2025 Mini Cooper JCW Review

You know you’ve got the most potent Mini in the stable when the letters JCW are attached to it.

The 2025 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) gains a fab new interior to go with an extra 44 lb-ft of torque compared to its predecessor and a smart dual-clutch automatic transmission — but it also loses its manual. Alas, it’s a sign of the times, it seems (for more proof, see the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI).

Nonetheless, this Mini-to-the-max dishes out a riotous and somewhat unruly driving experience that fans of the little British bulldog love. But be forewarned: it comes at a price.

Styling 9.5 / 10

This latest Mini styling refresh is a winner, adding some edge and a dash of modernism to what’s an iconic silhouette that’s been around since 1959. Out back, the JCW rocks a single central exhaust outlet within an aggressive rear diffuser. I like the new triangular tail lights that hint at the Union Jack. There’s a big rear spoiler, and this tester — dipped in Nanuq White paint ($700) with red roof, stripes, and mirror caps, and rolling on 18-inch alloy wheels with tuning fork spokes — displayed equal measures of cheek and menace. The big grille and headlights with their black surrounds give the Cooper a bold face.

The refreshed Mini’s interior is a winner. Build quality matches its fab design details that riff off the original Mini’s single central round gauge. This new circular 9.4-inch OLED screen (developed in conjunction with Samsung) has vastly improved resolution and responsiveness, and, in keeping with the Mini ethos, the graphics are fun and themes are numerous — Go-Kart, Timeless, Core, Vivid, Green — with each offering a unique vibe.

It’s hard to be grumpy in here. The dash is covered in fabric with a gradient checkerboard theme, and the lower steering wheel spoke is wrapped in fabric as well. And how cool and functional is that standalone covered storage box between the seats? The Mini’s cabin has always been about style, and this refresh takes the latter to new heights while also markedly improving build quality. Granted, its overt cutesiness can be a bit much, but that’s the Mini brand, and it’s done well.

Safety 8 / 10

The Mini Cooper JCW gets a standard head-up display along with a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver aids — adaptive cruise control that works in stop-and-go traffic, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and a self-parking system are all included.

Practicality 7.5 / 10

Granted, nobody is buying a Mini for outright practicality, but a hatchback configuration in any size ramps up utility. With the 60/40 split back seat folded, there were no issues loading in a bunch of musical gear — bass amp, guitar, music stand, and other detritus — for an out-of-town gig. By the numbers, the Mini Cooper hatch has 252 L of cargo space behind the rear bench that expands to 974 L with it stowed.

User-Friendliness 7 / 10

Like any modern infotainment system, the Mini’s takes some learning. It pairs well with Apple CarPlay, and thankfully there’s a volume knob. The steering wheel controls are of the physical variety, and the array of switchgear below the screen — toggles for gear selection and “Experience” selection, a twist fob for ignition — pay homage to the original Mini’s panel.

All HVAC controls are found within screen menus, and since every “Experience” has a completely different layout, this adds to the learning curse — er, curve. The head-up display, while a little cheap in its dash-top design, is eminently useful in that it’s the only display in the driver’s line of sight. You’d don’t want to be constantly glancing at the centre screen, no matter how groovy the graphics, to keep an eye on speed and other pertinent info.

Interestingly, there’s no tachometer readout anywhere to be found — weird for a performance machine. Meanwhile, outward visibility is hampered by the Mini’s thick pillars and high beltline. It’s hardly a deal-breaker, but it feels more claustrophobic than the GTI’s airy environment.

Features 8 / 10

Along with the above mentioned head-up display, the 2025 Mini Cooper JCW gets a heated steering wheel, heated sport seats, power-folding exterior mirrors with “Mini” puddle light projection, mechanically adaptive suspension, shift paddles, upgraded brakes, a wireless phone charger, built-in navigation, and an average-sounding stereo.

The Mini App gives smartphone access to the car for such tasks as checking vehicle status, remote lock/unlock, engine start, climate control preconditioning, interior camera view, and more.

Power 9 / 10

The 2025 Mini Cooper JCW’s turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder is all about the torque – 280 lb-ft of it from 1,500 rpm, to be exact. Yes, the engine will spin to redline, but it’s the hearty torque that presses the JCW forward with just a flex on the right ankle from just about any speed.

Comfort 7 / 10

The JCW serves up a stiff ride all the time. Blame the hatchback’s short wheelbase and specially tuned suspension that delivers go-kart reflexes. However, this 2025 model has a less punishing ride than the previous JCW iteration and offers more of a refined jostling than a harsh pounding. The initial impact harshness has been softened, with some credit going to the new frequency-selective mechanical adaptive dampers that replace the costlier, heavier, and more complex electronically adaptive damping of old.

Aside from that, the 2025 Mini Cooper JCW does its best to coddle. The sport seats with adjustable lumbar and under-thigh support are terrific, arriving at an expert blend of long-distance comfort and spirited driving support. On an extended highway journey, the JCW settled into a comfy and relaxed cruise.

Driving Feel 9.5 / 10

This is why driving enthusiasts would splash a bundle of cash for this diminutive Brit. It’s a spirited and eager little bulldog puppy, straining at its leash and raring to go. As noted earlier, the JCW’s torquey four-cylinder delivers real pace, matched by an alert chassis that has the Mini changing direction like a caffeinated badger.

The steering is accurate and quick (although lacking a bit in feel), and when dialing up Go-Kart Experience, throttle response and transmission mapping go on full alert. There’s also some fake exhaust woofs and pops piped in through the sound system that add to the fun. And before you get angry about the JCW’s aural trickery, remember: it’s a Mini, and it’s supposed to be fun. Fitted with proper performance rubber, there’s grip for days, yet some controllable lift-off oversteer is also there for the taking.

The dual-clutch transmission does a fine job of shifting on its own, but I would wish for quicker paddle shift response. Pulling the left paddle will unleash 10 seconds of boost mode wherein the turbo four lets a few extra horses (actual figure undisclosed) out of the corral.

Unlike the highly refined and buttoned-down VW GTI — which will cover ground just as quickly — the Cooper JCW is more of a scrappy brat, entertaining with a dash of torque steer while chirping its front tires on the first-to-second upshift. What it doesn’t have is a mechanical limited-slip front differential like the GTI, so it won’t haul itself out of corners with the same alacrity. But dang, this is an entertaining little tyke.

Fuel Economy 9 / 10

BMW knows how to make efficient engines, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It has a combined rating of 7.7 L/100 km, although premium-grade gas is required.

Value 7 / 10

This is where it gets tricky. In Canada, the 2025 Mini Cooper JCW costs nearly $12,000 more than the Cooper S at $51,990 before freight and tax. Yes, the JCW is a specialized premium product, and now that its interior build quality feels the part, the ultra-focused Mini’s bottom line is a little easier to swallow. The problem is it creeps into Volkswagen Golf R money, but without the all-wheel drive, additional 100 hp, and more offered by that car. And then there’s the 315-hp Honda Civic Type R ($53,100), which is arguably the best front-drive hot hatch. Ever.

The Verdict

My very first car was a rusty 1968 Mini 1000 bragging all of 35 hp, and it was a total hoot. So I totally get the Mini “thing,” and rationality doesn’t necessarily play a big part when buying from the heart. Indeed, the 2025 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works is prohibitively expensive, and its ride quality never settles down, but it does deliver a completely unique and wholly fun-filled driving experience that undeniably separates itself from the short list of competitors. For a select few Mini fanatics with deeper pockets, there will be no substitute.