2025 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works Assessment

2024 marks a big milestone for MINI, because the British model is about to unveil its newest vary of automobiles following years of minor updates. Main the cost is the all-new 2025 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works, which isn’t solely bigger but additionally extra highly effective than its predecessors. The Countryman has emerged as MINI’s top-selling mannequin in the USA in recent times, owing to its standing as essentially the most spacious and largest possibility within the MINI lineup. However the brand new U25 Countryman household elevates dimension to new heights. Thus, I traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, looking for not just some a lot wanted solar (which, satirically, changed into an encounter with rain) but additionally to discover the notion that greater might certainly be higher, in some instances.

Larger Than Earlier than

The 2025 MINI Countryman stretches at 4433 millimeters (174.5 inches) lengthy, 1843 mm (72.5 in) large, and 1656 mm (65.2 in) tall, with a wheelbase measuring 2692 mm (106 in). That makes it barely shorter and nearly as large because the mechanically associated BMW iX1 whereas being a smidge taller than the Bavarian electrical crossover. Now compared to the earlier F60 Countryman, the brand new U25 crossover is almost 5 inches longer, 2 inches taller and a pair of inches wider. After all, with the scale enhance comes the load penalty: 3825 lbs vs 3704 lbs.

Whereas the U25 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works has made important beneficial properties in practicality and house, the query stays: does it keep the enduring MINI driving expertise? Let’s dive in and uncover!

Barely Extra Energy and Higher Sound

The B48A20T2 turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline mill is rated at 296 horsepower in Europe, precisely the identical because the BMW X1 M35i and X2 M35i offered on the Outdated Continent. However within the U.S., the native model has 312 hp, similar to the 2 M Efficiency crossovers obtainable in North America the place there are much less stringent emissions rules in comparison with the European Union. There may be additionally a lift characteristic which will be activated by way of the paddle shifter on the steering wheel supplying you with extra energy for 10 seconds at a time. Regardless of being the identical engine as within the X2 M35i I drove a day earlier, the software program tuning on the Countryman JCW was totally different, becoming to the character of the MINI.

Naturally, being an ALL4 Countryman, energy is distributed to all 4 wheels by way of a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Regardless of sharing the same transmission with the BMW X1 and X2, it has been specifically software-tuned for the JCW mannequin to reinforce its efficiency. Fortunately, MINI seems to have addressed the notable lag skilled throughout engine startup when releasing the brakes, an issue beforehand seen within the X1.

New Transmission and 4 Exhaust Pipes

The 2025 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works, with its new transmission, delivers a torque output of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft), a lower from the 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) discovered within the earlier F60 Countryman JCW. Regardless of this discount, it nonetheless achieves a 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 5.4 seconds, which, whereas marginally slower than the F60 JCW’s 5.1 seconds, stays fast. High pace was elevated, although, to 155 mph from 140 mph.

A key attraction of the Countryman JCW is its distinctive sound, enhanced by the U25 JCW’s 4 exhaust pipes linked to a single muffler. Nonetheless, the European-spec mannequin I examined featured a neutered sound profile, attributed to the Otto Particle Filter (OPF) rules. Regardless of this, the Go-Kart Mode did supply a extra interesting exhaust word. I’ll withhold my closing verdict till I can expertise the U.S.-spec fashions, that are anticipated to ship a fuller sound expertise.

Larger Brakes and Wheels

My automobile ran on 20 inch John Cooper Works Flag Spoke 2-tone with Pirelli P Zero PZ4 245/45R-20 efficiency tires, so due to the bigger wheels, it additionally obtained the sportier brakes that are solely obtainable for the JCW fashions. The braking system on the U25 Countryman John Cooper Works encompasses a four-pot rotor design, with the rotors being vented and measuring 380 mm in diameter. That is an improve from the earlier JCW’s non-vented 360 mm discs. The brand new brakes system isn’t solely engineered to offer superior stopping energy but additionally to supply improved really feel and suggestions to the motive force. Moreover, the vented nature of the rotors ensures simpler warmth dissipation, considerably growing resistance to brake fade. This complete setup ensures a extra responsive and dependable braking expertise, important for each on a regular basis driving and efficiency conditions.

Suspension and Steering Tweaks

Being a John Cooper Works mannequin, it’s anticipated that MINI would equip it with a definite suspension setup. Accordingly, the 2025 MINI Countryman JCW is outfitted with a novel mixture of adaptive dampers and comes tailor-made particularly for it. Enjoyable reality: that is the Adaptive M suspension tuned in JCW fashion. Subsequent, the steering advantages from a custom-made software program map, enhancing its racier habits as anticipated. The first aim of those enhancements is to make sure that, regardless of its bigger dimension, the Countryman JCW retains the quintessential MINI character—providing that exhilarating go-kart-like driving expertise.

However does it?

Driving Expertise

It’s been some time since I final drove the F60 MINI Countryman JCW, but my reminiscences are vivid sufficient to attract a comparability. From the second I began the automobile, the affect of the Otto Particle Filter (OPF) on the auditory expertise was noticeable, considerably muting what may in any other case be a extra vibrant sound. The B48 engine, in its essence, performs as anticipated, delivering a good sound, regardless of right this moment’s closely regulated setting. Sadly, this implies it doesn’t resonate with the identical vigor because it as soon as did. Nonetheless, I discover it troublesome to fault MINI for these modifications, as they’re largely regulatory mandates. On a brighter word, I’m wanting ahead to the U.S.-spec vehicles, which promise a richer sound, very similar to the distinction between the U.S. and EU variations of the X1 M35i.

The designated route begins by winding by way of a number of metropolis facilities close to the Atlantic Ocean round Cascais, providing a great setting to guage the on a regular basis maneuverability of this sizable crossover. The Countryman has developed into a real crossover, boasting appreciable inside and cargo house. It’s instantly obvious that this iteration of the Countryman has matured, adopting a extra rugged design that feels quintessentially British, extra so than any of its predecessors. Nonetheless, this evolution comes at the price of the earlier Countryman JCW’s appeal, which seamlessly blended MINI’s iconic go-kart-like agility with the utility of a compact crossover SUV.

Handles Like A Bigger Crossover

In its present type, the 2025 MINI Countryman JCW behaves extra like a highish-performance SUV, trying to masks its bulk and weight with a bit extra energy and numerous chassis enhancements—a growth that was considerably anticipated. The B48 engine, whereas reaching its efficiency ceiling with this mannequin’s heft—very similar to it does within the BMW X1 and X2—requires extra time to amass the mandatory energy and torque to propel the bigger automobile. Due to this fact, on a regular basis driving feels considerably much less responsive than in earlier fashions. Though the transmission successfully minimizes lag, concealing the JCW’s weight stays a problem, particularly in stop-and-go site visitors.

However issues change as soon as you discover some open roads. And fortunately, the Lisbon space has loads of these. The brand new U25 Countryman JCW definitely involves life as soon as it hits the bends. That is notably true when partaking the Go-Kart Mode, which presents a definite driving expertise. In line with MINI, the Go-Kart Mode fine-tunes the chassis setup for enhanced driving dynamics, that includes faster throttle response, elevated steering weight, and a specialised DSC program tailor-made for a extra partaking drive. Moreover, you continue to have the pliability to customise this mode, adjusting a number of key settings, like steering and chassis.

Exact Shifting

The shifts are fairly exact and easy at increased speeds, and naturally, should you use the shift paddles, then you possibly can simpler management the ability band. And that’s the trick with the B48 engine: so long as you retain in the proper RPM band, the little engine will ship. The sound can also be higher within the Go-Kart modem, due to the redesigned flaps. There may be definitely extra physique roll than within the earlier Countryman JCW, however that’s additionally to be anticipated as a result of physics…

The suspension is agency, however tolerable, but on bumpy roads, you possibly can undoubtedly really feel the imperfections within the pavement, particularly on low profile tires. Whereas the performance-oriented suspension prioritizes dealing with, the trip high quality stays moderately snug for day by day driving. However in the end, trip consolation notion is subjective, so should you prioritize a easy trip over final sportiness, then you possibly can at all times change into one other Expertise Mode.

Steering Might Be Barely Higher

The steering suggestions is is exact and correct – contemplating the load of the automobile – however after all, in some driving conditions it will possibly really feel just a little bit numb. Flip-in at increased speeds is healthier although, due to the broader monitor and larger tires. The brand new Countryman JCW additionally feels steady and planted on the highway, even when pushed arduous. When you get into the 1200-1500 rpm vary, the max torque kicks in. It’s the torque curve that makes the B48 really feel highly effective in these driving conditions. And feels much more like a correct JCW.

Does It Have The Go-Kart Driving Expertise?

In some methods, the enduring MINI driving expertise is slowly shedding its id within the Countryman fashions. Whereas it might seem to be I’m making excuses for the model, the fact is that priorities have developed through the years. The premium crossover section now locations larger emphasis on house, practicality, and luxurious facilities, on the expense of the driving expertise. This shift has been largely influenced by markets such because the U.S., which have been steering this variation for years, if not a long time. Moreover, stringent crash and pedestrian security rules have contributed to heavier automobiles, considerably altering their driving dynamics.

So, the unmistakable go-kart really feel of older MINIs has been inevitably barely modified. The earlier F60 Countryman JCW stays a testomony to that period, albeit at the price of the developments talked about earlier. Finally, the selection boils all the way down to this: Do you search a mature MINI that blends the sophistication of a premium crossover with the JCW’s zest, or does the purity of the driving expertise trump all else for you?

Is Larger Higher?

As I’m getting older, my tastes in vehicles have additionally shifted in the direction of valuing house and luxurious over sheer driving thrill. But, the prospect of partaking enjoyable on demand nonetheless appeals to me, making the brand new U25 Countryman John Cooper Works a very good possibility. After spending just a few hours behind the wheel, I shortly felt relaxed on this trendy crossover, although it required rethinking my expectations of the normal JCW expertise. However I’m positive that can be as soon as once more corrected by the upcoming MINI Cooper JCW.

In conclusion, I imagine MINI has struck gold with the most recent technology JCW and the broader Countryman lineup – until you’re a die-hard MINI fan. The Countryman’s attraction is broader than ever, promising to draw a various vary of recent prospects. This may possible be additional underscored in my forthcoming overview of the Countryman SE all-electric mannequin. And should you have been additional anxious concerning the MINI sharing an excessive amount of tech with BMW vehicles, don’t be! This MINI Countryman JCW feels and drives totally different than the X1 M35i, and that’s a very good factor.