2025 JCW Countryman Caught Testing As It Nears Debut

[DimON]

The all-new MINI Countryman debut is just around the corner and MINI is already testing its fire-breathing JCW variant. While this video bills this new MINI has just a Countryman, it’s actually a full-on 2025 JCW Countryman complete with MINI’s first ever quad exhaust pipes. But what makes this MINI a true JCW? We’ve got exclusive details on everything from power to release date.

2025 JCW Countryman – What’s Under the Hood?

There are two competing rumors from our sources on the all important engine question. One source tells us to expect the new JCW Countryman to make use of the current B48 power plant with no changes. That means we’d see a 306 hp with 331 lb-ft of torque mated to a 8 speed Aisin automatic. While that might sound disappointing at first, having owned a 2021 JCW Countryman is that same combo, there’s not a lot to complain about with that combination.

The second (and the one we’d bet on) is that this new JCW Countryman will leverage the revised B48 from the just announced BMW X1 M35i. That would mean we’d see an increase to 312 hp and a downgrade to 295 lb-ft (a 36 lb-ft of torque decease) why more power but less torque? Our assumption is that it’s all about the transmission. MINI and BMW are keen to reduce the number of components used across the range and are standardizing the 7 speed dual clutch across all small ICE powered front wheel drive cars. That DCT could very likely have a torque limit of around 300 lb-ft of torque.

That change aside this revised B48 has incorporated several innovative new features. Notable advancements include the adoption of the Miller combustion cycle, redesigned intake ports and combustion chambers, and various changes to the camshaft timing, injection, ignition system, and exhaust gas routing.

If MINI uses this revised B48, we’ll see stronger crankshafts and an optimized oil supply system for the pistons with cooling channels. It also benefits from main bearing shells and caps carried over from the latest-generation 6-cylinder engines.

Then there’s the Sport Boost which helps to maximize performance. The Sport Boost function gives a temporary boost in power by pulling and holding the left-hand shift paddle for at least one second. When drivers activate this feature, all powertrain and chassis systems to their sportiest settings.

Quad pipes – a first for any factory MINI

Those Quad Exhaust Tailpipes

They’re real and they are straight from BMW M. Well let’s be clear. They are derived from an M Performance product – the X1 M35i. While engineered by M, the X1 M35i is not a full M car but one that takes elements of what M does and applies it to a car that is more accessible and forgiving than an M car. What do four pipes mean for performance? Likely not a lot. But they are nice eye candy and they clearly mark the M35i and the JCW Countryman out as distinctly different from their pedestrian versions.

New All Wheel Drive Mechanical Limited-Slip Differential At The Front Axle

Sources have confirmed that the all new 2025 JCW Countryman will feature the same revised xDrive system seen on the recently released BMW X1 M35i. That means we’ll see a mechanical limited-slip differential built into the 7-speed DCT. This serves to limit the difference in rotational speed between the front wheels, boosting agility and handling dynamics when taking corners at speed and increasing traction over loose terrain or in adverse weather conditions.

Note those air-inlets on the corners. Those mark this text mule out as a JCW.

Larger Brakes with Options BMW M Compound Pads

Sources are telling us that the new 2025 JCW Countryman will also get The new BMW X1 M35i’s uprated braking system comprised of four-piston, fixed-caliper brakes with 15.2-inch drilled discs at the front wheels and single-piston, floating-caliper units with integrated parking brake and 13.0-inch discs at the rear. The inner-vented brake discs are composed of a grey cast iron ring and an aluminum chamber. In addition to this, weight has been minimized and unsprung masses are substantially lower compared with conventional braking systems.

The X1 M35i offers the optional M Compound brakes which offer better bite and reportedly more feel. We have zero information on this option but it would make sense for MINI to offer something similar as an optional extra.

The BMW X1 M35i’s Sport seats.

M Sport Seats Look A Lot Like JCW Seats To US

The optional M Sport seats offer a wide range of electrical adjustment and feature an illuminated M logo in the upper section of the backrests. But more importantly they look like the second generation of the JCW seats that we saw on the previous (F60) JCW Countryman. Clad in MINI appropriate alcantara and cloth, these would make an excellent JCW seat.

Near-Actuator Wheel Slip Limitation For Sharper Agility.

Given all the tech coming from the X1 M35i, we also expect to get the near-actuator wheel slip limitation technology. In this system, the traction control function is integrated into the engine management. This eliminates the long signal paths to the DSC control unit, meaning that the corrective inputs are applied up to ten times faster than in conventional systems and with exceptional precision. Near-actuator wheel slip limitation thereby ensures optimum traction (even on slippery roads), unwavering straight-line composure under hard acceleration, and excellent directional stability in corners. 

This spy shot taken from a recent photo shoot is the all electric Countryman SE. But it’s not hard to imagine what a JCW might look like.

Will There be an All-Electric Countryman JCW?

MINI isn’t ready to talk about what might come down the road – and yes we have asked. But it doesn’t take much to realize that it would fit perfectly in the the brand’s ambitious electric reinvention. But if so when? We’d bet it would be something MINI would add later in the lifecycle as it concentrates on its core models. But this is just us guesstimating at this point.

2025 JCW Countryman Release Dates And Pricing

While we don’t have confirmed release dates yet, sources tell us that the ICE U25 Countryman and Countryman S will begin production in November 2023.

U25 / Leipzig, Germany	Start of Production
U25 ICE Countryman	11/2023
U25 ICE Countryman S	11/2023
U25 ICE Countryman JCW	03/2023*
U25 BEV Countryman E	03/2024
U25 BEV Countryman SE	03/2024
U25 BEV Countryman JCW	TBD*

*Unconfirmed

That would likely mean we’ll see the JCW Countryman begin production in March of 2024 as that’s the next major production change-over in BMW’s typical schedule. Given that the all new U25 Countryman will debut in early September, we’d expect the 2025 JCW Countryman to be shown off a few months after that.

Does this new JCW Countryman sound interesting enough to ? Let us know in the comments.

The post 2025 JCW Countryman Caught Testing As It Nears Debut appeared first on MotoringFile.

View the full article