2025 Mini JCW Electric Review
The 2025 Mini JCW Electric, the most powerful Mini EV to date, fails to live up to expectations due to significant ride quality and handling issues.
Design and Features
The JCW Electric boasts an aggressive design with red accents, model-specific wheels, and an aero kit, making it look more exciting than the standard SE model. However, the interior changes are modest, with red bits and ambient lighting being the main updates.
Performance Issues
The ride quality is a major letdown, feeling unbearable and tense even on slow speeds. The additional kerbweight of around 300kg compared to the conventional model exacerbates the issue, making it jostle and restless on the road. The lack of a proper limited-slip diff like the Alpine A290 results in front-end precision issues, and the torque steer is too easily agitated by 258lb ft of torque.
Powertrain Highlights
Despite the issues, the powertrain is a highlight, feeling brisk and engaging with the Boost paddle or Go Kart mode. The regen mode for the transmission is well-calibrated, making it a strong point of the package.
Conclusion
The 2025 Mini JCW Electric is difficult to recommend due to its ride quality and handling issues. The Cooper SE with 40hp less is a better choice, or alternatives like the Alpine A290 and Cupra Born VZ offer better-resolved electric hot hatches. The JCW Electric’s premium price starting at around £5k more than the petrol JCW makes it hard to justify.
Specifications
- Engine: 54.2 kWh battery (gross figure; 49.2kWh net), single electric motor
- Transmission: Single-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
- Power (hp): 255
- Torque (lb ft): 258
- 0-62mph: 5.9 seconds
- Top speed: 106mph
- Weight: 1,725kg
- MPG: 230 miles WLTP range, 95kW max charge rate
- CO2: 0g/km (driving), 4.1mi/kWh claimed
- Price: £38,420 (price as standard; price as tested £40,270)
The Mini JCW Electric’s aggressive design is evident in its red accents and model-specific wheels.
The interior updates are modest, with red bits and ambient lighting being the main changes.
The ride quality is a major issue, feeling tense and unbearable even on slow speeds.
