NEW 2025 MINI Cooper JCW Convertible - Driving Review and 0-60mph
When MINI invited me to Savannah, Georgia to test drive the all-new 2025 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works 2-Door Hardtop, I knew I was in for a special kind of hot hatch experience. The JCW badge has long represented the brand’s rebellious, high-performance spirit—and this latest version, known as the F66, brings that energy in a more refined, mature package. But don’t worry, it hasn’t lost its signature MINI fun factor.
In this in-depth review, we explore everything from the design evolution to real-world performance. Despite staying on the older FAAR platform, the 2025 JCW introduces a sharper, wider stance, new tech like a 9.4-inch OLED display, and an upgraded 280 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter B48 engine. It’s smoother and more responsive thanks to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, though we still long for the days of a manual gearbox.
Inside, the cabin gets the biggest overhaul in MINI’s recent history, blending premium features with quirky MINI charm. There’s also adaptive suspension, wider tires, and an overall more composed ride. But with downgraded brakes and quieter exhaust notes, does it still stir the soul like JCWs of the past?
Join me as I take the F66 JCW through the scenic streets of Savannah to find out if this grown-up MINI still delivers the thrills. Spoiler: It’s still a blast.
We cover:
– Design & exterior updates
– Interior tech & comfort
– Real-world performance
– Driving impressions
– Pros, cons & final verdict
Base MSRP $40,600
Sunny Side Yellow $0
Vescin/Cord Combo JCW Black $0
Iconic Trim $ Comfort Pack Plus $2,000
18" JCW Lap Spoke $600
Destination $1,175
Total MSRP $44,375
2025 Mini JCW 2-Door
2.0L TwinPower Turbo Inline-4
228 hp / 280 lb-ft
7-speed DCT
FWD
3,047 lb curb weight
2025 MINI Cooper JCW (F66) Review | 0-60mph Test
Join me as I take the all-new 2025 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works Convertible (F66) for a spin! Powered by a 2.0L B48 engine with 228 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, this drop-top hot hatch delivers more punch, sharper handling, and fresh tech—including a 9.4” OLED screen, updated adaptive dampers, and MINI’s quirky Always Open Timer.
I’ll cover 0–60 performance, driving impressions, chassis feel, new interior updates, and its exterior design.
Lastly, I will tell you whether this new MINI Cooper JCW still retains the same Go-Kart fun as before!
MORE INFO
Back in the 1959, an icon was born - one that to this day has a huge following!
We're talking about the Mini. Originally sold as an Austin Mini, and then becoming the Rover Mini, it was the first mass produced vehicle to feature front wheel drive. While the man behind the idea of the Mini was Sir Alec Issigonis, the man credited with making it successful was John Cooper. Cooper saw the potential in the Mini to go racing, and hence tweaked them to for track and rally racing, where this tiny car saw big success. In the early 2000's, with the arrival of the new generation of MINI models - now produced under the ownership of BMW - John Cooper's son, John Michael Cooper started offering go-faster bits for the MINI under the banner John Cooper Works.
BMW was so impressed by the JCW tweaks, they acquired the company around 2007, and started offering factory built John Cooper Works (JCW) models, which is now available across the range. Charlie Cooper, who is the grandson of John Cooper, is doing his part to further spread the message of the MINI, and has started racing these cars in the European championship. He was recently in Toronto, and Automotive Affairs caught up with him at the Drake Commissary in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to talk about the past, present and future of the MINI.
Cooper inside and out.
As well as the racing cues and historical details seen on this edition’s exterior, there’s a selection of thoughtful touches found inside too. The signatures of three generations of Coopers can be spotted along the dash, along with a handwritten note of “1 of 740”. Cast a glance down and you’ll see a rather special inscription on the door sill which reads: “60 YEARS OF MINI COOPER – THE UNEXPECTED UNDERDOG”.
Inspired by the past, built for the future.
It may call back to the ‘60s, but this MINI is 2021 through-and-through. It’s bursting with innovative tech, including an 8.8” digital display, the Navigation Plus Pack, Apple Car Play, Head Up Display, Bluetooth® wireless technology and driver assistance features but to name a few.
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Comments
- Bit confused! how come the tail lights are more like the F56 on this version? Just checked the configurator and the convertible gets the nicer back end for sure.
- I didn't like the new design at all. It looks very artificial, ordinary, and not innovative. This JCW exterior design you introduced was very innovative and suitable for the brand. Do not buy Minis after this model. 😁
- Thank you for this review, chill dude. I miss the 6 speed manual, but i like its strong Mini identity. Plus, the turbo noises are very nice. The round screen is cool and i think they missed on the opportunity to put another one, but smaller, behind the steering wheel, with the white cluster style like the old Minis.
- I’ve always had a soft spot for Mini’s, they’re fun little (chunky) cars, my mother had a 2014 Clubman base in Iced Chocolate Metallic a little while back, though a little slow, it was fun to throw into corners. I am 6’3 and (kinda) fit in the rear seats of that 2 1/2 door glorified golf cart. Moved my sister from Yale and back a few times as well! Spacious little things they are, tardis like. They’re certainly pricey, but if you can afford one it’s very enjoyable.
- I have the 2025 S model (BRG color proper!). and actually use the OEM navigation as it fills the screen, looks good and works reasonably well. However you pay for some features for the connected services, such as traffic, and the bulldog cartoon etc. Love driving it, and wish the JCW was out but I got a great deal on this one (used with 1200 miles or so on it).
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