Premier: The MINI Aceman JCW – MINI’s First Performance Electric Crossover

DimON · October 14

The highly anticipated four-door MINI Aceman hasn’t even reached showrooms, and we already have our first look at its halo model—the MINI Aceman JCW. Like the electric MINI Cooper JCW, also unveiled today, this new Aceman JCW represents the sub-brand’s first electric offering and introduces a new level of performance.

Electric JCW Performance & Range

The Aceman JCW shares all key components with its smaller Cooper sibling, including a revised electric motor delivering up to 190 kW (258 hp) and 350 Nm of torque (258 ft-lbs). With these power increases, the Aceman JCW reaches 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.4 seconds. Notably, this is half a second slower than the smaller electric Cooper JCW and over a full second slower than the petrol-powered Countryman JCW.

However, the J05 JCW has a secret performance feature that may change the game—an electric boost function. Activated in go-kart mode by pressing the boost paddle on the steering wheel, the JCW models gain an additional 20 kW of power for a short period.

With the new all-electric MINI John Cooper Works models, we are bringing the
legendary performance and driving dynamics of MINI into a completely new era.
We are combining the tradition and character of the MINI brand with the latest
technology to create a unique driving experience that will thrill our customers.
Stefan Richmann, Head of MINI

MINI has previously limited its electric cars to 170 km/h (105.6 mph) due to range concerns. However, they’ve lifted that restriction for the J05 Aceman JCW, allowing it to reach a top speed of 124 mph, though this is still significantly lower than the 152 mph of the forthcoming F66 JCW.

	J05 MINI Aceman E	J05 MINI Cooper SE	2025 J05 Aceman JCW	2025 J01 MINI JCW
Horsepower	184 hp	218 hp	255 hp	255 hp
Torque	214 lb-ft	243 lb-ft	252 lb-ft	252 ft-lbs
Range (WLTP)	183 – 193 miles	237 – 253 miles	221 miles	231 miles
Battery Size	40kWh	54kWh	54kWh	54kWh

All of this performance does degrade range a bit since the battery size (54.2 kWh with 49.2 kWh usable) remains the same. Thus, range is down slightly with the Aceman offering 221 miles (355 km).

Models	J05 Aceman JCW / ELECTRIC (’24-’31)	F55 Cooper 5 Door / PETROL (’14-’24)	R60 Countryman All4 S / PETROL (’10-’16)	F60 Countryman All4 S / PETROL (’17-’23)	U25 Countryman SE / ELECTRIC (’24-’32)
Length	4079 mm / 161 in	3982 mm / 156.8 in	4097 mm / 161.3 in	4298 mm / 169.2 in	4429 mm / 174.37 in
Height	1514 mm / 59.6 in	142.5 mm / 56.1 in	1562 mm / 61.5 in	1557 mm / 61.3 in	1613 mm / 63.5 in
Wheelbase	2526 mm / 99.44 in	2567 mm / 101 in	2596 mm / 102.2 in	2670 mm / 105.1 in	2692 mm / 106 in
Weight	1785 kg / 3935 lbs	1355 kg / 2987 lbs	1455 kg / 3208 lbs	1605 kg / 3538 lbs	2075 kg / 4,574 lbs

One intriguing aspect of the Aceman JCW is its size, which compares closely to the original MINI Countryman from 2010. However, its interior volume is more similar to the outgoing F60 generation—a much larger vehicle.

There is, however, a significant difference in weight. The Aceman JCW will weigh almost 4,000 lbs when fully equipped and with a driver, about 1,000 lbs more than the similarly sized F65 four-door MINI Cooper. While much of this weight is low to the ground, giving the Aceman JCW a low center of gravity, it will likely be noticeable at high speeds.

Suspension & Brake Upgrades

MINI is following its usual JCW formula by revising the suspension settings of the standard J01 SE model rather than conducting a full suspension redesign like you’d see in a BMW M car. This new JCW, much like other JCW models, follows BMW’s M Performance strategy of upgrading suspension and structural components rather than making radical changes.

Identical to the J01 JCW, the Aceman JCW features upgraded brakes—larger four-piston units up front with higher-friction performance brake pads as standard.

Design – an Evolution of the Aceman’s Existing JCW Style

As for design, the JCW trim we’ve seen on the standard MINI Aceman will serve as the foundation for the full JCW model. However, there are a few subtle differences and one major alteration.

The biggest visual update is the introduction of 19” aero-optimized wheels, which strike a balance between futuristic and retro design. Behind them are red four-piston JCW brake calipers paired with aggressive sport brake pads.

But the big change are the 19″ aero-optimized wheels. They are the most radical JCW wheels yet and (to our eyes) a great blend of futurism and retro design. Behind will be four piston red JCW brake calipers with aggressive sport brake pads.

Like the J01 JCW, the J05 JCW lacks exclusive interior styling elements—no new materials, patterns, or trim. While there is a JCW-exclusive gauge available in MINI OS9 software, it offers no additional functionality.

2025 MINI Aceman JCW Production & Release Timing

Both the electric MINI Cooper JCW and MINI Aceman JCW will debut in Q3 2024, with production starting in January 2024. Initially, production will take place in China but will expand to MINI’s Oxford plant in the UK by 2026, potentially paving the way for North American deliveries. Until then, the electric MINI Aceman JCW will be available exclusively in Asia, Europe, and South America.

But this isn’t the only new JCW offering MINI will unveil this year. MINI will debut the electric J01 Cooper JCW and the petrol F66 Cooper JCW later this year, with production to follow shortly afterward.