2024 marks a major milestone for MINI, because the British model is ready 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 in addition extra highly effective than its predecessors. The Countryman has emerged as MINI’s top-selling mannequin in the US 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, searching for not just some a lot wanted solar (which, paradoxically, became an encounter with rain) but in addition to discover the notion that greater could certainly be higher, in some instances.

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 couple of inches wider. In fact, with the dimensions enhance comes the load penalty: 3825 lbs vs 3704 lbs.

Whereas the U25 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works has made vital features in practicality and area, the query stays: does it preserve the long-lasting 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mill is rated at 296 horsepower in Europe, precisely the identical because the BMW X1 M35i and X2 M35i offered on the Outdated Continent.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 out there in North America the place there are much less stringent emissions laws in comparison with the European Union. There’s additionally a lift function which may be activated by way of the paddle shifter on the steering wheel supplying you with further 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 completely different, becoming to the character of the MINI.

Naturally, being an ALL4 Countryman, energy is distributed to all 4 wheels by 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. Prime velocity 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) laws. Regardless of this, the Go-Kart Mode did provide a extra interesting exhaust be aware. I’ll withhold my remaining 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 sport tires, so because of the bigger wheels, it additionally obtained the sportier brakes that are solely out there for the JCW fashions. The braking system on the U25 Countryman John Cooper Works incorporates 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 will not be solely engineered to offer superior stopping energy but in addition to supply improved really feel and suggestions to the driving 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 singular mixture of adaptive dampers and comes tailor-made particularly for it. Moreover, the steering advantages from a personalized software program map, enhancing its racier demeanor as anticipated. The first goal 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 recollections are vivid sufficient to attract a comparability. From the second I began the automobile, the impression of the Otto Particle Filter (OPF) on the auditory expertise was unmistakable, considerably muting what might in any other case be a extra vibrant sound. The B48 engine, in its essence, performs decently, delivering a good sound, regardless of in the present day’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 tough to fault MINI for these adjustments, as they’re largely regulatory mandates. On a brighter be aware, I’m wanting ahead to the U.S.-spec automobiles, which promise a richer sound, very like the distinction between the U.S. and EU variations of the X1 M35i.

The designated route begins by winding by a number of metropolis facilities close to the Atlantic Ocean round Cascais, providing a really perfect setting to guage the on a regular basis maneuverability of this sizable crossover. The Countryman has advanced into a real crossover, boasting appreciable inside and cargo area. 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 attraction, 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 kind, 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 varied chassis enhancements—a growth that was considerably anticipated. The B48 engine, whereas reaching its efficiency ceiling with this mannequin’s heft—very like it does within the BMW X1 and X2—requires extra time to amass the mandatory energy and torque to propel the bigger car. Subsequently, 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 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 significantly true when participating the Go-Kart Mode, which provides a definite driving expertise. Based on 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 participating 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 clean at increased speeds, and naturally, for those who use the shift paddles, then you’ll be able to simpler management the ability band. And that’s the trick with the B48 engine: so long as you retain in the correct RPM band, the little engine will ship. The sound can also be higher within the Go-Kart modem, because of the redesigned flaps. There’s 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, and on bumpy roads, you’ll be able to undoubtedly really feel the imperfections within the street, particularly on decrease profile tires. Whereas the performance-oriented suspension prioritizes dealing with, the trip high quality stays fairly comfy for day by day driving. However finally, trip consolation notion is subjective, so for those who prioritize a clean trip over final sportiness, then you’ll be able to at all times swap into one other Expertise Mode.

Steering Might Be Barely Higher

The steering suggestions is is pretty exact and correct – contemplating the load of the automobile – however in fact, in some driving conditions it could possibly really feel a bit of bit numb. Flip-in at increased speeds is best although, because of the broader monitor and greater tires. The brand new Countryman JCW additionally feels secure and planted on the street, even when pushed onerous. However once more, you continue to can’t absolutely conceal that physique roll. 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?

Sadly, the long-lasting MINI driving expertise is slowly shedding its identification within the Countryman fashions. Whereas it could appear to be I’m making excuses for the model, the fact is that priorities have advanced over time. The premium crossover section now locations higher emphasis on area, 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 many years. Moreover, stringent crash and pedestrian security laws 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 matured 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?

Navigating this determination turns into much more sophisticated with the introduction of the third-generation 2025 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works. As I’m getting older, my tastes in automobiles have shifted in direction of valuing area and luxurious over sheer driving thrill. But, the prospect of participating enjoyable on demand nonetheless appeals to me, making the brand new U25 Countryman John Cooper Works a great possibility. After spending just a few hours behind the wheel, I rapidly felt comfortable on this fashionable crossover, although it required rethinking my expectations of the standard JCW expertise. However I’m positive that might be corrected by the upcoming MINI Cooper JCW.

In conclusion, I consider MINI has struck gold with the most recent era 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 clients. This can seemingly be additional underscored in my forthcoming evaluate of the Countryman SE all-electric mannequin.