Icon with a Twist: The MINI Paul Smith Edition

Quick look

• The latest special edition in a long collaborative partnership between Sir Paul Smith and MINI, creating an ‘Icon with a Twist’.

• For the first time, a Paul Smith edition is available on a broader production scale, making it available to more customers than ever.

The history of the Mini has two eras – the first one which began in 1959 and continued to 1996 when the second era began with the BMW Group buying over Mini and Land Rover from the Rover Group. The German automaker later sold off Land Rover to Ford but decided to keep Mini as it offered a unique proposition as a premium compact car. Perhaps the decision was also influenced by the fact that the chairman of BMW at the time – Bernd Pischetsrieder – was a relative (distant) of Alex Issigonis, who was the father of the Mini.

Under BMW, the Mini concept was maintained and modernised, and in the process, the brand name changed to MINI. The first brand new model was presented in 2001, so this year would mark the 25^th anniversary of the modern MINI range.

Association with celebrities
Over the years, the little car has been associated with many celebrities – the Beatles, Mary Quant, David Bowie, Twiggy, Peter Sellers, Michael Caine and many others. It was regarded as being ‘classless’ and even royalty used it. On some occasions, Mini had tie-ups with celebrities by having special creations. For the brand’s 40th anniversary in 1999, David Bowie designed a unique mirror-plated Mini that reflected its entire surroundings.

The association with high-profile figures continues to this day and the latest one is with Sir Paul Smith. You may recognise the name which is well known with designer clothing. Smith is a noted figure in British fashion who began his career in 1970. He became world-renowned for his use of vibrant, multi-coloured stripes and high-quality tailoring and as a designer, his influence extends to product like Leica cameras and furniture and automotive icons like the MINI.

Not the first collaboration
It’s not the first time there is a collaboration between MINI and Paul Smith. Back in 1998, there was a classic Mini Paul Smith Edition, which featured a bespoke ‘Paul Smith Blue’ finish with citrus green accents. Over the years, this partnership has produced avant-garde concepts like the 2021 MINI Strip and the 2022 MINI Recharged, which converted a classic model into an EV.

In 2026, the All-Electric MINI Paul Smith Edition adopts Smith’s ‘Icon with a Twist’ philosophy using the Cooper SE as the donor model. The limited edition is offered in 2 exclusive colours – Inspired White and Statement Grey – contrasted by Nottingham Green accents on the mirrors, grille, and hub caps.

Based on electric Cooper SE
Underneath the designer exterior, the technical package remains identical with a standard Cooper SE. The front-mounted electric motor produces 160 kW (218 hp)/330 Nm, making it possible to go from 0 to 100 km/h within 6.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 170 km/h.

The 54.2 kWh battery provides a range of 387 – 402 kms, with DC fast-charging (at 95 kW) refilling from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes.

Paul Smith-personalised interior
The interior is where the designer’s influence is most evident. It features Nightshade Blue JCW Sports seats upholstered in Vescin, accented by a Shadow Stripe knit. A unique touch is the dashboard upholstery, which uses alternating finishing directions to create a subtle stripe pattern inspired by Smith’s signature motif without using ‘loud’ colours.

Personalized details are found throughout the cabin. The door sills bear the handwritten phrase ‘Every day is a new beginning!’ – which encapsulates Smith’s belief in the continuous journey of creativity and innovation. The floormats have an embroidered hand-drawn rabbit which is often seen in Smith’s work. Even the digital interface of the 240 mm circular MINI Interaction Unit (aka instrument panel) has 3 exclusive backgrounds designed by him.

Available in Malaysia
The Paul Smith Edition is also available in Malaysia, positioned at the premium end of the Cooper SE range. Pricing starts from RM222,222 with a standard 2-year warranty. For those who want more peace of mind, the EV can have a 4-year extended warranty with a service package for another RM6,300. As with other models sold by official MINI dealerships, there’s a 5-Year Roadside Assistance program.

More than just a special edition
“The MINI Paul Smith Edition is not just another special edition; it is the culmination of a creative partnership that began nearly three decades ago, now reimagined for the electric age,” said Benjamin Nagel, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

“And for the first time, the celebrated collaboration is available on a broader production scale, bringing Paul Smith’s unmistakable creative vision to more customers than ever before, including our passionate MINIacs in Malaysia,” Mr. Nagel added.

New MINI family in Malaysia gets JCW electric models