Mini debuted an all-new Cooper and Convertible for 2025 but held off on revealing the high-performance version of the car for a few months. That changed this week, as the brand unveiled a pair of John Cooper Works models for the new model year — one with a fixed roof and one without.
Both get a power boost over other Mini models, but in a move likely to disappoint some longtime fans, a manual transmission is not an option.
Hardtop versions will start at $39,195 (including a $995 destination fee). Mini asks $44,695 for the ragtop, delivered.
Horsepower, Torque Boosts
The JCW cars use a more powerful version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine found in the Cooper. In JCW form, it makes 228 horsepower (27 more than other versions) and 280 lb-ft of torque (59 more).
“This allows the MINI John Cooper Works 2 Door to run zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible to run zero to 60 in 6.2 seconds,” the company says. Speed tops out at 155 mph with a metal roof and 152 with a cloth top.
The only transmission available is a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Strangely, Mini doesn’t say how many speeds it has. The specs lead us to believe it’s the 7-speed unit used in the JCW Countryman.
It rides on the same suspension as other Cooper models but with “specific suspension settings” to “offer a genuine go-kart feeling combined with agile handling.”
Air Vents and Aero Bits
You’ll know it’s a John Cooper special thanks to a unique octagonal grille finished in gloss black. Larger air inlets flank it, with red accents. JCW badges and unique horizontal daytime running lights also set it apart from other Cooper models.
Hardtop models have a roofline spoiler. Both versions get a rear diffuser framing a single central tailpipe.
Buyers can choose from 11 colors and add red or black hood stripes to any of them.
Inside, there’s one color scheme available: the classic JCW red and black. JCW sport seats come wrapped in black synthetic leather, with knitted fabric at the shoulders and red contrast-color stitching.
All 2025 Mini cars feature an unusual textile-covered dashboard. Mini uses that chance to bring its black-and-red color scheme inside again, with a checkered flag theme on the passenger’s side.
Mini will start building the pair in November, with the first deliveries scheduled for January 2025.
