New 2025 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works Packs 312 Horsepower
Hot on the heels of the fully redesigned 2025 MINI Countryman that made its global debut on September 1, featuring bold styling, a roomier and techier cabin, as well as a choice of gasoline and electric powertrains, here comes the much anticipated, high-performance John Cooper Works model slotting at the top of the lineup.
Aesthetically, the new Countryman JCW once again stands out with more aggressive looks and a sportier stance. Highlights include a unique front grille with JCW badging, revised bumpers and air intakes with red accents, plus a red roof and mirror caps.
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Under the hood, which sports a brand new badge, lies a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that now produces 312 horsepower, a gain of 11 horsepower versus the previous generation. Peak torque, on the other hand, has dropped from 332 lb-ft. to 295 lb-ft.
This suggests that MINI has prioritized top-end power over torque, but we’ll know for sure when we take the car for a spin. All-wheel drive still comes standard, and the 2025 Countryman JCW is said to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.
When it comes to handling, the company is promising a sporty and fun to drive crossover that can also take drivers away from the pavement and out on the trail. It rides on 19- or 20-inch wheels wrapped in 245mm wide tires.
The interior of the 2025 Countryman JCW is pretty much identical to that of other Countryman models, with vertically arranged air vents and a large circular OLED display in the middle of the dashboard. The latter is powered by a next-generation infotainment system allowing drivers to adjust mood lighting and switch between the various drive modes. One of them is called "Go-kart" and it makes for a uniquely sporty atmosphere inside the cabin, MINI says.
A distinctive, JCW-specific feature is the red and black dashboard made from recycled materials. The seats are different, as well, with increased lateral support to keep the body in check during sporty driving.
In the rear, the cargo area is just a tad larger at 460 litres (previously 450 litres). If you fold the rear seats down, you’ll get 1,450 litres instead of 1,390 litres like in the outgoing Countryman.
Pricing for the 2025 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works will start at $56,290 in Canada. Production is scheduled to start in March 2024, with the first units reaching dealerships in early May.