Video Review: 2025 MINI Cooper JCW (F66) – Upgrades, Downgrades & How It Compares to Previous JCWs

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Saying that the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW is highly anticipated among MINI fans is an understatement. It embodies everything we love about MINIs in one small but mighty package. But can this new-generation JCW live up to its heritage? We got behind the wheel to find out.

The 2025 MINI Cooper JCW – Background

The F66 2025 MINI Cooper JCW may look like an all-new car, but it’s actually a heavily refreshed F56 JCW. However, there are some notable changes—some good, some not so good.

The Good

While the 2025 JCW retains the familiar B48 engine (specifically the B48A20O2) with an unchanged 231 hp output, it boasts a significant enhancement: torque. The F66 JCW delivers 280 lb-ft of torque at just 1,500 rpm—a 45 lb-ft (16%) increase over the F56 JCW and just 15 lb-ft shy of the new Countryman JCW.

This is a material improvement, one that translated into real-world performance at this year’s Nürburgring 24 Hours. The 2024 F56 JCW recorded a fastest lap of 10:44.118 around the full circuit (including the GP track). Respectable—until the F66 JCW clocked an impressive 10:06.773. The added torque certainly played a role, but the updated dual-clutch transmission (DCT) deserves some credit too.

The Not-So-Good

Unfortunately, MINI has officially discontinued the manual transmission for the F66 JCW. This decision stems from EU emissions regulations. While the F56’s Getrag six-speed could technically have been carried over, the variability of human operation in CO2 testing made it a liability compared to automatics, which can be programmed to optimize emissions. MINI has hinted at evaluating the possibility of reintroducing a manual in the future, but no decisions have been made.

There is, however, internal debate within MINI about reintroducing the manual in select markets where CO2 regulations are less restrictive, and demand remains strong. For example, take rates for JCW models have exceeded 50% in certain regions, underscoring enthusiasts’ continued love for three-pedal driving.

Then there are the brakes. The F66 JCW transitions from four-piston calipers to a smaller single-piston design at both the front and rear. While the vented 335 x 35 mm front discs and 280 x 10 mm rear discs remain unchanged, the loss of the more robust calipers is puzzling. MINI has yet to clarify whether this change was driven by cost, weight reduction, or other factors.

Finally, there’s the weight increase. The new F66 JCW tips the scales at 3,097 lbs, up 146 lbs compared to the F56 JCW with the DCT. This added weight slightly diminishes the performance gains but can largely be attributed to stricter safety and emissions requirements, as well as the inclusion of more standard equipment.

2025 MINI Cooper JCW Pricing & Release Dates

Market	F66 MINI Cooper JCW	F66 MINI Convertible JCW
USA	$38,200	$43,700
UK	£32,600	£36,460
Germany	€40,650	€44,650
France	€39?850	€44?850
Italy	€39.905,09	€43.905,09

Production of the 2025 MINI Cooper JCW has begun, and the first deliveries are underway. US pricing starts at $38,200 for the hardtop and $43,700 for the convertible.

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