► Mini Cooper John Cooper Works models
► More poke than Cooper S, standard bodykit
► Electric or combustion power, priced from £31k
Mini’s latest John Cooper Works models have arrived, with both combustion or electric models available.
Given the Mini Cooper is available as both an electric car and one with engines, it makes sense that the hottest models in the range also get that choice. The new combustion Cooper JCW is a familiar affair with a 225bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, allowing it to sprint to 62mph in 6.1sec and top out at 155mph. The same engine is applied to the Mini Cooper JCW Convertible, which takes 6.4sec to reach 62mph and makes it to 152mph.
The first ever electric Cooper JCW model launched at the 2024 Paris motor show alongside the Aceman JCW, and the specs show it’s only really a gentle power boost from the electric Cooper S model. The Cooper JCW features 254bhp and 252lb ft from its single front axle e-motor, meaning a 5.9sec 0-62mph time and a top speed of 124mph. However, that max power figure is only available via a boost function using a rocker switch on the steering wheel.
As for range and charging, Mini says the electric Cooper JCW can drive up to 251 miles on a single charge, and can be charged at up to 95kW. That means, according to Mini, a 10-80 per cent charge is done in around half an hour.
Visually, it sort of feels like Mini’s queered its own pitch with the Cooper S Sport models already on sale; the JCW editions (regardless of engine choice) doesn’t look particularly different or much sportier. That said, the JCW models feature details like a red roof, bespoke alloy wheel designs, a checkered flag motif on the tailgate and some racing stripes on the bonnet.
Notice how even less has changed with the Convertible’s design given the brake lights are the same as the previous model, laying bare that this generation of combustion Mini really is a heavy facelift.
Inside, little is different besides a bespoke JCW fabric for the sporty standard seating, and what Mini describes as illuminated headlining. The interior is full of red and black colouring and Mini’s now traditional patterned details.
Want one? You can order one now in any engine form, with the first models arriving in the UK early in 2025. Combustion Cooper JCW models start from £31,200, while the electric one will be priced from £38,420. For reference, that’s around the expected price of Alpine’s upcoming A290…