F66 JCW vs the F56 JCW – How much has really changed? We’ve driven the two back to back and went deep into the specs to uncover what’s been fine-tuned, what’s been overhauled, and what MINI left untouched. Spoiler: there’s more here that’s been tweaks than you might think.

First, if you missed them, read our review of the F66 and F67 JCWs. But here’s the top line: MINI has improved the JCW formula in almost every way—except for two notable changes. The move from four-piston to single-piston front brake calipers, and the elimination of the manual transmission, are hard pills to swallow for purists. Take those out of the equation, though, and the F66 emerges as a welcome refinement—offering more performance, better technology, enhanced safety, and increased comfort. So, what exactly did MINI do to make it happen? Let’s take a closer look.

Powertrain & Performance

MINI didn’t mess with the headline horsepower, but dig deeper and the 2025 JCW reveals a meaningful leap in real-world punch. With a torque surge and a snappier DCT replacing the old automatic, this isn’t just the same powertrain in a shinier wrapper.

SpecF56 JCWF66 JCWVerdict
Engine CodeB46A20O1B48A20O2New engine family (B48 Gen 2) for 2025, likely offering more refinement and compliance.
Horsepower (HP)228 hp228 hpNo change.
Torque (lb-ft)235 lb-ft280 lb-ftMajor jump. Torque bump likely delivers a more urgent, flexible drive.
0-60 mph (Auto)5.9 sec5.9 secDespite more torque, 0-60 time remains the same. Likely due to the added weight and limits of traction.
Top Speed149 mph155 mphSlight increase. Likely due to gearing changes.
Transmission8-speed automatic (GA8Q45CW)7-speed dual-clutch (DCT)Swapped out torque converter auto for a sharper, lighter DCT. More engagement, less slush, more refinement.

Dimensions & Design Tweaks

The 2025 JCW is slightly wider, lower, and just a hair shorter than before — a curious mix that you actually feel behind the wheel. These aren’t just spec sheet shuffles; they reflect MINI’s evolving approach to performance packaging.

SpecF56 JCWF66 JCWNote
Length152.8 in152.6 inSlightly shorter.
Width (body)68 in68.7 inWider stance; helps with stability and initial turn-in
Height55.7 in57.2 inTaller — due to chassis or ride height tuning.
Wheelbase98.2 in98.2 inSame.
Ground Clearance5.6 in5.1 in (130mm)Slightly lower — helps keep mass slightly closer to the ground.
Curb Weight (US)2,952 lbs3,047 lbsGains ~95 lbs — due to added safety/tech.

Chassis & Tires

MINI’s go-kart ethos gets a subtle chassis rework for 2025. A wider track and revised wheel setup suggest sharper handling, even if the move to smaller standard wheels might raise some enthusiast eyebrows.

SpecF56 JCWF66 JCWNote
Standard Tires205/40/17215/45 R17 AS non-RFA wider, non-run flat tire means more grip and a bit more feel
Optional Tires205/40/18215/40/18Optional tire now wider and there’s no runflat to be found
Track Width (Front/Rear)58.5 in / 58.5 in59 in / 59 inWider stance; helps with stability and initial turn-in
SteeringEPS 14.0:1 ratioEPS 14.0:1 ratioSame ratio but the lighter tuning, wider track and tires create a more eager feel.

Interior & Cargo

Inside, it’s a case of evolution over overhaul. Most dimensions remain unchanged, but the tiniest increases in cargo space and elbow room show MINI was focused on the smallest details of fine-tuning comfort without compromising its compact DNA.

SpecF56 JCWF66 JCWNote
Front Headroom w/ SR38.3 in38.3 inNo change.
Rear Headroom w/ SR36.4 in36.3 inEssentially unchanged.
Cargo (EPA)8.7 ft³8.9 ft³Slight increase. Magic packaging?

Weight & Payload

Yes, the 2025 JCW gained a few pounds — but not without purpose. Despite a nearly 100-pound bump, payload is up slightly too, and the new DCT and extra torque help mask the added mass on the move.

SpecF56 JCWF66 JCWChange
Curb Weight2,952 lbs3,047 lbs+95 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight3,770 lbs3,858 lbs+88 lbs
Payload772 lbs783 lbsSlight increase.

Our Take: Key Differences & Insights

At a glance, the F66 MINI JCW Hardtop might not seem drastically different from its F56 predecessor. The design language is still unmistakably MINI, and on paper, the power output remains identical at 228 horsepower. But look past the badge and you’ll find a car that’s undergone meaningful mechanical and engineering evolution.

The biggest headline is torque — up from 235 lb-ft to a stout 280 lb-ft. That’s a 19% increase, and it fundamentally changes how the car behaves. While 0–60 mph times stay pegged at 5.9 seconds, the real story is in midrange power delivery. Expect faster roll-on acceleration and easier overtaking — especially when paired with the new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which replaces the outgoing 8-speed torque converter automatic. The DCT promises quicker shifts and a sportier, more connected driving feel — a much-needed move in an era where hot hatches are expected to engage, not just hustle.

Chassis-wise, the 2025 JCW gets a slightly wider track and a taller stance. While these changes might seem minor, they hint at reworked suspension tuning — potentially to balance ride comfort with handling sharpness. The switch to 17-inch non-run-flat tires as standard could be a sign MINI is dialing in more compliance without sacrificing grip.

Weight is up slightly, with curb weight increasing by about 95 pounds. That’s the price of progress — likely from added safety systems, new tech, and platform refinements. Yet, MINI seems to have managed this weight gain strategically, as payload capacity has gone up as well.

In terms of dimensions and packaging, the new JCW is marginally shorter and taller, but width and mirror span are up. This speaks to both the desire of MINI designers to keep the car as small as possible, weight low and aero optimized. Interior space remains mostly unchanged, though the elbow room and cargo volume get subtle improvements.

The takeaway? MINI didn’t reinvent the JCW — but it sharpened the edges that matter. With increased torque, a faster and more refined gearbox, and meaningful under-the-skin tweaks, this is more than just a refresh — it’s a more mature, more capable performance MINI. It’s not perfect. The absence of a manual transmission stings, and the switch to single-piston front calipers hints at reduced durability under track abuse. But for the vast majority of would-be JCW owners, this is a better car in almost every way.