06Dec
A bold combination of traditional design, legendary performance, and sustainable mobility gave birth to the MINI Cooper SE model. Now, MINI has just moved the goalpost further by hatching and introducing the performance-oriented John Cooper Works version of the electrified MINI Cooper SE.
We hope Mini is offering a green/red color to properly reflect the implication of this relatively unusual marriage. Not only does this new MINI iteration maintain the brand's iconic design, but it also offers a peak performance of 218 horsepower, generated electrically, and 244 lb-ft of maximum torque.
The result is a bullish electric MINI that charges from rest to 60 mph in a noteworthy 6.7 seconds, all while maintaining zero emissions. Let's take a quick break to bring the uninitiated up to speed.
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John Cooper Works In Mini SE: What’s The Rukus?
The John Cooper Works (JCW) trim is the high-performance variant of the Mini Cooper lineup. Named after the famous car designer and manufacturer John Cooper, responsible for creating some of the most successful and iconic racing cars, the JCW models are designed to offer enhanced performance and driving dynamics.
Key features of the John Cooper Works trim typically include a more powerful engine, sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, aerodynamic enhancements, and a sportier interior and exterior design.
The JCW models court enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for the additional performance and exclusivity they offer. The JCW variants are often the most powerful and dynamically capable Mini models, providing a more spirited driving experience compared to the standard Cooper and Cooper S models.
On the other hand, the Mini Cooper SE (also known as the Mini Electric) is the all-electric variant of the Mini Cooper lineup, representing Mini's foray into the EV market. The Mini Cooper SE features an all-electric powertrain, which means it is powered solely by an electric motor and a high-voltage battery pack.
This setup provides instant torque and a smooth, quiet driving experience. The Mini Cooper SE's design retains the iconic Mini styling and driving characteristics while offering zero-emission driving.
Key features of the Mini Cooper SE typically include a distinctive design with unique exterior and interior elements, regenerative braking to help maximize range, and advanced connectivity features to please EV fans.
The Mini Cooper SE is positioned as an urban-friendly electric car, offering a compact size well-suited for city driving and short commutes. Consequently, marrying the JCW with an electric city car would seem an unlikely marriage even for the parent company behind the BMW i3.
Performance That Speaks Volumes
The MINI Cooper SE owes its capacity to sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds to its high-voltage battery with an energy content of 54.2 kWh, delivering a decent range of up to 250 miles, as determined by the WLTP test cycle. This not only marks a triumph in efficiency but also positions the MINI Cooper SE as a frontrunner in the electric mobility industry.
MINI brand head Stefanie Wurst thinks the all-electric MINI Cooper SE in the new John Cooper Works Trim is “the epitome of efficiency and driving pleasure… combining “a passion for iconic design, legendary performance, and sustainable mobility.”
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The MINI Cooper SE JCW Trim: Iconic Design Meets Motorsport Heritage
The MINI LED headlights, with their distinctive signatures, enhance the vehicle's minimalist design. The matrix rear lights not only contribute to aesthetics but also emphasize the width of the rear.
The central high-resolution OLED display, measuring 240 mm in diameter, provides a comprehensive view of vehicle-related data and controls navigation, media, telephone, and climate settings.
The John Cooper Works Trim elevates the MINI Cooper SE's aesthetics with a sporty look. The new John Cooper Works logo, characterized by clear outlines and the iconic red, white, and black color scheme, takes center stage on the octagonal front grille.
Further inflaming the new crossbreed Mini’s purposeful profile are the 18-inch wheels in Lap Spoke 2-tone design and eye-catching red JCW brake calipers. These updates are a rigorous nod to the Mini Cooper John Cooper Works’ rich racing heritage. The JCW models are designed to offer high performance and are a natural fit for motorsport activities.
Historically, Mini Coopers, including the John Cooper Works variants, have a strong association with rallying and touring car racing. The original Mini Cooper achieved great success in the 1960s, winning the Monte Carlo Rally multiple times and achieving numerous victories in other rally events. This success contributed to the Mini's reputation as a competitive and agile racing car.
In more recent times, modified and tuned John Cooper Works models have featured in various racing series and events, including rallycross, endurance racing, and circuit racing.
Mini has also supported customer racing programs, including privateer teams and drivers who race John Cooper Works models in various motorsport disciplines. This has helped to further establish the JCW brand within the racing community.
The MINI Cooper SE JCW Trim’s Race-Bred Interior
The MINI Cooper SE JCW Trim’s interior throws a hard salute to the world of motorsport. The JCW seats are a perfect blend of synthetic leather with red stitching and multi-colored knitted material in the shoulder section.
The black and red color trims continue throughout the vehicle's interior, including the door and dashboard, which features a JCW-specific pattern in the style of a chequered flag.
At the heart of the cockpit is a central, high-resolution OLED display with a diameter of 240 mm. It provides information on navigation, media, telephone, and climate settings.
With the MINI Experience Modes, the display offers new possibilities for personalization, including the unique John Cooper Works-inspired GO-KART Mode, which enhances the sporty handling with optimized throttle response and a unique GO-KART sound.
The John Cooper Works-inspired GO-KART Mode, with its anthracite red display and interior lighting, enhances the pleasure of driving the SE JCW Trim. The mode delivers a unique GO-KART sound and optimized throttle response.
A Tech-Savvy And Eco-Friendly MINI Cooper SE JCW Trim
The MINI Cooper SE features advanced driver assistance systems, including Parking Assistant Plus with 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround cameras. The EXPLORE Mode introduces a revolutionary feature, enabling smartphone-controlled parking even when the driver is not inside the vehicle.
The car’s efficient nature rubs off on the charging times, with fast-charging capabilities of up to 95 kW. The high-voltage battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes at a quick-charging station. Notably, the navigation system optimizes the battery temperature for efficient charging, particularly in challenging weather conditions, ensuring a shorter charging time.
Summarily, MINI fans will appreciate the Cooper SE in John Cooper Works Trim not so much as a performance hot hatch but as a stylish leap forward in sustainable mobility, complete with an iconic design, powerful performance, and innovative features.
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