Mini is rolling out an assortment of new performance models. And while it’s not clear when – or if – we’ll be getting the new battery-electric models in the U.S. we will soon see the 2025 makeovers of both the Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop and Convertible in gas-powered form. Here’s a first look.
The 2025 Mini JCW Hardtop and Convertible share the same 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine – which gets a big boost in torque.
Over the past decade, Mini has rolled out an assortment of products meant to fill seemingly every niche. The British marque has now pared back to its car model lines. And that’s not a bad thing as it means more focus on getting things right with the 2025 John Cooper Works Hardtop and Convertible packages it’s showing off for the first time.
Don’t, however, confuse these with the all-electric models Mini rolled out last week. There’s no word on whether we’ll see those come to the U.S. Ford now, the British marque is focusing on its gas-powered line-up for American buyers.
Along with welcome design tweaks, the new JCW models get some improvements in power and performance, with updates to the familiar 2.0-liter inline-four engine carried over from the outgoing hardtop/convertible pair.
Upgrades powertrain
The JCW Hardtop will hit 60 in 5.9 seconds.
A quick look at the numbers might be disappointing, at least at first. That TwinPower Turbo engine comes into the 2025 model-year making exactly the same 228 horsepower as before. But read on and you discover that the package gets a substantial 45 lb-ft boost in torque, to 280.
The increased torque pays off at launch, the hardtop now hitting 60 in 5.9 seconds, according to the factory, about 0.4 seconds faster than the more mainstream Cooper S. The ragtop takes 6.2 seconds
The JCW models now come solely with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission but, as before, power is directed to the front wheels only.
The 2-door tops out at 155 mph. The less aerodynamic convertible hits its limit at 152 mph.
Updated design
The JCW Convertible’s top drops in just 18 seconds.
As always, you’ll spot a number of visual differences between JCW models and more mainstream trims.
That starts with larger front air inlets and an oversized octagonal grill. Additional intakes are highlighted by red reflectors. There also are unique JCW daytime running lights. Around back, the pair feature a unique spoiler and a black diffuser. Add exclusive 17- and 18-inch wheel designs.
Convertible buyers have a choice of a soft top in black or one with a gray Union Jack pattern. It takes just a touch of a button – and 18 seconds – to fully retract the cloth top. And it can be operated at up to 18.6 mph. But drivers also can partially retract the top, more like a sunroof, at any speed. A wind deflector helps reduce turbulence in the cabin.
Inside, JCW models feature seats upholstered in synthetic black leather. There’s a unique steering wheel with paddle shifters. And the instrument panel is finished with a knitted surface. Both packages features the classic round OLED display – now with a diameter of 9.4 inches – combining gauges and infotainment functionality. That includes an instant G-force readout.
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Bothe JCW models feature Mini’s familiar round display.
Pricing and availability
While we’re not sure about the future for the all-electric JCW models, Mini has confirmed U.S. plans for the gas-powered models.
Look for both the 2025 Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop and the Convertible to go into production next month. They’ll arrive in U.S. showrooms this coming January.
The 2-door model will start at $39,195, the ragtop at $43,695. Those figures include delivery fees of $995.
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