Paul Smith’s familiar “Classic with a twist” philosophy finds its way onto the electric MINI Cooper SE, while the limited-run MINI Surfside Collection brings a splash of seaside colour to the Aceman.
There is something the British seem particularly good at: taking something perfectly sensible and giving it just enough eccentricity to make it interesting.
A conservative suit gets a brightly coloured lining. A perfectly respectable afternoon tea somehow involves champagne. And now, an electric MINI Cooper gets Nottingham Green paint, colourful stitching, a hand-drawn rabbit and the words “Every day is a new beginning” hidden inside.
Welcome to the MINI Paul Smith Edition.
The latest collaboration between two decidedly British institutions has arrived in Singapore, with the special edition initially offered on the all-electric MINI Cooper SE. More models will follow in the coming months. It continues a relationship that has already produced the MINI STRIP in 2021 and MINI Recharged by Paul Smith in 2022.
But unlike some designer collaborations, where the exercise can occasionally feel like little more than a famous signature applied to an existing product, Paul Smith’s fingerprints are everywhere here.
“What I love most about the MINI Paul Smith Edition is how it makes a statement without shouting. It’s stylish and thoughtfully designed, but it also has a sense of fun that reveals itself the more time you spend with it. It’s a car full of character, and we’re excited for customers in Singapore to experience a MINI that feels both distinctly British and refreshingly different.”
Daren Ching, Head of MINI Asia.
Paul Smith has long described his design philosophy as “Classic with a twist”, which seems almost suspiciously well suited to MINI. For the Paul Smith Edition, buyers have a choice of two exclusive colours.
Statement Grey takes inspiration from the colour of the original 1959 Mini Austin Seven, albeit reinterpreted as a cleaner, bluish grey. Inspired White, meanwhile, is a modern nod to the beige paint once offered on the classic Mini.
Nottingham Green (named in tribute to Sir Paul Smith’s hometown) appears on the wing mirrors, octagonal grille, wheel hub covers and roof. His famous Signature Stripe also makes an appearance towards the rear of the roof on the driver’s side.
The car sits on 18-inch Night Spoke aluminium wheels finished in Dark Steel Flash, while the MINI badges receive a new Black Blue treatment. Paul Smith’s signature also appears on the black strip running across the tailgate.
The cabin is where the collaboration becomes rather more playful. Black knitted surfaces cover the dashboard and door panels, with the dashboard texture taking inspiration from Paul Smith’s tone-on-tone striped fabrics. The Nightshade Blue sports seats combine Vescin upholstery with knitted textile sections around the shoulders and headrests.
The MINI Cooper SE Paul Smith Edition is priced at S$282,888, at the time of the press announcement, and sits in VES Band A.
Paul Smith was not MINI’s only surprise. Alongside the new special edition, MINI Asia also unveiled the Surfside Collection, a Singapore-exclusive run limited to just five cars.
Based on the all-electric MINI Aceman E, it comes finished in Ocean Wave Green with a contrasting white roof. Bespoke Surfside graphics stretch across the bonnet, sides and rear, accompanied by unique emblems on the C-pillars, doors and tailgate.
Inside, a light beige cabin continues the coastal theme.
The mechanical package remains that of the Aceman E: a 110kW, or 148hp, electric motor producing 290Nm, paired with a 38.5kWh battery. It completes the century sprint in 9.2 seconds and offers up to 310km of WLTP range.
The MINI Aceman E Surfside Collection is priced at S$270,888, with only five examples available locally.
For those wanting to see it in person, MINI will hold a public Paul Smith Edition showcase at MINI Habitat, 27 Leng Kee Road, on 19 September 2026 from 8.30am to 7pm.
The event will include curated displays, postcard-making, Leica instant photography, themed refreshments and limited-edition gifts while stocks last.
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