MINI Thinks You’ll Go Camping In The Cooper SE, Launches Rooftop Tent For The EV Hatch

Summer is just around the corner in the northern hemisphere, and MINI is targeting outdoor lovers with a rooftop tent that can be strapped to the Cooper SE electric hatchback or Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 plug-in hybrid crossover.

The rooftop tent sits on the roof rails available for the two cars, which can be supplemented by a matching carrier system found in MINI’s catalogue. It can be easily deployed, taking a few seconds from releasing the safety catches on the housing until the structure lifts up on its own, helped by the gas springs.

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The foldout aluminum ladder provides access inside, where users will find sleeping accommodations for two. The windows feature mosquito nests and can be rolled up in summer, providing better ventilation. The usual camping gear can be stored in the luggage compartment, which can extend from 211 to 731 liters (7.5-25.8 cu-ft) by folding down the rear seats in the Cooper SE, and from 405 to 1,275 liters (14.3-45 cu-ft) in the Countryman PHEV.

MINI claims the rooftop tent does not affect the aerodynamic, with the zero-emission hatch, powered by a 184 PS (181 HP / 135 kW) electric motor, still being able to accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.3 seconds. The model has a range of 203-234 km (126-145 miles) on the WLTP test cycle. Its 220 PS (217 HP / 162 kW) crossover sibling can travel for up to 59 km (37 miles) using electricity. And if you run out of juice, then you will have to plug it in for a few hours, so make sure you stay near a campsite.