The MINI Cooper S With JCW Trim – The Faux JCW With Real Shift Paddles
Behold, the forbidden fruit of the F66 MINI Cooper S with the optional JCW Trim. At least for those in the US. For the rest of the world the JCW Trim represents the top-of-the-line F66 Cooper S. But what really makes this car special and should we ever expect it in the US?
We recently reviewed (read & watch) the new MINI Cooper S and found it to be a welcome upgrade over the previous model. But there was one glaring problem: there were no shift paddles. In fact, there is no way to opt for them on any F66 Cooper or Cooper S in the US. Why? It all has to do with the optional JCW Trim and a new strategy by MINI.
MINI made an interesting decision last year in offering the Cooper S with something called the JCW Trim. Interesting in that it takes the entire look of the forthcoming JCW (a car we technically haven’t seen revealed yet) and applies it to any MINI Cooper no matter the engine. On one hand, it’s a wonderfully egalitarian way to allow anyone to get the look of a JCW without paying the price. On the other, it’s a brand-damaging option that waters down the full JCW model by offering the look and feel to anyone.
MINI USA took the latter position and decided to not offer the F66 JCW Trim at all in the US. It makes sense on the face of it however there’s a big problem. MINI global made the unfortunate decision to only offer shift paddles on cars with the JCW Trim thus US does not get shift paddles for the F66 Cooper or Cooper S. For customers in the US, not only is the manual dead but any way to manually shift an F66 MINI Cooper or Cooper S is now gone.
As you can likely tell, the F66 Cooper S with the JCW Trim offers what a lot of enthusiasts are looking for. The more aggressive look of the JCW body kit, a full JCW interior and (gasp) shift paddles.
Will the MINI Cooper S JCW Trim Come to the US?
Technically it’s already being sold in the US. The F65 five-door MINI Cooper and Cooper S are available with the JCW Trim (along with shift paddles) in North America. And based on our conversations with MINI USA representatives, it appears clear that they have gotten the feedback and will likely be offering shift paddles on the F66 MINI Cooper and Cooper S at some point in the future. Whether that’s via the JCW Trim or a blanket standard option is unclear. But we’re hoping for the latter as one of the beauties of the MINI Cooper is that even the most base model should feel as fun as possible.
Gallery: MINI Cooper S with JCW Trim
Given the price of the Mini, your suggestion that the JCW look is available to anyone seems misplaced at best, and offensive at worst.
Hmm… not following. While I didn’t write this article, I generally agree with it. When I consider what’s offensive, I’d guess those who will spend at least 15% more for a full F66 JCW will likely find a base MINI that looks identical (down to the logos) pretty offensive.
There’s no excuse. Even my Honda Fit Sport has paddle shifters!
I would think they could just use the steering column and/or the steering wheel from the JCW trim if they wanted, instead of the entire interior trim. Although interior color options are desperately needed. Maybe some of this will be addressed in the mid-cycle refresh in 2026?