Ask MF: When Will We see the 302 hp JCW Clubman?
We’ve received a few questions lately around the timing of the long-awaited 302 hp JCW Clubman. Here’s one of many we’ve recently gotten in comments on the site and via the contact form:
Any idea when we we can expect official details of the JCW version? I’ve spoken to a UK dealer who have confirmed July production for the LCI but they don’t know when the hot version is coming…
According to our well trusted sources we will see the 302 hp JCW Clubman begin production in July of this year. This will be the first application of the B48A20T1 in a MINI and should be followed next year by the revised Countryman with the same power plant. So in short we would recommend you wait if you can. Having experienced this engine in the X2 M35i (look for a few shortly) it’s a compelling drivetrain and should be even more interesting in the lighter Clubman.
<p>Thanks! ;-)</p>
<p>So, no change to Countryman JCW this year. Is the bigger battery in the Countryman PHEV still on schedule for later this year, or has that been pushed to next year, too?</p>
<p>So it’s this July for the 302 HP Clubman and sometime in 2020 for the ditto Countryman. All along, I had the impression they would both begin production this year. Is that the same for the US market?</p>
<p>We’ve seen conflicting info on this. Stay tuned.</p>
<p>Bob – the F60 Countryman went on sale approx 12 months after the F54 Clubman, so the Countryman’s LCI and JCW are most likely to be in 2020. However, the Countryman has been a global commercial success story for MINI, whereas the Clubman has not.</p>
<p>BMW is hoping that the latest LCI updates, together with the subsequent launch of the JCW version, will boost the Clubman’s appeal, and I wish MINI good luck with that. If the Countryman were to be updated at the same time, it could overshadow the Clubman.</p>
<p>Wow didn’t think it would be out this early. I was expecting it much later on in the year. Is the reported July availability for the EU or for NA? Also, should i not get my hopes up to get a CPO one next summer?</p>
<p>Nick…..
I’ve had my current 2017 F60S All 4 for just over 2 yrs since I ordered and took delivery in late Mar 2017. It’s my 4th MINI after an ‘08 MCS hatch, ‘12 JCW Coupe, and ‘15 F55 S (4 door hatch). After nearly 33K miles in 25 months, my F60S All4 with 8 speed auto has been a great trouble free ride!</p>
<p>So thinking about replacing it this soon with a 2020 JCW F60 with that strong upgrade 302 HP and the expected much higher cost compared to the current 229 HP JCW F60 is a real dilemma for me. I can see it easily costing well over 50K (maybe approaching 55K) with a few significant added option packages. Even the current 2019 JCW F60 with a few packages can top over 50K.</p>
<p>Although I can handle it, I don’t know if I want to go that high end route with the base of the 2020 JCW F60 base probably starting circa 45K and topping out at 55K+. I think others might look at it the same way. But never say never. Will see what all of it looks like when it becomes a reality on miniusa.com</p>
<p>Bob – throughout the 25 months ownership of your 2017 F60S All4, have there been times when you felt that you needed a huge increase in power? I ask this because I’m aware, from what you have said previously, that your motoring these days is almost entirely for leisure.</p>
<p>The F60 with 302hp is going to feel at lot more hyperactive to drive, and with its extra bulk it’s unlikely to compare, for example, with the neutral handling of the latest Golf R when you might feel the need to put the pedal to the metal on a twisting road. Ultimately, “You pays your money and you takes your choice” :)</p>
Since the Golf R weighs almost 200 kilograms less, it’s a bit fast to conclude as well, while it’s the Golf R that is likely to be more dynamic
<p>Nick….
When I look at the possibility of the upcoming strong 2020 JCW F60 as my next MINI, I think back of the 2012 JCW Coupe that I had for only 3 years. I really enjoyed that car and its great performance/handling…probably among the best of the MINIs up to that time, except for the latest GP. However I just couldn’t get by the huge lack of rear visibility issue in the many occasions that I had. So I traded it in for a 2015 F55S for more versatility and usage, but without going to the added cost of a JCW model.</p>
<p>Since I’ve had 2+years experience in my current F60S All4 with its wide level of usage, I just think of including the added performance of a JCW level, especially of the 2020 to be released this summer(?) or next year. Do I need it for my normal style of driving? No! Do I want it? That’s where I question myself as to the practicality of taking that big step when most of my driving is routine day to day activities combined with a road trip now and then. You certain bring up what I have been thinking. I do see continuing with my current F60SAll4 as the more likely scenario.</p>