The 2025 MINI JCW Electric Is Quick, Quirky, and Complicated

It’s a wierd time to be a sizzling hatch. The basic system—small, rowdy, inner combustion hooligans—has gone quiet, changed by a brand new wave of electrified efficiency vehicles seeking to decide up the torch. Alpine has finished it with the superb A290. Abarth gave it a superb go along with the 500e. Now, it’s MINI’s flip.

The all-new 2025 MINI John Cooper Works Electrical, recognized internally because the J01, marks a historic first: a JCW badge on a battery-powered MINI hatch. Constructed on a special platform than the petrol-powered F66 JCW, the J01 should show itself on extra than simply straight-line stats. And that’s the place issues get sophisticated.

Similar JCW Perspective, Completely different Soul

At first look, you’d battle to inform the JCW Electrical other than its petrol sibling. Upclose, you’ll discover a extra aerodynamic and sporty front-end as much as the A-pillar. The clamshell bonnet has been phased out because of pedestrian security laws, whereas the plastic wheel arch cladding was eliminated to cut back aerodynamic drag. When you had been to view the J01 from straight above, you’d discover its rear finish tapers extra noticeably in comparison with the F66, which has a squarer, extra upright profile. Total, I just like the front-end of the J01 much more than the F66, however I discover the rear-end of the latter to be extra engaging and daring.

MI

After all, MINI’s acquainted design cues are current: aggressive entrance and rear bumpers, purple brake calipers, a daring rear spoiler, and purple trim accents peppered all through. The basic three-door silhouette stays a rarity within the EV world—an interesting quirk that helps anchor this automotive in MINI’s custom of cheeky, compact efficiency.

There’s a satisfying muscularity to the outside with out overdoing it. Aerodynamically optimized 18-inch alloys, a gloss-black trim pack, and the compulsory JCW badging all assist the Electrical make a press release, even when it’s not one which shouts. Six exterior colours are provided, with Chili Crimson II as the usual. British Racing Inexperienced IV can be out there for a premium, and all hues might be paired with distinction roof finishes. The Midnight Black II I drove was good!

A Cabin That Nails the Temper

Inside, the JCW Electrical nails the MINI transient. The 9.4-inch spherical OLED touchscreen takes centre stage, working MINI OS 9 and that includes a devoted JCW mode with real-time energy and g-force knowledge. Materials high quality is first rate: purple distinction stitching, black sports activities seats, a 6-o’clock strap on the wheel, and JCW branding on the sills all create an atmosphere that feels spirited.

There’s a satisfying mix of cheeky design and premium tactility. Dashboard supplies function a chequered knit sample, the steering wheel strap replaces a decrease spoke, and there’s a playful use of purple particulars all through. Nonetheless, the driving place within the J01 is barely increased than the petrol JCW—noticeable and never universally appreciated amongst testers.

Rear legroom stays tight, and the 210-liter boot is barely usable for something past each day errands. It may be expanded to 800 liters when the rear seats are folded. With solely 4 seats complete, this stays a automotive designed for solo or paired enjoyment, not household highway journeys.

Electrical Punch, Petrol Weight

Efficiency is brisk. With 258 horsepower and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, the JCW Electrical delivers a 0-62 mph dash in 5.9 seconds—faster than each the ICE JCW and the bigger Aceman JCW. A purple ‘Increase’ paddle delivers quick bursts of peak output (together with 20 further horsepower). However right here’s the catch: the automotive weighs 1,730 kg (3,813 lbs)—325 kg (716 lbs) heavier than the petrol model F66. That weight is felt in corners, particularly beneath exhausting braking or fast adjustments in route. MINI has opted for stiffer suspension and 30 minute aggressive entrance camber, however the added heft and lack of a limited-slip differential could possibly be felt beneath heavy cornering.

Torque steer is actual and dramatic within the J01. Rather more than within the F66 petrol JCW, and definitely greater than the Aceman JCW. At full throttle, the steering wheel calls for your consideration. It’s not harmful, but it surely’s forceful—intentionally so. Engineers deliberately left some torque steer within the combine, believing it gives worthwhile driver suggestions and connection.

To mitigate understeer, MINI developed a yaw momentum enhancement system that makes use of refined braking inputs to rotate the automotive in corners—much like BMW M’s MDM mode. It permits a touch of playfulness with out eradicating the security internet completely.

Experience High quality: Higher Than Anticipated, However May Be Improved

Now right here’s a twist: in comparison with the petrol F66 JCW, the J01 Electrical’s suspension may very well really feel extra compliant on tough UK roads. The ICE mannequin makes use of frequency-selective dampers (FSD)—intelligent mechanical items that soften or stiffen relying on the kind of bump. It’s a sensible system that offers the F66 a nuanced, versatile journey.

The J01 Electrical, nonetheless, makes use of a less complicated, sport-tuned suspension. MINI tried a extra superior system in early improvement however weren’t glad with the outcomes on the heavier electrical platform. As an alternative, they returned to conventional spring and damper tuning—and surprisingly, it appears to work higher than anticipated. There’s barely extra absorption of pavement imperfections within the J01, regardless of it missing FSD tech. Much less suspension journey total helps the automotive really feel extra composed over fast undulations. It’s nonetheless agency, however not fairly as spine-jarring as I anticipated.

Nonetheless, after a few hours on backroads, you’ll begin to really feel the fixed, jittery floor suggestions. And whereas the dealing with is sharp, the absence of a limited-slip differential means the automotive doesn’t all the time put down energy cleanly on uneven surfaces. Whereas it doesn’t have the basic Go-Kart feeling, there may be little or no doubt that it nonetheless seems like a MINI, only a bit completely different than what we’re used to.

Battery, Vary and Charging

The JCW Electrical makes use of a 54.2 kWh battery (49.2 kWh usable) and quotes a WLTP vary of 251 miles. Actual-world driving—particularly spirited—will almost certainly give it a decrease vary. Nonetheless, it’s respectable for the section and the very best you are able to do with that battery chemistry from BMW Group. Definitely, the Gen6 battery and motor tech would enhance an electrical Cooper additional. DC quick charging as much as 95 kW permits a ten–80% top-up in 31 minutes. AC charging at 11 kW takes about 5.5 hours for a full cost.

One quiet however essential problem for MINI was tire choice. Sport tires usually improve rolling resistance, lowering EV vary. Engineers needed to strike a steadiness between grip and effectivity.

Verdict: Shut, However Not Fairly There

There’s rather a lot to love about MINI’s first electrical JCW. The design is spot-on, the inside is nice for its section, and the efficiency stats look sturdy on paper and on the highway. It’s even moderately priced at 41,250 euros in Germany.

However it’s not but the electrical revolution we hoped for. The torque steer is just too aggressive, the journey consolation could possibly be improved whereas the load is difficult to utterly cover it in a small automotive just like the J01. Nonetheless, it’s a noble first try. If MINI can refine the suspension tuning and maybe discover adaptive dampers in a future model, the following JCW Electrical could possibly be a really nice drive.

For these able to embrace an electrical sizzling hatch with persona, the J01 Cooper JCW exhibits MINI hasn’t forgotten easy methods to make vehicles that stir emotion—even when it stirs your backbone a bit an excessive amount of.