A Week With: 2025 Mini JCW Countryman All4

Imagine a Mini with huge horsepower that retains all of the grippy, go-kart-like handling they enjoy but with room to carry a bunch of stuff? That would be awesome. Well, imagine no more, get yourself a 2025 Mini JCW Countryman All4.

Some folks complain that current Mini is already too big compared to the 1960s original and even more complain about how many larger variations of the today’s Mini are available. However, if you can look past that kind of nonsense you can get yourself a pretty impressive vehicle, especially this next-gen Countryman.

While the JCW, or John Cooper Works, performance model’s been around for a minute, the new version of the JCW Countryman with the All4 all-wheel drive package not only improves handling on regular paved roads, it helps drivers enjoy some mild off-roading as well.

Big new look

The updated model’s changes can be seen upon approach, with a new octagonal grille and reshaped hood. The LED headlamps not only provide an abundance of light but also sync up well with the look of the new grille.

Vertical rear lights frame the vehicle silhouette and give it sportier look. Our tester came with the Union Jack tail lamps. U.S. customers can configure the new Countryman with three styles, as well: Classic, Favoured, and John Cooper Works. Each includes unique exterior and interior elements.

Despite it being the largest version of the Mini, it retains the overall look and feel of the original Mini Cooper. Each time approached it, I felt like I was getting into a hot hatch that was simply bigger and better than the competition. But also felt like I was driving a bit of a sleeper.

Typically, JCW models are clad in some combination of red, black and white, but not so with our tester. It came in Smokey Green, although it retained all of the John Cooper Works badging so anyone who took a close look knew what they were seeing. However, those who didn’t, didn’t realize what happened when I burst away from the intersection.

Big room

Because the next-generation model gets a few exterior tweaks, the result is more interior space than ever. This is designed to be the best, most flexible iteration of a Mini thus far, according to the company. It offers noticeably more interior space, with 40:20:40 split fold-down rear seats that offer flexible configurations for both passengers and cargo.

The interior of the JCW Countryman is covered in black with some brightwork mixed in for that racing effect. I’m a bigger man so smaller cars can be problematic, but once I was in, it felt spacious — helped in part by the panoramic glass roof.

Not only was there plenty of room for four large adults, the additional space you get in the rear cargo area is simply impressive. I had plenty of room for groceries or work items. If you put the rear seats down, you could easily stack four sets of golf clubs back there — although not four people as it’s a two-row vehicle. I went to Top Golf with a friend and brought out clubs without any problem, just by putting down one seat.

Big tech

All Mini offerings are typically laden with new technology and it’s no different with this new generation of vehicle. The new Countryman features new customizable Mini Experience Modes and a wide range of digital functions featured in the industry-first, 9.4-inch round OLED center screen.

Mini claims it creates “an even more immersive user experience for driver and passenger alike.” I say it’s confusing and completely unintuitive. Few vehicles put all of their tech in the center of the vehicle like Mini and even fewer are round.

This round screen forces Mini to layout things differently, and it can be confusing, and, at some point, it will certainly be maddening. I suggest taking 10 minutes or so before you drive it any length of time and familiarize yourself with the touchscreen. The navigation on the round screen is excellent.

As part of the optional Mini Experience Modes, two projector units beam various illuminated graphics onto the dashboard. The interplay of visual design, ambient lighting and sound design changes — anchored by a 365-watt, 12-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system — the appearance of the cockpit and opens new possibilities for personalizing the Countryman All4.

Big power

It comes standard with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine, generating 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The ALL4 all-wheel drive system provides enhanced traction, safety, and driving agility on all kinds of roads, in all kinds of weather.

However, putting the JCW letters on there gets you 312 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, plus paddle shifters. Take to the nearest group of twisties and you’ve got yourself a fun time. I pushed around my nearby test road and it did not disappoint. There’s virtually no body roll and the power comes on quickly and smoothly.

The steering is responsive and direct. It doesn’t wander or need time to catch up. You point, and it goes there, especially with all-wheel drive. I drove my favorite run in dry and wet conditions and found it delightful in both, especially since power is distributed between the front and rear wheels as needed to adjust to road conditions.

Big finish

Lately I’ve been looking hard at the BMW X1, especially the M35i, which offered splendid performance and lots of room, as my next potential vehicle. Then, I drove the Mini JCW Countryman All4 right afterward. I was hard-pressed to find a reason, other than the badge, to pick the X1 or the JCW Countryman All4 — especially when the Mini is nearly $9,000 cheaper at $51,995 as tested.