Packing some 255-hp, this all-new MINI is the first-ever fully electric John Cooper Works variant to go into production. And a photo of the car hasn’t just been teased—it’s been leaked (see above).
The 2024 Paris Motor Show will unveil the new MINI John Cooper Works E formally on October 14. This will be the first version of the sporty hatchback to be available with both electric and petrol powertrains. However, the initial pictures of the EV version have surfaced online, slightly dampening the surprise. As expected, the new model will closely follow MINI’s established design language while adding some styling tweaks around the grille and front end to distinguish it from the regular versions and to respond to the fact that the car does not need a standard grille as EVs don’t have radiators up front that require cooling.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released some important technical information along with these unexpected images of the next MINI John Cooper Works E to whet our appetites.
Of the numbers revealed, arguably the car’s maximum output of 255 horsepower is probably the most significant number for hot-hatch enthusiasts regarding the new JCW E. Compared to the 181 hp of the MINI Cooper E, which is the entry-level model, or the 215 hp of the Cooper SE, it is a sizable jump in power. Additionally, it outperforms even the most powerful version of the Alpine A290, the main MINI’s main rival.
As far as range goes, while China’s media machine was not releasing any range numbers, we can guess that the new JCW E would have a bigger battery than the two current EVs – MINI Countryman and MINI Cooper — and so should therefore generate range on a par with or slightly better than its older brothers. For the record, the Countryman gets an optimistic 287 miles or 462 kms, while the Cooper EV can travel 249 miles or 400 kms.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that the MINI weighs 1,670 kg, which is around 200 kg more than the A290, according to the MIIT file. In any case, the JCW E should reach 0-62 mph in about six seconds.
The ordinary MINI Cooper in Sport trim appears to have a similar race-inspired bodykit to that of the new hot hatch. More aggressive front and rear bumpers, a new rear diffuser, side skirts, an airbladed roof spoiler, 18-inch wheels, and a few John Cooper Works emblems are among the modifications.
The JCW E does have a few special features, like the boot lid’s chequered-flag pattern and the red brake calipers and accents. There will also be a petrol-powered MINI JCW, as we have stated. The 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine in the MINI Cooper S was utilised in the previous generation of the car, and we anticipate that the new model will use the same engine, possibly reaching 250bhp.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
This new electric MINI sounds like the ultimate model for performance diehards who are looking for something that’s a little different — and zero emissions of course. And with the larger battery and extra herbs—some 255hp— the new JCW E will give its rivals a run for their money.