2025 Mini Cooper S Convertible Quick Drive: More Open-Top Fun
The new-generation Cooper S goes topless to deliver a dose of adrenaline and fun.
Beyond its compact dimensions, the Mini Cooper has long been celebrated for its spirit and charismatic appeal, and the 2025 Mini Cooper S Convertible is no exception. The combination of exhilerating open-top driving and the automaker’s new design language offers a unique experience for drivers. There are, however, some key things missing, like a manual transmission and paddle shifters, but the Mini Cooper S Convertible still manages to deliver a grin-inducing ride to create plenty of memorable moments behind the wheel.
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We had the opportunity to take the 2025 Mini Cooper S Convertible for a brief spin along South Carolina’s winding roads, and while the weather wasn’t quite idyllic, the new Mini lived up to its reputation, offering a lively and distinctive driving experience.
What’s New
At first glance, the new 2025 Mini Cooper S Convertible looks quite like the outgoing model, but an icon such as the Mini Cooper must follow certain design cues to keep it immediately recognizable. Taking a closer look, however, you notice the design is quite different, getting cleaner lines that make the car appear more modern and premium. The new octagonal grille is sharper, and new headlights and sheetmetal look more prominent. The rear also gets new lights and (with some versions) the Union Jack. Like before, the convertible is a soft-top-only, and its top also gets the Union Jack treatment.
Mini designers spent a lot of time working on the interior. The classic round display screen returns, this time with very cool graphics and impeccable resolution. You can choose from different themes—from a classic look to selecting from different landscapes for background images. Turn on Go-Kart mode, and the screen displays race-inspired graphics. A convertible-only feature is the Openometer, a timer to track the amount of time the Cooper has gone with its top open. It’s a cool feature that’s fun and differentiates it from the competition. Speaking of the top, Mini says it can open and close in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 18 mph.
Behind the Wheel
All 2025 Mini Cooper S models in the U.S. are powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine that makes 201 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The interior redesign took away the actual shifter, which is replaced by a toggle switch on the center console. This also means no manual transmission is offered on any 2025 Mini Cooper, which is devastating for some enthusiasts and loyalists. During our short drive, we also missed the paddle shifters. A Mini rep told us those might be back, as pushback from owners about not having any sort of manual gear-selector mechanism has been notable. But don’t expect any updates on this until the car’s midcycle refresh a few years from now, sadly.
On the road, the Cooper S Convertible felt settled and well-sprung. Its suspension kept the body controlled and allowed low body roll despite the tight turns we experienced on our drive. Our biggest complaint is the lack of oomph. Although the Mini doesn’t feel underpowered, it also doesn’t deliver the go-kart feel it’s known for, even when Go-Kart mode is on. Adding another 30–50 hp and lb-ft would make a big difference in the way it feels on the road, but again, we don’t expect those changes to come anytime soon.
Is It Worth It?
Our time behind the wheel was quite limited, so we’ll reserve our full judgement until we can spend more days with one of these cars. However, with a $38,195 starting price, the 2025 Mini Cooper S Convertible seems a bit too expensive. The two-door version we drove has almost no room for someone to sit in the second row, and while it’s a cool and charismatic vehicle, its price is high to start. Mini hasn’t provided pricing for the entire lineup, which means those prices can rise quickly.
We’ll keep you posted on any pricing updates, which should be announced when the new Mini Cooper Convertible arrives at U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2025.
Miguel Cortina is Mexico Editor at MotorTrend, covering the auto industry in the U.S. and south of the border. He joined MotorTrend in January 2015 and is an avid automotive enthusiast who enjoys playing golf, surfing, and running in his free time.
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