The Mini Cooper is one of the most iconic cars in the world, with a history that spans more than six decades. The British brand, now owned by BMW, has always been known for its fun, quirky, and stylish hatchbacks that offer a unique driving experience. But times are changing, and so is Mini. The company has announced that the 2025 Mini Cooper will be the last generation to feature gasoline engines as it prepares to go fully electric by the decade's end.
So, what can we expect from the new Mini Cooper and its sportier sibling, the Mini Cooper S? How do they compare to the previous models and the electric versions? And what does this mean for the future of Mini and its loyal fans? Let’s find out.
The New Mini Cooper: What’s New?
The new Mini Cooper was revealed last year, but only the electric models were shown at first. The Mini Cooper E and the Mini Cooper SE are battery-powered versions of the three-door hatchback, with a range of up to 200 miles and a power output of up to 215 horsepower. They are built in China, in a joint venture between BMW and Great Wall Motor, and are expected to hit the US market in early 2025.
But what about the gas-powered models? Mini has finally unveiled the details of the Mini Cooper C and the Mini Cooper S, which will be the last of their kind. Both will feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine but with different performance levels. The Mini Cooper C will have 154 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, while the Mini Cooper S will have 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. That’s an increase of 12 and 14 horsepower, respectively, compared to the outgoing models.
The new Mini Cooper will also have a new design, a modern take on the classic shape of the car. The front grille is larger and more prominent, the headlights are slimmer and more angular, and the rear lights have a Union Jack motif. The car will also have a new multicolor roof option, creating a gradient effect with three shades. The interior will feature a 9.4-inch OLED infotainment system integrated into the circular dashboard. The car will also have a toggle bar below the screen, which will have physical controls for the parking brake, the gear selector, the start/stop button, and the volume knob.
The new Mini Cooper will also have more customization options, with four roof colors, several 16- to 18-inch wheels, and a new JCW exterior trim, which adds sporty elements to the car. The JCW trim, however, will not have any extra power, as the high-performance JCW model will be revealed later this year, along with the convertible body style and the five-door hatchback.
The New Mini Cooper: How Does It Drive?
The new Mini Cooper will offer a fun and engaging driving experience, as expected from the brand. The car will have a front-wheel-drive layout and a seven-speed automatic transmission as standard. Unfortunately, there will be no manual transmission option, as Mini has decided to drop it from the US market. The car will also have a new suspension system, which will improve the ride comfort and handling.
The new Mini Cooper C will be the base model, and it will have a decent acceleration and top speed. It will go from 0 to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 130 mph. The new Mini Cooper S will be the sportier model, and it will have a more impressive performance. It will go from 0 to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 146 mph. The new Mini Cooper S will also have a sport mode, which will sharpen the throttle response, the steering, and the exhaust sound.
The new Mini Cooper will also have some advanced features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, head-up display, and wireless charging. The car will also have a new digital key, which will allow the driver to unlock and start the car with their smartphone. The car will also have a new app, which will let the driver check the status of the car, control some functions remotely, and access some online services.