25 MINI Cooper 190kW John Cooper Works 54kWh 3dr Auto

What's this? A MINI Hatch John Cooper Works powered by a battery? Really? Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

MINI has rejuvenated it's John Cooper Works hot hatch - and this time, there's an EV version too. There's still a combustion model if you really can't cope with the idea (or the price) of that. Can this EV JCW model really be the ultimate kind of MINI?

Background

Legendary British engineer John Cooper (1923-2000) never got to see his full name attached to a BMW-engineered MINI. Hot John Cooper Works variants are now an expected part of any new MINI model line, but it's the JCW version of the small 3-door Hatch that the great man would have most readily recognised. You wonder what he'd have thought of it in its latest form, where the John Cooper Works MINI Hatch can be had not only in combustion guise but also in full-electric form. The combustion version (also offered as a Convertible) carries forward much the same engine from the previous generation Hatch JCW. But the EV variant is a new departure for John Cooper Works MINI fans - the brand's entry into a hot hatch EV sector that's filling up nicely. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

If you want a MINI Hatch with a 0-62mph time beginning with a '5', you'll need the John Cooper Works Electric version, which has a 258hp electric motor pushing the car to 62mph in 5.9s. But of course that's much heavier than the usual 228hp 2.0-litre combustion model (which needs 6.4s), weighing 1,425kg, which isn't very MINI-like at all. That bulk is down to a mid-mounted 54.2kWh battery pack (49.2kWh usable) which could give a range of 251 miles if you were to drive this car in the kind of manner a typical owner hardly ever would. The full 258hp output by the way (43hp more than an ordinary Cooper Electric SE) along with 350Nm of torque, is only achievable for short periods via a selectable 'Electric Boost' function. Normal running sees the motor restricted to 227hp. Because power comes from just one front-mounted motor, that's some way short of dual motor rivals like the MG4 X-POWER or the smart #1 BRABUS. A closer match would be with other single motor hot hatch EV rivals like the CUPRA Born VZ or the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX. Neither of which will feel quite like this hot MINI does.

Design and Build

This MINI JCW Electric only comes in three-door hatch form. If you want five-doors, you'll be directed to the MINI Aceman JCW. MINI wants to ensure that this John Cooper Works model stands out, hence an exterior that builds on the design language of the standard model while showing a more aggressive appearance. The red, white, and black John Cooper Works logo - inspired by the chequered flag of motorsport - offers a nod to racing heritage, while gloss black trim is standard across the model. Black side skirts, aero blades at C-pillar level and a rear spoiler optimise aerodynamics, while red vertical reflectors and diffusers contrast with the rear black apron. An aerodynamically optimised 18-inch wheel design in black with red accents is available exclusively for this all-electric model. Chili Red brake callipers sporting a white JCW logo and a Chili Red roof are standard, while a John Cooper Works specific multi-tone black to red roof is available optionally. The JCW tinsel continues on inside too, where there's plenty of red and black colouring, bespoke fabric for the sports seats and what MINI calls 'illuminated' headlining. The dashboard's upholstered in uniquely patterned red and black cloth and there's a grippy sports steering wheel with change paddles and a fabric strap. There's also bespoke trim for the doors. And extra JCW features for the 9.5-inch central touchscreen, including performance driving displays that include a G-Force meter and an accelerometer. Because there are no rear doors, it's predictably tight at the back. Out back in the hatch, there's a small 210-litre boot. With the 60:40 backrest folded, there's 725-litres on offer.

Market and Model

Prices from launch for the John Cooper Works 3-door hatch Electric started at £38,420 - compare to £31,200 for the combustion JCW version. The MINI John Cooper Works Electric comes as standard with 18-inch bespoke alloy wheels in black, Chili Red exterior paint and an aerodynamically shaped rear spoiler. This model receives MINI's Level 1 package as standard, which includes a Head-Up display, Wireless Charging, High Beam Assist, Heated Front Seats and Exterior Mirror Package. Plus there's an upgraded Harmon Kardon audio system.   There's lots of technology too. Thanks to 12 ultrasonic sensors and four Surround View cameras, the MINI John Cooper Works Electric can identify vacant parking spaces with greater precision, automatically initiating parking manoeuvres where space is limited, while the Remote Parking function included as part of the Parking Assistant Plus option enables the vehicle to be parked using a smartphone. With MINI Digital Key Plus, owners can utilise their smartphone as a vehicle key for a convenient and personalised experience. Replacing the conventional key, the digital key can be transferred between several users. For a streamlined user experience, as soon as the driver is less than three metres away from the vehicle, the front and rear lights begin a welcome animation, and the doors unlock automatically. Using augmented reality, complicated turning situations are visualised on the central display as part of the optional MINI Navigation AR package, while additional steering and lane assistance is offered through Driving Assistant Plus.

Cost of Ownership

The MINI John Cooper Works Electric can be charged via 11kW AC and up to 95kW DC, meaning at a fast-charging station the battery for both models can be charged from 10 to 80% in under 30 minutes. By using MINI Navigation, the vehicle will ensure the high-voltage battery reaches the ideal temperature for efficient charging in advance, thus reducing charging time. Customers can also optimise charging for their schedule, setting charging start times, active charging windows, and target battery capacity by departure time. The MINI app provides a convenient overview of the vehicle status and charging process, including current battery status, charging-optimised route plans and charging history. Finally, drivers can instruct that the interior cabin is air conditioned by a set departure time. What else? Well, residual values are bound to be strong - they always have been. You can expect your MINI JCW Hatch to have retained just over half its value at the three year / 60,000 mile point. As expected, there's the normal three year unlimited mileage warranty with the usual BMW-style variable service indicators. Beyond that, there's an optional extended 'MINI Insured' warranty available that can cover you for up to 100,000 miles and can also be specified to apply to particular components.

Summary

You'll need to be a MINI fan to want one of these. Whether the combustion or this EV version appeals, you'll find rivals with more power (and space) elsewhere. But for a typical MINI John Cooper Works customer, that might not matter. None of those competitors quite replicate the look, feel and sheer chuckability of a MINI Hatch and if you're smitten by that, then no alternative will satisfy you in quite the same way. As usual with a MINI John Cooper Works, it's possible to argue that you could get 90% of what this car provides for quite a lot less by simply opting for the cheaper Cooper S electric variants. But if you want the ultimate electric Cooper Hatch, then only the JCW version will do.