The all-electric Mini Cooper SE has received a high-fashion makeover with the arrival of the Paul Smith Edition in the Australian market. Priced at $60,990 (before on-road costs), this special edition represents a sophisticated fusion of British automotive heritage and iconic fashion design.
A Collaborative Design Philosophy
This release marks a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between Mini and the legendary English fashion house. While previous collaborations, such as the 2021 and 2022 “Mini Strip” concept cars, allowed for more experimental “rule-breaking,” this is the first time a Paul Smith-badged Mini has moved from concept to a full production electric vehicle.
The collaboration is more than just a branding exercise. Paul Smith has emphasized a desire to avoid the superficiality of simply slapping a name on a vehicle. Instead, the design integrates with the existing architecture of the Cooper SE, ensuring the aesthetic enhancements feel organic to the car’s identity.
Distinctive Aesthetic Details
The Paul Smith Edition is distinguished by a specific color palette and subtle, high-quality accents that differentiate it from the standard Cooper SE.
Exterior Features
The car is available in three primary colors: Inspired White, Statement Grey, and Midnight Black II. Each option is unified by several signature design elements:
– Nottingham Green accents on the roof, grille surround, and mirror caps.
– 18-inch alloy wheels (available in Night Flash Spoke Black or Dark Steel) featuring green center caps.
– Custom lighting, including Paul Smith-themed “hello” projector puddle lamps.
– Signature branding, including multi-color stripes on the roof and black/blue Mini logos.
Interior Craftsmanship
Inside, the cabin shifts toward a dark-accented, premium environment designed with sustainability in mind:
– Nightshade Blue Vescin vegan leather seats with blue stitching.
– Recycled polyester used for the dashboard trim and door cards.
– Unique motifs, such as the Paul Smith “Rabbit” on the floor mat rivets and specialized door inlays.
– Dark Steel accents integrated into the standard panoramic glass roof.
Performance and Specifications
Underneath the designer exterior, the mechanical specifications remain identical to the standard Mini Cooper SE. This ensures that while the car looks unique, its driving dynamics and efficiency remain consistent with the model’s proven electric platform.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | 160kW / 330Nm single electric motor |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Battery Capacity | 49.2kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | Approximately 400km |
| Acceleration (0-100km/h) | 6.7 seconds |
| Safety Rating | 5-star ANCAP |
Market Context: The Rise of Electric Minis
The launch of this special edition comes at a time when Mini’s electric lineup is gaining significant traction in Australia. In the first quarter of 2026, electric models accounted for nearly half of Mini’s total small-car sales.
Notably, the Aceman —Mini’s other electric offering—has emerged as a volume leader, proving that there is a growing appetite for compact, electrified urban vehicles. The Paul Smith Edition serves to capture a more niche, lifestyle-oriented segment of this growing EV market, blending sustainability with premium design.
The Paul Smith Edition transforms a functional electric hatchback into a piece of mobile design, catering to drivers who view their vehicle as an extension of their personal style.
The 2026 Mini Cooper SE Paul Smith Edition offers a premium, design-led alternative in the electric compact segment, bridging the gap between automotive utility and high-end fashion.
