MINI may have officially released the first-ever electric MINI Cooper JCW last week, but they have yet to provide all of the technical specifications, including performance, weight, and range. Luckily, we’ve got all of that—and more—in an exclusive look at the new J01 JCW.
Electric MINI JCW Performance
Thanks to a revised electric motor, the J01 MINI JCW will easily surpass the petrol-powered F66 MINI Cooper JCW in terms of outright horsepower. The MINI JCW Electric and the MINI JCW Aceman deliver up to 190 kW (258 hp) and 350 Nm of torque (258 ft-lbs), thanks to this updated motor. The MINI 3-Door accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, while the Aceman achieves the same in 6.4 seconds. Expect 0-60 mph times to be slightly quicker.
F66 Cooper JCW | J01 Cooper JCW | |
---|---|---|
Power | 231 hp | 252 hp |
Torque | 280 lb-ft / 1,500 rpm | 255 lb-ft |
Top Speed | 152 mph | 124 mph |
Transmission | 7 speed DCT | Single Speed |
Track | 1499 mm / 59 in | 1538 mm / 61 in |
Length (mm/in) | 3879 mm / 152.7 in | 3858 mm / 151.6 in |
Height (mm/in) | 1431 mm / 56.38 in | 1460 mm / 54.4 in |
Wheelbase (mm/in) | 2495 mm / 98.23 | 2526 mm / 99.4 in |
Curb weight (kg/lbs) | 1405 kg / 3,097 lbs | 1730 kg / 3814 lbs |
MINI has historically limited its electric cars to 170 km/h (105.6 mph) due to their already limited range. However, they’ve now made the decision to lift that limit, allowing the J01 JCW to reach a top speed of 124 mph—still quite a bit off the 152 mph of the F66 JCW.
The significant downside to electrification is weight, which is clearly evident in the J01 JCW. According to exclusive sources, we can confirm that the curb weight of the new electric J01 MINI Cooper JCW is 3,814 lbs—a significant increase from previous MINI Cooper JCWs, which weighed around 3,000 lbs. The upcoming petrol-powered F66 MINI Cooper JCW will have a substantial 717 lb weight advantage over the J01. This should result in very different on-track experiences for these otherwise similar-looking JCWs.
Suspension, Wheels, Tires and Brakes
MINI will follow its typical formula by making mild revisions to the suspension settings from the standard J01 SE, rather than introducing a complete suspension redesign as seen in BMW M cars. 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 anything radically different.
The J01 MINI Cooper JCW will retain a familiar approach, featuring four-piston front brakes and more aggressive pads all around.
J01 MINI Cooper JCW | F66 MINI Cooper JCW (Optional) | |
---|---|---|
Front rims | 7,5Jx18 LM | 7Jx17 LM (Opt: 7,5Jx18 LM) |
Front tyres | 225/40/18 | 215/45 R17 (Opt: 225/40/18) |
Rear rims | 7,5Jx18 LM | 7Jx17 LM (Opt: 7,5Jx18 LM) |
Rear tyres | 225/40/18 | 215/45 R17 91 Y XL (Opt: 225/40/18) |
Front Track | 1522 mm | 1499 mm |
Rear Track | 1515 mm | 1499 mm |
As noted above, the J01 JCW will offer a single wheel and tire size, unlike the petrol-powered F66 JCW, which will follow the F56 with a 17” base wheel and an optional 18” wheel with a wider tire.
One interesting note is the track of the J01 JCW. It’s not only wider than the forthcoming F66 JCW, its front track is wider than the rear. This is likely designed to help with initial turn-in.
Electric MINI Cooper JCW Range
J01 MINI Aceman SE | J05 MINI Cooper SE | 2025 J05 Aceman JCW | 2025 J01 MINI JCW | |
Horsepower | 218 hp | 218 hp | 255 hp | 255 hp |
Torque | 243 lb-ft | 243 lb-ft | 252 lb-ft | 252 lb-ft |
Range (WLTP) | 237 – 253 miles | 237 – 253 miles | 221 miles | 231 miles |
Battery Size | 54kWh | 54kWh | 54kWh | 54kWh |
The J01’s battery size remains the same as in the SE models, with a 54.2 kWh capacity (49.2 kWh usable). However, due to increased performance, the range is slightly reduced. The J01 Cooper JCW achieves 231 miles (371 km), and the Aceman offers 221 miles (355 km). Charging speeds are expected to be identical to those of other J01 models.
2025 J01 MINI Cooper JCW – Launch Timing and Availability
The J01 MINI Cooper JCW is set to begin production in January 2025 and should reach most showrooms by March 2025. However, North America won’t initially receive the Chinese-made J01 Cooper and J05 Aceman. This should change in 2026, when MINI plans to expand production to its Oxford, UK plant, allowing for North American exports without tariffs.
The table lists the J05 MINI Cooper SE.