The J01 Electric MINI Cooper JCW Leaked!

The all-new and first-ever electric MINI Cooper JCW is here. Thanks to a Chinese regulatory agency, we now have our first photos of MINI’s hot electric hatch, including a look at various options and trim choices. What do these photos reveal, and how will they translate into performance? With our exclusive sources, we have answers.

Electric MINI Cooper JCW: Design

As we predicted last year, the JCW trim design we’ve seen on the standard J01 MINI Cooper will form the basis of the full JCW model. So much so that they will be very hard to distinguish for the average consumer. Whether you think this is a mistake by MINI (we certainly do) or appreciate the egalitarian approach, it does help us get a clear picture of the final design.

As you can see above, there are almost no visible differences between the cars. We say ‘almost’ because MINI has added a few small details that will let the world know you have the real deal and not just a J01 with a body kit.

The first and most obvious changes are the red vertical trim pieces on the front bumper. Next, there are the new, aero-optimized 18” JCW wheels and red JCW brake calipers. Around back, there’s an added lower body-colored trim piece that slots into the rear bumper. Finally, there’s a surprise: a blacked-out trim piece that appears to be integrated into the rear hatch.

Electric MINI Cooper JCW: Performance

Thanks to a revised electric motor, the J01 MINI JCW will easily surpass the petrol F66 MINI Cooper JCW in terms of outright horsepower. Sources tell us to expect a power output of 252 hp compared to 231 hp from the petrol-powered F66. However, surprisingly, the J01 JCW will actually have slightly less torque than the F66, with 255 ft-lbs. But given its electric motor and the instantaneous nature of its torque, it may feel even quicker off the line. We expect 0-60 times to likely be in the mid-5-second range.

MINI has been limiting its electric cars to 170 km/h (105.6 mph) due to the car’s already limited range. However, they’ve decided to lift that limit, allowing the J01 JCW to reach a top speed of 124 mph—quite a ways off from the 152 mph of the F66 JCW

Speaking of range, we can confirm that the battery size will remain the same as the SE models at 54.2 kWh, with 49.2 kWh usable. Due to the increased performance, we’d expect the range to decrease slightly—perhaps by 5-10%. This could reduce the 250-mile WLTP range to between 225 and 237 miles.

MINI will follow its typical formula with mild revisions to the suspension settings from the standard J01 SE, rather than a wholesale suspension redesign as seen in a BMW M car. Think of this new JCW (and all standard JCW models, for that matter) as following the BMW M Performance strategy of upgrading suspension and braking components rather than introducing anything radically different.

One new feature and a significant visual differentiator between the F66 JCW and even the J01 Cooper SE with the JCW Style are the aero-optimized 18” wheels. It’s unclear what brakes are hidden beneath those wheels, but sources tell us to expect a larger four-piston setup.

2025 J01 MINI Cooper JCW – Launch Timing and Availability

The J01 MINI Cooper JCW will debut on October 24th right here on MotoringFile (alongside the F66). Production will start in January 2025 and should reach most showrooms by March 2025, with the exception of North America, where it will not be sold initially.

Given that the J01 JCW is initially being produced in China by MINI’s partner, Spotlight Motors, there are no North American imports. However, that should change in 2026, as MINI is set to expand production to its Oxford, UK plant. This move will open the door for North American exports with no tariffs applied.