After renewing its entire range in recent years, MINI is now turning its attention to special editions. This is a clever way to attract customers back to showrooms even when there are no brand new models on display. The Oxford-based company enjoyed a solid 2025, recording a 17.7% increase in deliveries to 288,290 units.
MINI has teamed up with legendary designer Paul Smith to add some pizzazz to select models. We first saw the special edition at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo at the end of October. Now the cars have taken to the road for a photo shoot with the three-door hatchback. One is a Cooper S, the other is the fully electric Cooper SE. It’s worth mentioning that the Paul Smith Edition is also available as a five-door and even a convertible.
The S-badged hot hatch is shown here in Inspired White, an exclusive color for the special version. For a striking effect, MINI painted the roof in Nottingham Green, which extends to the side mirror caps and radiator grille contour. The green accents also appear on the wheel hub caps and serve as a visual reminder of Paul Smith’s hometown.
A closer look at the driver’s side reveals Paul Smith’s signature stripes along the edge of the roof. Inside, all versions pay homage to the United Kingdom, with seats upholstered in Nightshade Blue fabric, black knit surfaces and striped patterns. Elsewhere, the side skirts are emblazoned with Paul Smith’s cheerful message: “Every day is a new beginning.” Its characteristic stripes also adorn the steering wheel, where a textile band can be seen on the lower spoke.
If an electric vehicle is more your thing, the Cooper SE Paul Smith combines Nottingham Green accents with a subtle Midnight Black paint job. MINI also offers these vehicles in Statement Gray, another color exclusive to the special edition. In all cases, the models can be visually distinguished by Paul Smith’s signature on the horizontal bar of the tailgate.
Other Easter eggs range from a stylized bunny hand-drawn by Paul Smith on the doormats to a “Hello” message projected when the front doors are opened. This Cooper SE also features a unique rear spoiler with alternating gloss and matte black stripes.
The Paul Smith Edition may not look all that different at first glance, but when all of these subtle details come together, it creates a charming speedster.
2026 MINI Cooper S Paul Smith Edition
MINI Cooper SE Paul Smith Edition
