2025 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop Assessment

When MINI invited me to Savannah, Georgia to get behind the wheel of the brand new 2025 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works 2 Door Hardtop, I knew I’d be assembly a unique type of sizzling hatch. The JCW badge has all the time stood for MINI’s extra rebellious aspect—rowdy, tightly wound, and unapologetically sporty. However this newest iteration, recognized internally because the F66, felt, at the least visually, prefer it’s gone by means of a little bit of a persona shift. SStill enjoyable? Completely. But in addition noticeably extra mature. Which may sound just like the conclusion, nevertheless it’s actually simply the setup. Let’s dive in.

A New Technology, Acquainted Type

The 2025 mannequin 12 months marks a serious transition for MINI. Whereas the electrical Cooper fashions trip on the new “J01” platform, this gasoline-powered F66 JCW sticks with an evolution of the earlier FAAR (front-wheel drive) structure. Which means conventional MINI proportions are nonetheless right here: brief overhangs, large stance, and that upright, retro-modern design that makes it immediately recognizable.

At 152.8 inches lengthy, 77.6 inches large together with mirrors, and 56.3 inches tall, the 2025 F66 JCW hasn’t ballooned in measurement—it’s nonetheless very a lot a MINI. In comparison with the outgoing mannequin, it’s the identical size, however 1.7 inches wider and 0.6 inches taller, giving it a barely extra substantial presence on the highway. The wheelbase stays unchanged at 98.2 inches, preserving that iconic MINI short-overhang, wheels-at-the-corners look.

These refined dimensional tweaks—particularly the broader observe—ought to translate, at the least on paper, to extra planted dealing with, higher grip with the broader tires, and a extra assured stance with out compromising the automobile’s Go-Kart trademark.

Powertrain: Extra Torque, Identical Displacement

Beneath the hood, the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW retains the tried-and-true 2.0-liter B48 turbocharged inline-four. Energy is rated at 228 horsepower, however the true enchancment is torque—280 lb-ft, up from 235 within the outgoing F56 mannequin. That torque is available in early at simply 1,450 rpm, and the engine pulls cleanly from as little as 1,100 rpm.

Paired with a brand new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) from Getrag, the powertrain feels smoother and punchier than earlier than—particularly round city or for fast overtakes. That stated, it’s not with out quirks: underneath full immediate throttle, the transmission remains to be sluggish with out a number of the immediacy you would possibly count on from one thing with “John Cooper Works” on the tailgate.

I’ve skilled the identical habits in different MINI and BMW merchandise, just like the Countryman, X1, X2 or the brand new 1 Sequence. The software program tuning for it appears to be higher within the JCW mannequin, however the lag is apparent. That’s one state of affairs the place I want MINI supplied a six-speed handbook for its JCW lineup.

MINI claims a 0-60 time within the low sixes—about 6.1 seconds—however I managed to get a studying of 5.9 with a Racebox GPS. The trick? Utilizing the 1 foot roll-out characteristic which, on this case, accounts for that preliminary lag.

Cleaned-Up however Nonetheless a JCW

Visually, the brand new 2025 MINI Cooper JCW has modified however not deserted its signature aptitude. The entrance finish options gloss black trim flowing into the wheel arches, blacked out mirror caps, and an identical black roof creating a pleasant distinction in opposition to the Sunny Facet Yellow I used to be driving. The “swimsuit stripes” are nonetheless current on the hood, whereas the brand new blacked out MINI logos adorned the automobile entrance and rear.

The rear spoiler has been reshaped and subtly prolonged, now with rear aspect scuttles unique to the JCW. The rear fascia options new LED taillights, a cleaner diffuser, and a center-exit exhaust pipe—although there may be an Easter Egg: a hidden secondary pipe beneath with a valve that opens at 3,000 rpm to reinforce sound. However in all equity, the sound enhancement is extra apparent inside than exterior.

Inside: Greatest Refresh In MINI’s Current Reminiscence

Step inside and the largest modifications are felt in refinement. The cabin is quieter and minimalistic (reminding us of the primary Minis), with a brand new centerpiece: a 9.4 inch spherical OLED display screen designed by Samsung for MINI changing the normal instrument cluster. Whereas it’s visually spectacular and much more responsive than in its first iteration I pattern two years in the past, it additionally removes a number of the analog attraction many fanatics nonetheless choose.

A minimum of MINI has stored issues enjoyable: switching to Go-Kart Mode triggers animations, a G-meter, real-time horsepower readouts, and different JCW gimmicks. Naturally, you’ll be able to nonetheless choose from one of many different six Experiences MINI provides.

Supplies and trims have modified fairly a bit as effectively. Lengthy gone are the leather-based choices and in is the vegan “leather-based.” The JCW-specific sport seats come upholstered in Black Vescan with a purple stripe and supply severe bolstering with out sacrificing consolation. Sadly, that’s your solely inside possibility, which can disappoint consumers searching for customization.

The material-covered dashboard remains to be a questionable alternative so far as long run sturdiness, however prior to now MINI assured us that loads of longevity testing was finished on this kind of knitted materials. We’ll see…

One different level right here: the plastic switches and buttons may use an improve—or at the least faux it higher by swapping the matte texture for one thing glossier. And I can’t imagine I’m saying that, given how a lot I normally disapprove of Piano Black trim in BMWs. Optionally available tech upgrades embody a Harman Kardon sound system, surround-view cameras, augmented actuality navigation, adaptive cruise, and lane-keep help—bringing the JCW nearer than ever to premium hatchback territory.

On the Street: Tighter, Quieter, Nonetheless Enjoyable

The F66 MINI Cooper JCW is undeniably extra grown-up on the highway. Journey consolation has improved because of its adaptive dampers, which offer a smoother, extra compliant expertise even on tough pavement. But the automobile nonetheless manages to ship that signature go-kart dealing with—fast steering, minimal physique roll, and playful dynamics by means of corners.

Tire width has been bumped as much as 215/40 R18 from 205, which mixed with the broader observe, interprets to noticeably extra grip.  In actual fact, the extent of grip was genuinely spectacular. Outfitted with Continental ExtremeContact DWS summer time tires, the JCW maintained outstanding composure—even underneath aggressive steering inputs. You can hear the tires working arduous, however they by no means misplaced traction, delivering assured dealing with with out sacrificing management. Flip-in feels extra assured, and mid-corner steadiness consists.

However not every thing is a step ahead. MINI has changed the previous Brembo four-piston brakes with extra fundamental single-piston calipers. For every day use, they’re greater than adequate—however on a mountain highway or observe day, brake fade will present up sooner, and pad put on will doubtless enhance because of the smaller contact space. The upside? Cheaper to exchange.

Nonetheless, it stays to be seen how MINI fanatics—particularly those that push their JCWs on spirited weekend drives—will reply to the change. Once I requested one in every of MINI’s product managers why they moved away from Brembos in favor of the present JCW brake setup, the response was easy: “They match the efficiency.”

Verdict: A Extra Usable JCW, With a Facet of “What If?”

After a couple of hours driving round Savannah’s roads and historic neighborhoods, it’s clear that MINI has refined the JCW into one thing extra versatile, extra livable—and sure, extra grown-up.

However in doing so, it’s misplaced a little bit of its edge. The laggy DCT, the dearth of a handbook, and the toned-down brakes imply this isn’t fairly the uncooked, grinning sizzling hatch it as soon as was. It now feels extra like a “performance-lite” model of its former self—simpler to suggest to extra individuals, however much less more likely to stir the soul of purists.

Nonetheless, the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Hardtop is undeniably enjoyable, filled with character, and extra succesful than ever. If MINI’s aim was to make the JCW extra approachable with out completely sanitizing its persona, they’ve principally succeeded. And honestly, we nonetheless want small sizzling hatches like this—vehicles that protect a connection to the analog driving really feel of the previous, even because the trade marches towards consolation every thing.