2025 Mini JCW Electric | PH Review

The most powerful mini EV yet promises a lot - but struggles to deliver

By Matt Bird / Wednesday, 28 May 2025 / Loading comments

On the face of it, there’s plenty to be encouraged by with the new Mini JCW Electric. The John Cooper Works badge has lent its name to some properly feisty hot hatches over the past 20 years or so, for starters - the current Cooper SE and petrol-powered JCW are decent enough, clearly with some potential left untapped. And the appetite for electric hot hatches (we assume) has never been greater, which is where Mini’s experience ought to pay dividends. Given its expertise in fast, fun and front-wheel drive, there should be no manufacturer better placed to make a 255hp battery-powered pocket rocket.

Certainly, the JCW looks the part, which is to say that a slightly curious hatchback has been given an appropriately racy overhaul. The red accents are well-judged, the model-specific wheels look good, the aero kit lends some useful attitude, and the stance is… OK. It’s crying out for some track width and arch flares as a JCW, in truth, though perhaps that’ll come with a GPe.

If you like the current J01 Mini, it will probably hit the mark, usefully more exciting to look at than a standard SE (if that buyer hasn’t plumped for a JCW aerokit). If the Alpine A290 looks like more your kind of hot hatch, this won’t change your mind on that. Inside, the JCW overhaul is reasonably modest - red bits and ambient lighting in the headliner are the main changes - but given how well the Mini interior blends a sense of occasion with ease of use, that’s no bad thing.

You’re ready for maximum go-kart feel in a Mini JCW Electric, put it that way. Or whatever the strapline is this week. Unfortunately, some significant problems are evident from the off, which is disappointing for anyone with high hopes for this car based on fond memories of other JCWs. The ride is inexcusable, basically; which might sound like suggesting a dog isn’t for you because it barks - all modern Minis have been pretty firm and frenetic, after all - but with around 300kg of additional kerbweight to manage versus the conventional model, this really is to another level of unbearable.

Even dawdling down a gravel track, the JCW is tense and unyielding, which doesn’t bode well. Sometimes a great car can be identified in the first 50 metres, just from the way it steers, rides, and feels at slow speed; the Mini, clearly, is not one of those. It feels like driving a dodgem that escaped from the fair, just you and a seat and whatever the surface throws up.

Speed and tarmac don’t really improve the situation, every mile characterised by jostling and restlessness. Granted, the petrol-powered JCW was stiff-legged and somewhat lacking in suspension travel, but those traits are exacerbated here. It means the Electric is even more easily deflected by imperfections in the road, is keener to follow cambers, and creates a greater commotion when trying to cruise. Whatever the JCW suspension upgrades have done serves no benefit on a B road, the pitter-patter of every intrusion near constant. Ditto the new Hankook ion evoR tyres, because a stiffer, grippier electric Mini is a spikier one as it does move around. And that’s not very nice.

Predictably enough, the JCW does feel better when a smoother bit of A road presents itself, though you'll be needing the deck of HMS Queen Elizabeth for it to genuinely settle down. And even then the Mini flounders a bit, its super sharp steering unable to mask the fact that this is a 1,725kg car, somehow. Which is 100kg more than even the Cooper SE. Lacking a proper limited-slip diff like the Alpine means there isn’t the front-end precision expected of a range-topping hot hatch. Usually the brake nibbling does a good job of keeping you on track, but not always.

Because there’s the torque steer to think about, too. A bit of front axle fight is all part of the fun when it comes to a junior hot hatch, sure, and to Mini’s credit it never thumps or tramps - but the steering wheel is too easily agitated by 258lb ft. Which is entertaining the first time it happens, less so after a while. It feels unruly, truth be told. So you slow down, in a Mini JCW of all cars, concerned that either punishing suspension or an overexcited driven axle will fling you off the road.

When there’s a chance to use the Boost paddle or Go Kart mode for the full power quota, the Mini definitely feels usefully brisk, a smidge faster than the 220hp Alpine despite its weight disadvantage. With an engaging soundtrack as well, one entirely in sync with throttle application and speed. And efficiency is always competitive, comfortably above three miles per kilowatt hour despite our best efforts. Mini’s regen mode for the transmission is so well-calibrated that it makes you wonder why others struggle so much. The powertrain, as expected given Mini’s experience, is a real highlight of the package. Just a shame about the rest of it.

It’s doubly disappointing because the potential is there in a Mini Electric. The Cooper SE is firm and a bit frisky, but to an acceptable level, bringing some personality to a small electric car. The petrol JCW is similar, and bearable enough to do long distances when required. This one, however, is genuinely wearing in how abruptly it rides. An electric GP will need to significantly improve on this experience to justify its premium.

All of which makes the JCW Electric very difficult to recommend, basically. A tough conclusion to reach, especially from someone who loved previous generations of the JCW and has enjoyed the current electric models. But if you want a speedy, battery-powered Mini, the Cooper SE with 40hp less is a better choice - especially as it can be made to look like a JCW. Alternatively, cars like the Alpine A290 and Cupra Born VZ are much better resolved electric hot hatches. Unless your commute is by go-kart track, Mini's performance flagship - which starts at around £5k more than the petrol JCW - is best avoided.

SPECIFICATION | 2025 MINI JCW ELECTRIC

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 comprising Blazing Blue paint for £550 and Level 2 package (Comfort Access, Panoramic Glass Sunroof, Sun Protection Glass, Folding Wing Mirrors with Auto-dimming, Rear-view Mirror with Auto dimming, Front Heated Seats, Adaptive LED Headlights, High-Beam Assistant, MINI Head-up Display, Storage for wireless charging) for £1,300)