Premiere of the first fully electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible: alloy wheels made of 100% recycled aluminum

24 February 2023, 16:08:00

As the world’s first open-top fully electric premium car to be produced in a small series, the new MINI Cooper SE Convertible as a whole has been completely rethought in terms of sustainability. The combination of a light support wheel made from 100 percent recycled aluminum with aerodynamically optimized real metal inlays as well as an innovatively designed center cap offers a unique selling point that clearly sets the model apart from the competition. Made entirely from recycled light alloy, the support wheel completely meets the structural requirements and high-quality standards of the BMW Group, while the inlays optimize the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle, thereby increasing the range of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible. In other words, the innovative alloy wheels contribute to reducing the vehicle’s carbon footprint in multiple respects – both in production and while driving.

With the use of secondary materials that have a carbon footprint of less than 0.16 kg of carbon per kilogram of aluminum, the wheel supplier has been able to reduce carbon emissions at its production facility by up to 75 percent compared to conventionally produced wheels. In concrete terms, this means carbon emissions fall from around 130 kg to around 30 kilograms. The outstanding aerodynamic properties and lightweight design of the innovative alloy wheels also make a difference on the road, with the complete enclosure of the wheel exterior by the inlays significantly decreasing drag. The weight-optimized design reduces the unsprung masses of the vehicle as a whole, boosting efficiency and enabling the MINI Cooper SE Convertible to deliver the go-kart feel that is so typical of the brand.

The consistent implementation of circular economy principles has turned the joy of sustainability into a lived experience for the MINI community. Drivers of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible with recycled aluminum alloy wheels are part of a pilot project aimed at gradually reducing demand for primary raw materials. The alloy wheels on the MINI Cooper SE Convertible can also be fully recycled at the end of their lifecycle. Participating in this circularity enables the BMW Group to continually reduce the amount of aluminum that needs to be produced by means of an energy-intensive primary energy process.

Secondary raw materials must also fulfill BMW Group’s high standards for quality, design, safety and mechanical properties. With the alloy wheels on the MINI Cooper SE Convertible, the BMW Group has succeeded in establishing a material cycle for premium quality wheels for the first time, paving the way for repeated use of the raw material. The use of 100 percent recycled aluminum wheels in a small series is the first proof of feasibility for the ambitious sustainability goals regarding the circular economy. At the same time, the world premiere of the MINI Cooper SE Convertible sets the scene for scaling up the innovative production process for use in future large series models.

News related to MINI or Cooper SE Convertible

BMW and MINI will headline dynamic exhibits at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, running October 31 through November 9, 2025, showcasing next‑generation vehicles and systems including the first Neue Klasse model, the BMW iX3, new hydrogen fuel cell developments, and a fresh MINI lineup highlighted by a Paul Smith special edition. The event will mark the Asian debut of the BMW iX3 and present a suite of technologies...

29 October 2025

Just in time for the Paris Motor Show from 14 October to 20 October, MINI is presenting two new top models - the MINI John Cooper Works Electric and the MINI John Cooper Works Aceman, each with up to 190 kW / 258 hp of power. The MINI 3 door sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, while the MINI John Cooper Works Aceman reaches 100 km/h from a standing start in 6.4 seconds. Both models have a top speed of...

16 October 2024

In a globally challenging market, the BMW Group increased its sales of fully-electric vehicles by +19,1% in the first nine months of 2024, with a total of 294,054 BEVs delivered to customers. During this period, BMW brand sales of fully electric models rose by +22.6% to 266,151 vehicles. Of those, 121,844 BEVs were delivered to customers in Europe – an increase of +35.8% for this region. Of all BEV sales, the BMW...

16 October 2024

MINI celebrates the premiere of the first crossover model for the premium small car segment. The new MINI Aceman combines compact exterior dimensions with as much room as possible for occupants and an all-electric drive. Measuring just under four meters in length, the new MINI Aceman has five seats and a versatile luggage compartment with a load volume of 300 l while numerous adjustment options enable this capacity...

25 April 2024

The all-electric MINI Aceman is celebrating its world premiere at the 18th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition 2024. Together with the all-electric MINI Cooper and the powerful MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4, MINI is presenting its new model generation in Beijing. From April 25 to May 4, MINI will be presenting the new generation of the new MINI Family at the China International Exhibition Center in...

19 April 2024

Four months after launching production of the combustion-engined MINI Countryman, the all-electric version is now rolling off the lines at Leipzig as well. After phasing out production of the BMW i3, the birthplace of electric mobility at the BMW Group has welcomed another fully electric car to its range. The MINI Countryman Electric represents a major step in the MINI brand’s transition to full electrification by...

5 March 2024

The fully electric MINI Cooper combines a modern, ecological drive with brand-typical driving pleasure. Like the entire new MINI model family, the MINI Cooper E is also available in four redesigned vehicle trims. The Classic Trim offers expressive body colors and contrasting roof finishes. The puristic design of the iconic MINI three-door model is particularly expressive in Sunny Side Yellow, with a contrasting roof...

14 February 2024

The all-electric MINI Cooper SE stands for emission-free mobility and urban driving pleasure. The new 3-door model is now available in the John Cooper Works Trim as well. With 218 electrically generated hp (160 kW) and 330 Nm of maximum torque, the MINI Cooper SE is way out in front with zero emissions, especially with its ability to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. The high-voltage battery installed in the...

8 December 2023

MINI USA took to Climate Week in New York City to unveil its all-new 2025 MINI Countryman SE ALL4. It makes its first presence on American shores at a special panel called Driving Forward: The Transforming of Future Mobility hosted by URBAN-X, the leading urban technology startup platform by MINI, at Newlab in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. URBAN-X, which recently welcomed its 13th cohort of early-stage startups, is...

18 September 2023

As a 3-door model in its fifth generation, the all-electric MINI Cooper underscores the brand’s tradition with its hallmark MINI design and stands for urban driving fun. The design of the new MINI model generation is modern, digital, and unmistakable. it is available in two distinct models: MINI Cooper E - 135 kW / 184 hp, 290 Nm, 305 km range, 40.7 kWh battery, 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 s MINI Cooper SE - 160 kW / 218...

1 September 2023

BMW has unveiled the 2024 MINI Countryman EV available in two trims: MINI Countryman E - 150 kW / 204 hp, 250 Nm, 462 km range, 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 s, top 170 km/h MINI Countryman SE ALL4 - 230 kW / 313 hp, 494 Nm, 66.45 kWh battery, 433 km range, 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 s, top 180 km/h With an additional six centimeters in height and thirteen centimeters in length, the new MINI Countryman has grown noticeably...

1 September 2023

MINI provides a first glimpse of the trend-setting design of the upcoming all-electric model family: Charismatic Simplicity is called the reduced design language that focuses on the essentials. Each new MINI model gains its own strong individual character that is expressed in distinctive design features, while exuding individuality with a clear brand affiliation. Sustainable materials are another essential part of...

9 May 2023

The next generation of the MINI family is now being launched with the MINI Cooper Electric. The new edition of the iconic MINI 3-door is geared towards electric driving fun and is available at two power levels. With its thrillingly agile drive, the MINI Cooper Electric stands for locally emission-free premium mobility of the future. Originally launched in 2020, the all-electric MINI Cooper SE saw a 25.5 per cent...

3 May 2023

The BMW Group posted significant growth in its global sales of fully-electric vehicles (+83.2%) in the first quarter of 2023. Overall, the BMW Group delivered a total of 64,647 fully-electric BMW and MINI vehicles to customers in the first three months of the year. The BMW brand was able to more than double its sales of fully-electric vehicles in the first quarter, with 55,979 units delivered to customers (+112.3%)...

12 April 2023