Comparison: the J01 MINI Cooper vs F56 MINI Cooper
The new J01 MINI Cooper is a massive step forward in many ways. But how does it compare to the previous generations? Is it an evolution or revolution? And more specifically does look better than the F56 – the previous generation MINI Cooper? Let’s take a close look.
Note: This week MINI is launching its next generation with the new MINI Cooper Electric and MINI Countryman Electric. In anticipation of this release, MINI invited us to experience the new cars in Munich and talk to the people that created them. We’ve taken that knowledge and poured it into exclusive in-depth articles, reviews and videos you won’t want to miss.
MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review
MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review
New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review
When the F56 was released it was panned by MINI faithful for its large mouth and huge overhang (compared to the previous generations). It went on to be the most successful new MINI ever and those views have generally softened. Which makes this comparison pretty interesting. The J01 clearly is similar to the F56 but as you look at the two closer you start to notice some distinct and important differences.
But before we go further let’s look at the data. The new J01 electric MINI Cooper is 1 cm longer and 2 cm taller than the F56. But why does it appear to be smaller from some angles? With a clean-sheet to work with, MINI massaged the proportions of the J01 to better fit with the MINI design ethos. Key to that is the 3 cm longer wheelbase and larger wheels/tire set-up. The combination allows the overhangs to shrink and helps overall with the proportions of the car.
| R56 MINI Cooper | F56 ICE MINI Cooper | J01 2025 Electric MINI Cooper | |
| Length | 3698 mm / 145.6 in | 3850 mm / 151.57 in | 3860 mm / 151.91 in |
| Height | 1407 mm / 55.4 in | 1414 mm / 55.67 in | 1435 mm / 56.49 in |
| Wheelbase | 2467 mm / 97.1 in | 2495 mm / 98.23 in | 2525 mm / 99.40 |
The Small Differences Matter
No matter which you prefer, it’s clear to see that the J01 is simpler and more minimal in its overall design language. But what you only get after repeated views is how many small but important differences there are. The higher belt-line makes the car look more aggressive and upright as does the taller but more angular hood.
Also interesting are the lights. The J01 does away with the surrounding trim yet they somehow look smaller because of how simply they are in comparison. They also sit slightly higher on the car and thus feel more upright.
Then there’s the clean sides which have real curve to them vs the very flat F56. The J01 introduced dimensionality we’ve never seen on a Cooper before. The result is a car that looks more athletic with being overly aggressive as so many modern cars are.
Around back things get pretty interesting. We’ve had the luxury of time with the J01 so the rear lights don’t look so shocking to us anymore. Maybe because of that we actually like the fact that they’re smaller and simpler than what those on the F56. We also prefer how angular they are compared to the F56’s which are a bit bulbous in comparison. But that’s only been made possible but being hands-on with the car and seeing it for the last few months.
What do you think? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Is the J01 a worthy successor or has MINI gone too far?
An Entire New MINI Family is Coming
The new J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman (electric & ICE) will publicly debut at the Munich Motor Show next week. While MINI hasn’t confirmed production timing, our sources have confirmed that the J01 will go into production this fall in China and will be sold in Europe, Asia and South America initially. Plans for North America are still being finalized as are plans for UK production. Both should be announced shortly.
The J01 MINI Cooper electric and U25 MINI Countryman will be followed by the internal combustion U25 Countryman which will be shown later this year. Then we’ll see the heavily revised F56 morph into the F66 internal combustion MINI Cooper. This will be MINI’s answer to all those who want a Cooper but aren’t ready for electric. Finally we’ll see the all electric MINI Aceman crossover which effectively takes the place of the beloved MINI Clubman. The Aceman will be a small crossover roughly the size of the original MINI Countryman and will be released late next year.
| The New MINI Family | Drivetrain | Pricing | Start of Production |
| J01 MINI Cooper E | Electric | 32,900€ | 11/2023 |
| J01 MINI Cooper SE | Electric | 36,900€ | 11/2024 |
| U25 MINI Countryman C | ICE (Petrol) | 39.900€ | 11/2023 |
| U25 MINI Countryman D | ICE (Diesel) | 42.900€ | 11/2023 |
| U25 MINI Countryman E | Electric | 43.500€ | 03/2024 |
| U25 MINI Countryman S ALL4 | ICE (Petrol) | 45.900€ | 11/2023* |
| U25 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 | Electric | 49.500€ | 03/2024* |
| U25 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 | ICE (Petrol) | 56.500€ | 03/2024* |
| F66 MINI Cooper | ICE (Petrol) | TBD | 07/2024* |
| F66 MINI Cooper S | ICE (Petrol) | TBD | 07/2024* |
| F66 MINI Cooper JCW | ICE (Petrol) | TBD | 11/2024* |
| F65 MINI Cooper 5 Door | ICE (Petrol) | TBD | 07/2024* |
| F65 MINI Cooper S 5 Door | ICE (Petrol) | TBD | 07/2024* |
| F67 MINI Cooper Convertible | ICE (Petrol) | TBD | TBD* |
| F67 MINI Cooper S Convertible | ICE (Petrol) | TBD | TBD* |
| J05 MINI Aceman | Electric | TBD | TBD |
| J05 MINI Aceman S | Electric | TBD | TBD |
For more coverage of the new generation MINI released today, check out the following articles and videos.
MINI Cooper EV: Premier | MINI Cooper EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Cooper EV: Video Review
MINI Countryman EV: Premier | MINI Countryman EV: Hands-On Review | MINI Countryman EV: Video Review
New MINI Family: 1st Look Video | MINI Circular Display & MINI OS9 Hands-On Review
Not only is the F54 Clubman being phased out, but also the F55 MINI Cooper 5dr Hatch. Both models are effectively being replaced by the all-new Chinese built MINI Aceman. The F66 MINI Cooper ICE will, however, debut in 2024.
The F54 Clubman, despite having a devout following, sold in small numbers, both globally and in the US. It was in fact, year on year, constanly the poorest seller in the range except, that is, during the first few months of its production, when it was the best selling MINI. The launch of the F60 Countryman put an end to that.
BMW, has been openly critical of the UK government, for banning diesel and petrol engined vehicles, w.e.f. 01 January 2030. The European Union, however, has set the ban to take effect from 01 January 2035. Interestingly, the UK government is now having second thoughts about the ban, and is considering delaying the ban until 01 January 2035.
I should clarify that the ban on diesel and petrol engine vehicles, is in respect of new vehicles, not existing vehicles manufactured prior to the commencement date of the ban.
Just a bit puzzles as to why the SE will not appear for a year after the smaller battery E.
Yeah, that’s the opposite of other EV manufacturers — usually the more expensive versions are released first!
Testing
Sadly I’ve had nothing but trouble with this new comment service, and I have a lot to say. I wanted to thank Gabe for all the fantastic new information and comparisons of the new electric MINIs (J01 & U25). White Roof Radio is always a fun and informative listen as well. Lots of exciting stuff coming out of MINI. I want to say more, but I also want to make sure this comment goes through.
Unfortunately we have to manually approve the first comment from someone on the new system to verify it’s not spam. The amount of spam that happens daily would shock you.
Once that’s done you can comment without approval.
Sounds good. I was getting this ‘nonce can’t reply’ error. That must have been it. Seems to working fine now. Thanks.
The new MINI is a good looking car. That said it’s a step down in my book from the outgoing model, which itself was a step down from the R56. (I kind of prefer the R56 over the R53, though I totally get people who think the R53 was the best-looking version; I just thought that interior of the R53 was pretty awful).
For me the appeal of the MINI when BMW introduced it was it captured a mid-1960s/Swinging London aesthetic in a modern car in a way that was not at all kitschy (as opposed to say the PT Cruiser). It literally made my heart beat faster to see one.
They have kept that vibe alive through three generations, albeit with declining emotional impact (in part because we’ve just become used to seeing MINIs on the road). When I look at the J01, it looks futuristic, they have almost entirely abandoned any references to 1960’s automobiles. I look at the J01 and amongst other things think, “will this look goofy with stripes on it?” Because it doesn’t look like a car made for stripes, it looks like a car made for ApplePlay.
But again it’s a good-looking car, if it were a Hyundai I’d think, “Wow, Hyundai is really upping their game”, but as it’s a MINI I feel like the dream is kind of over.