MINI Paul Smith Edition: style and price game extended beyond EVs

MINI has expanded the Paul Smith Edition to petrol Cooper models. Previously the designer trim was tied to the electric Cooper SE; now it can be ordered on the three-door hatch, five-door hatch and convertible — in C and S flavours. The JCW is not on the list.

The idea is simple: give buyers a stylish special version without forcing them onto “green energy”. The Paul Smith Edition is offered in three signature shades: Statement Gray, Inspired White and Midnight Black. The three- and five-door Coopers get a contrasting roof in Nottingham Green, while the convertible can be specified with a Union Jack soft top. The same green accent appears on the mirror caps, grille frame and wheel hub centres.

The cabin is just as distinctive. The Paul Smith Edition gets its own seats, dashboard and door trim treatment, a stripe on the steering wheel, a rabbit motif on the floor mats and a door-sill inscription that reads “everyday is a new beginning”. None of this adds horsepower, but for MINI such details have always been part of the price tag — people here buy not just the size of the car, but an image.

In July 2026 MINI UK will refresh the rest of the line-up as well. Blazing Blue will become available on every petrol model, plus on the Aceman in Classic and Exclusive trims. The Cooper Electric will get Indigo Sunset Blue across all variants. New cabin options arrive too: Beige Vescin with a black knitted finish for JCW, Sport and Exclusive, while Brown Vescin with black trim stays reserved for the Countryman Exclusive.

There are digital changes as well. The MINI Connected subscription will be included for the first four years on cars in Level 2 and Level 3 trims. The service provides traffic and congestion data, sharper visualisation of complex junctions, 3D buildings in navigation, AirConsole games and parked-car video streaming.

A separate piece of news — the return of the MINI One. The model is back as the entry point to the MINI family. Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre three-cylinder BMW turbo engine making 121 hp, with only one trim available — Classic.

MINI clearly isn’t in a rush to hand the whole emotional side over to electric cars. The petrol versions get the design, the special editions and a more accessible starting price — while buyers still want a choice that goes beyond the battery.