be locked into place behind the front seats in just a few movements and reduces unwanted air turbulence during open-top driving. When not needed, it folds compactly and can be stored in the luggage compartment.

Interior: high-quality design for an exclusive feeling

With the roof open, every seat in the new MINI Cabrio is exposed to sun and sky. The upright windshield and elongated beltline intensify the classic convertible sensation. The interior is more harmonious, the materials and finish meet premium standards, and both space and comfort have improved noticeably compared with the previous model.

The increased adjustment range of the front seats makes it easier for rear passengers to enter and exit. A longer rear seat cushion and greater distance from the seat to the roof make the rear of the cabin more comfortable. For better lateral support, the rear bench is shaped as two clearly defined individual seats. Rear shoulder room has increased by 34 mm, elbow room by 112 mm and knee room by 36 mm.

Cup holders and storage compartments for drinks and personal items are provided both front and rear. The door pockets can accommodate bottles of up to 1.5 litres. An optional storage package includes nets in the cabin and luggage compartment, as well as a 12-volt socket in the trunk.

The more mature character of the open-top four-seater MINI is also visible in the detailing. The belt guides for the front and rear seats share a consistent design, while the rear elements also conceal the fully integrated rollover protection system. The sun visors, front pillar trim, antenna base and roof-frame control panel all appear elegant and carefully finished. Together with the new cockpit design, controls, displays and door panels, this creates a modern atmosphere with a subtle sense of exclusivity.

Instead of the standard seats, customers can order sport seats, which are standard in the MINI Cooper S Cabrio, as well as sculpted MINI seats and Chester seats with Malt Brown leather upholstery. A wide selection of upholstery colours, trim strips, dashboard elements, Colour Line options, Chrome Line, MINI Yours Interior Styles and lighting packages allows the cabin to be tailored to personal style.

Options include a leather sport steering wheel with multifunction buttons, including cruise control with braking function, heated front seats, a visibility package with heated windshield, rain sensor with automatic headlight control, Comfort Access, Harman Kardon HiFi speaker system, electrically folding and heated exterior mirrors, and automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors. The program is completed by the MINI Yours sport steering wheel with Walknappa leather rim and hand stitching, as well as particularly sporty John Cooper Works options, including the aerodynamic package, leather steering wheel and sport seats.

The round headlights of the new MINI Cabrio are designed in the brand’s characteristic style, with broad chrome surrounds and a clearly defined internal structure. Arc-shaped turn indicators are positioned in the lower part of the headlights. As standard, daytime running lights and parking lights are located in additional light modules in the bumper, where optional fog lights may also be fitted. LED headlights are available as an option, including LED rear lights. The LED modules provide both low and high beams. Also available are LED headlights with adaptive light distribution, which changes according to the driving situation and route, as well as side lighting to illuminate corners. Fog lights are offered in halogen or LED versions.

An optional LED lighting package creates an emotional and comfortable atmosphere inside the cabin. In combination with the MINI Excitement Package, the lighting colour can be adjusted continuously. This package also includes colour effects in the ring around the central display, reacting to selected driver inputs and vehicle functions. Another distinctive feature is the projection of the MINI logo onto the ground beside the car from the driver-side exterior mirror when the vehicle is unlocked.

Like the MINI models with the classic body style, the latest open-top four-seater confidently stands out among its rivals not only in driving dynamics. Increased comfort and practicality, new MINI TwinPower Turbo engines, modern driver assistance systems and a premium atmosphere that can be seen and felt make this generational change especially clear. The new MINI Cabrio was created for special moments in everyday life and, more than ever, encourages every opportunity to open the roof and turn your face toward the sun and fresh air.