4th Gen MINI Cooper | 2024 - 2031 4th Gen MINIs | 2024-2031 F66 MINI Cooper (ICE) J01 MINI Cooper (Electric) JCW MINI Cooper
Electric MINI JCW vs Petrol MINI JCW: Exclusive Power & Performance Comparison
This past weekend we saw the debuted of not one but two new similar looking MINI JCW models. However under the skin these two MINIs are radically different; one is electric and all new, the other is petrol and a revised version of its predecessor. They also have very different performance outputs, weight figures and even shapes. Which begs the question, which will be faster? Based on this exclusive data, we have some early ideas.
The visual similarities between these two cars are striking. But the longer you look at the two side by side, you begin to realize just how far MINI has evolved the Cooper’s shape with the new J01. As we’ve said in our previous hands-on video, the first thing you notice on the J01 is how much further forward the windshield is and it’s more aero friendly angle. Then there’s the higher belt line that makes the J01 feel larger despite it being slightly smaller in some dimensions. But this particular comparison isn’t ideal as the F66 pictured here is the car that won its class in this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hours and thus is lowered with aggressive negative camber and wider tires.
But looks and dimensions aside, it’s the new performance data that we’ve received from our sources that you’re here for.
Electric J01 JCW vs the Petrol F66 JCW: The Stats
Naturally these two similar looking JCWs couldn’t be more different mechanically. And that’s where things get really interesting. Let’s start with the power. The F66 JCW has a disappointingly identical power output to the F56 JCW. But according to our sources there is a sizable increase in torque with the new combustion JCW putting out 280 ft lbs at only 1,500 rpm. That’s 45 ft lbs (16%) increase over the previous generation and only 15 ft lbs behind the new Countryman JCW. This along with the wider track and quicker DCT transmission will give the new JCW a noticeable performance advantage despite having the same power figure.
The electric J01 JCW will more power with an output of 252 hp. However the J01 surprisingly has less torque than the combustion version with only 255 lb-ft. But one key difference with an electric car is all of that torque will be available from the moment you touch the accelerator pedal.
| F56 Cooper JCW (’15-’24) | J01 Cooper JCW | F66 Cooper JCW | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 231 hp | 252 hp | 231 hp |
| Torque | 235 lb-ft / 1450 rpm | 255 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft / 1,500 rpm |
| Top Speed | 153 manual / 151 mph DCT | 124 mph | 152 mph |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual / 7 Speed DCT | Single Speed | 7 Speed DCT |
| Track | 1485 mm / 58 in | 1538 mm / 61 in | 1499 mm / 59 in |
| Length (mm/in) | 3863 mm / 152.5 in | 3858 mm / 151.6 in | 3879 mm / 152.7 in |
| Height (mm/in) | 1414 mm / 55.66 in | 1460 mm / 54.4 in | 1431 mm / 56.38 in |
| Wheelbase (mm/in) | 2495 mm / 98.23 in | 2526 mm / 99.4 in | 2495 mm / 98.23 |
| Curb weight (kg/lbs) | 1338 kg / 2,951 lbs | 1730 kg / 3814 lbs | 1405 kg / 3,097 lbs |
| Tires (Standard) | 215/45 R17 91 Y XL* | 225/40 R18 92 Y XL | 215/45 R17 91 Y XL* |
| Wheels (Standard) | 7Jx17 LM* | 7,5Jx18 LM | 7Jx17 LM* |
Top speed is another surprise on both cars. The F66 JCW is roughly the same as the F56 JCW was with a top speed of 152 mph. The on the other hands J01 tops out at only 124 mph. Why so low? We expect it has something to do with MINI wanted to maintain range first and foremost. MINI has been limiting its electric cars to 170 km/h (105.6 mph) due to the car’s already limited range (remember speed kills range). However they’ve made the decision to lift that limit here to a degree.
But the biggest difference isn’t the power or even the top speed. It’s the weight. With its battery pack the J01 JCW is a heavyweight at 3,814 lbs (with the driver). That’s an astonishing 717 lbs heavier than the F66. Granted that weight most near the ground due to the nature of tue battery design, it’s still a lot of weight. Needless to say, driving these two cars back to back will be fascinating.
Which Would Win On An Autocross?
Having autocross the F56 and even the previous electric Cooper Se extensively we have an idea. Given the immediacy of the torque and the sophistication of the traction control, we’d expect the to just nip the F66 in a tight and technical autocross track. However that would change the second the straights get long and you get in a real course.
Which Would Win on a Road Course?
On a decent sized track, the F66 JCW would likely have the advantage due to its torque advantage and the simple fact it has 717 lbs less to lug around. In fact we’d expect it to slowly pull away once you get past 50-60 mph on a straight.
Which Would We Rather Own?
Naturally without having driven either it’s impossible to know. However the J01 JCW is intriguing too us as the ultimate fast urban transport If you can cope with the range, the point and shoot nature of the immediate torque delivery would be surely addicting. And without the F66 offering a manual, the petrol car is slightly less appealing.
But still we have a hard time with the fact that this is a 3,814 lbs MINI Cooper. Can the J01 JCW overcome that massive deficient? The truth is we really need to drive them to give you a real answer.
2025 Electric MINI Cooper JCW – Launch Timing and North American Availability
Both the electric and petrol JCW models will debut October 24th right here on MotoringFile. Production of the combustion F66 will start in November while the electric J01 will kick-off in January.
| Model | Debut Date | Start of Production |
| J01 JCW (electric) | 10/2024 | 01/2025 |
| F66 JCW (petrol) | 10/2024 | 11/2024 |
The J01 MINI Cooper JCW like all new small electric MINIs are made in China in collaboration with Great Wall Motors. However that will change in 2026 as MINI is aggressively expanding the J01 and J05 Aceman production to the UK and its Oxford Plant. . This move will open the door for North American export with no tariffs applied likely around 2026.
As always check back with MotoringFile often for more exclusive news on MINI’s new JCW products including two more models we’ll see sooner than you might expect.
2025 MINI Cooper JCW Prototype Gallery
Very interesting comparisons. I feel like MINI nerfed the J01 somewhat compared to the F66. Although you could argue that it was nerfed as well with the lower than expected horsepower, lack of manual transmission, etc. Maybe it’s more of MINI’s attempt to blur the lines between EV and ICE models?
Usually EVs are quicker off the line, but fall behind in a straight stretch if it’s longer than a quarter of a mile. That’s not the case for all EVs though, as the new 2024 Model 3 Performance has 510 hp and 547 lb-ft of torque, goes 0-60MPH in 2.9 seconds, weighs just over 4,000 lbs, has a range of 303 miles, and costs $47,490. Plus it’s in the form factor of a highly aero smaller sedan.
Speaking of form factors, the Cooper can’t deviate too much from the previous generation’s styling (or it wouldn’t be a Cooper), but the tweaks they have made are impressive. I’d love to see them make the Mini Touring Superleggera Vision concept a reality. Now that would be AMAZING!!!
Out of curiosity, are there any restrictions worth mentioning when it comes to installing a higher output motor in a J01 JCW (e.g., > 300 hp with 0-100 km/h under 5 seconds)? as today many mid – high performance EV can easily provide that. Thanks.