Car Buyer's Guide

MINI Convertible vs MINI Electric

MINI Electric

MINI Electric

Verdict

For a Malaysian buyer able to charge at home or work, the MINI Electric is the rational choice: its 54.2 kWh battery claims 402 km of range, its 215 hp/330 Nm motor reaches 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, and annual road tax is RM200. The Convertible answers with open-air motoring, a 237 km/h top speed and a marginally larger 215-litre boot. But its 6.9-second sprint, RM379 road tax and 44-litre petrol tank make it the emotional, rather than practical, purchase.

Convertible

Pick the MINI Convertible if an open roof, 237 km/h top speed and auto parking matter more than electric driving and lower running tax.

Electric

Pick the MINI Electric if you can charge regularly and want 402 km claimed range, stronger 330 Nm torque and richer front-seat equipment.

Key differences

  • Price: MINI Convertible RM318,888; MINI Electric RM193,888.
  • Powertrain: MINI Convertible 2.0-litre turbo petrol with 204 hp and 300 Nm; MINI Electric single motor with 215 hp and 330 Nm.
  • Performance: MINI Convertible 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and 237 km/h; MINI Electric 6.7 seconds and 170 km/h.
  • Energy storage: MINI Convertible 44-litre fuel tank; MINI Electric 54.2 kWh battery with 402 km range.
  • Road tax: MINI Convertible RM379 per year; MINI Electric RM200 per year.
  • Boot space: MINI Convertible 215 litres; MINI Electric 210 litres.

Convertible

  • Convertible body with four seats
  • 237 km/h top speed
  • Auto parking and remote boot activation
  • Slower 0-100 km/h time of 6.9 seconds versus 6.7 seconds
  • Higher annual road tax at RM379 versus RM200
  • Manual front seats versus powered seats with driver memory and massage

Electric

  • 402 km claimed EV range from a 54.2 kWh battery
  • 215 hp and 330 Nm motor
  • Adaptive LED headlamps, high-beam assist and powered front seats with driver massage
  • 170 km/h top speed versus 237 km/h
  • 210-litre boot is 5 litres smaller
  • No auto parking and manual boot operation
Price & overview
PriceRM318,888RM193,888
Body typeConvertibleHatchback
SegmentB-SegmentB-Segment
AssemblyCBUCBU
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM379RM200
Powertrain
Engine Tech16 valve, DOHC, variable intake and exhaust cam timing, variable intake valve lift, twin-scroll turbo400V architecture
Capacity1,998 cc
Horsepower204 hp
Torque300 Nm
FuelPetrolElectric
Number of Motors1
Motor Horsepower215 hp
Motor Torque330 Nm
Battery Capacity54.2 kWh
EV Range402 km
Charging Rate (AC)11 kW
Charging Rate (DC)95 kW
Drivetrain
TransmissionDual-clutch Automatic (Wet)Single Ratio Automatic
Transmission Name7-speed Steptronic Transmission
Gears7
DrivelineFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h6.9 seconds6.7 seconds
Top Speed237 km/h170 km/h
Dimensions
Length3,879 mm3,858 mm
Width1,744 mm1,756 mm
Height1,431 mm1,460 mm
Wheelbase2,495 mm2,526 mm
Weight1,605 kg
Fuel Tank44 litres
Doors23
Seats44
Boot Space215 litres210 litres
Front Tyre215/40R18225/40R18
Rear Tyre215/40R18225/40R18
Spare TyreTyre Repair Kit
Factory TyresHankook Ventus s1 Evo 3Maxxis Premitra 5
Chassis
AssemblyUnited Kingdom (CBU)China (CBU)
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkMulti-link
Front Wheels18" Night Flash Alloys18" Night Flash Alloys
Rear Wheels18" Night Flash Alloys18" Night Flash Alloys
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist)
Safety
AirbagsDriver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear CurtainDriver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain
ABS/EBD
Stability Control
Alarm
Immobilizer
Airbag Disable Function
Seat Belts4 Three-point4 Three-point belts
Blind Spot Info System
ISOFIXAvailable on Front Passenger and Outer Two Rear SeatAvailable on 2 Outer Rear Seats, Front Passenger Seat
Autonomous Braking SystemYesYes
Lane-keeping AssistWarning OnlyWarning Only
Collision Warning
Seatbelt ReminderAll SeatsFor Front Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsLED ProjectorAdaptive LED Projector with High Beam Assist
TaillampsFull LEDFull LED
LED Daytime Running Lights
Rear Foglamps
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators
Cabin
Front SeatsManual AdjustablePowered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory and Massage Function
Rear Seats50:50 Split-folding60:40 Split-folding
Front Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate
Power Sockets1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front1 Front, 2 USB C, 1 Wireless Charger
Interior LightingMap Lights and Ambient LightsMap Lights and Ambient Lights
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 1 Rear
Audio9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-PinchTwo Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Flip SwitchKeyless Flip Switch
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Start/Stop
Auto Headlamps
Auto Wipers
Cruise ControlActive Cruise ControlActive Cruise Control
Paddle Shift
Steering Audio Control
Steering Tilt
Steering Telescopic
Boot OperationRemote Control ActivationManual Operation
Parking Sensor Front6 Sensors6 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear6 Sensors6 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, with 360-degree View MonitorYes, with 360-degree View Monitor
Auto ParkingYes
Folding Wing Mirrors
Bluetooth
Navigation
Head-up Display
Hill Start Assist
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Warranty
Warranty Mileage ManufacturerUnlimitedUnlimited
Warranty Mileage ExtendedUnlimitedUnlimited
Warranty Manufacturer2 years2 years
Warranty Extended4 years4 years
Warranty NotesRepair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty, Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.

Convertible vs Electric FAQ

Is the MINI Convertible or MINI Electric better?

The MINI Electric is better for regular Malaysian commuting if you have dependable charging, with 402 km claimed range, 330 Nm and lower road tax. Choose the MINI Convertible for its open roof, 237 km/h top speed and auto parking.

What is the price difference?

The MINI Convertible costs RM318,888 and the MINI Electric costs RM193,888, so the Convertible is RM125,000 more expensive.

Which MINI has the better cabin equipment?

The MINI Electric has the stronger front-seat package, adding powered adjustment, driver memory and massage. It also gets adaptive LED projector headlamps with high-beam assist; both cars share the 9.4-inch OLED display and Harman Kardon sound system.

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