2025 MINI Countryman JCW (John Cooper Works) - REVIEW

Dive into the evolution of the iconic MINI with our comprehensive review of the 2025 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works. As MINI ventures into the realm of larger premium crossovers, we examine how it balances the brand's legendary driving dynamics with the demands for more space, luxury, and practicality.
From the bustling streets of Lisbon to the open roads near the Atlantic, join us as we put the new 2025 MINI Countryman JCW to the test. Does it maintain the cherished go-kart feel, or has it transformed into something entirely new?
We explore the enhancements in performance, comfort, and technology, and how regulations and market shifts influence the modern driving experience. Whether you're a long-time MINI enthusiast or seeking your next premium crossover, this review offers insights into the latest iteration of a classic.
Is the 2024 Countryman JCW the perfect mix of nostalgia and innovation? Click to discover our verdict.
Intro 0:00
Engine Specs 1:00
Size 1:50
Driving Experience 2:40
Highway Driving 5:55
Interior Space 7:00
POV Driving 9:55
New or Old Countryman JCW? 14:00
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#minicountryman #minijcw

[@chileshemubanga3594]

Between this & the BMWs X1/2, i'l choose this one anyday anytime!.am Loving this Mini countryman JCW❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@bmwblog]

As I said, different demographic. Which is perfect. I expected some overlap, but there is not.

[@minniesaab7255]

Simply ❤it ! And yes ,big is beautiful

[@bmwblog]

I like I too. More of an SUV now, practical for sure

[@Poigee]

Top review 🤘🏻😎

[@bmwblog]

🤜

[@paulyt3339]

I'm stuck between the XI M35i and the Mini JCW. The X1 exhaust note is nice, they should both be very similar in terms of driving and performance. The mini is more gimmicky and quirky but it looks more fun than the X1. Thoughts? Haven't had a chance to see either off these in person in Canada yet.

[@bmwblog]

Tough one. Are you more of a BMW or MINI customer? The JCW drives well. But overall, it's the slightly cheaper car due to materials and all.

[@cr0wdedh0use]

In Ireland the JCW Countryman (level 3) costs around €20,000 less than an equivalent spec.X1 M35i, so an easy decision (arriving in May 😁)

[@ponceloic]

Nice review, as usual. Although I really don't like the new styling direction, especially for the interior, this Countryman seems to be the most appealing of the new Mini range. Door handles, air vents, those are only details but they look much better integrated in this U25 than in the J01 or F66. Can't wait for a honest review of the F66 JCW, but I'll probably keep my F56 Cooper S with JCW exhaust and real pops and bangs as long as I can. These fake droning engine sounds seem really annoying.

[@bmwblog]

Glad you enjoyed it! We will do an F66 JCW very soon. You can turn off the fake sound

[@seancook2264]

I’ll stick with my JCW Clubman. Worth it just for the cold start burbling and the alcantara flat bottom steering wheel! ❤

[@bmwblog]

The Clubman is a great option. Different cars, but good

[@AGZFreddy1983]

just letting you know the mini Clubman is no longer in production so if you want a JCW mini you can only choose between the JCW Cooper and the JCW countryman. theirs the mini Ace man thats coming, but not sure if that will have a JCW variant.

[@Boria0]

Why abandon the Clubman 😢

[@bmwblog]

I think because the Aceman is coming

[@ricardoefcbrito]

Let's go Portugal!

[@bmwblog]

Great country! Great roads

[@THUGPUTIN]

​@@bmwblogI'm OK with countryman going big but why cancel clubman for aceman when aceman will be offered only in EV and fully made in China? 😂 As far as I know, ICE versions will be made in UK and their current production line can take clubman... So this move is done because bmw is lazy and wants to use that bmw x1 platform and clubman design is not feasible with it.. They could've used the old 4.3m platform which both countryman and clubman used and just changed design and add new central console... Because both ev and ice countryman uses different platforms/chassis...

[@bmwblog]

The Aceman will eventually be made in Oxford also, so likely it will come to the US then.

[@Voxmagna]

👍

[@burkhard6013]

I just had a look at exactly the model you were driving, and as an F60 JCW 2020 owner, don’t agree at all that this one is more premium. The Fabric dash will be difficult to clean, same applies to the head rests. you need - with short cuts enabled - 3 steps to enable or disable ventilation, and start/stop, and the round screen is severely lagging in reaction, which is a deal breaker. Positives: The navigation system now accepts business names without entering the full address, and seems android based. The trunk contains only one cheap plastic light instead of 2, but the positive is the new flip up of the trunk floor for loading. Very poor customization options: If i want electric seats / heated seats, i am forced to buy one of the few expensive packages with items I don’t want. Marketing in BMW Germany HQ - it seems - is left to people without being in touch with the clients base, and this was even confirmed to me by the sales lady yesterday, who has difficulty to convince MiNi fans to upgrade.

[@bmwblog]

Not sure about cleaning the fabric, but it does look more upscale to me. I guess it's subjective. The screen is definitely laggy. No doubt about it.

[@dminin]

Absolutely agreed with you. Also owner of the previous one. This new is totally cheaper version

[@mysticmelody]

I have an F60 and still think the our version looks better. I prefer our fun spunky buttons are still funner and more personality. I’m not a fan of minimalism. But I think the front end of the new mini, the sunroof and the new infotainment looks great. That’s the end of my positive review of a 2025 model. I think the pop up screen, even on mine, looks tacky.

[@fredsanke4070]

Maxi Cooper JCW .....😊

[@bmwblog]

In many ways, yes.

[@TheTheoBillon]

7 speed DCT ? Not 8 speed AISIN?

[@bmwblog]

7 speed

[@livingdead233]

Won't that steering strap go loose after some time?

[@bmwblog]

Not sure. We have to see

[@jlatona6359]

It's just decorative, not under tension or providing structure

[@livingdead233]

@@jlatona6359 While turning the steering wheel, my hand can come in contact with it and put tension on it unintentionally.

[@adriankwiatkowski469]

When x2 m35i test? :)

[@bmwblog]

Next Tuesday

[@luche3019]

Why less torque than last generation?

[@bmwblog]

I'm thinking something to do with emissions. But not 100% sure.

[@nachohernandez9491]

Why change the headlights? They were classic....

[@bmwblog]

I guess to keep it fresh and modern? Otherwise it would have been a very small update

[@martinclarke974]

I see they have persisted with that cheap looking reflection-based head up display - a real bugbear of mine in a premium vehicle.

[@RobertLevers]

they wanted to add the better hud but the mini windshield rake prevented this sadly.

[@martinclarke974]

@@RobertLevers ahh that definitely explains it!

[@bmwblog]

Well said

[@thuonghawaii1301]

I want to see that you review the regular countryman, not the JCW one suck

[@bmwblog]

Next in line is the Countryman SE. Early March.

[@davidbarrett8451]

It may look and feel British, but it’s built in Germany. Yup. German mini.

[@bmwblog]

True

[@CptBaker95]

Mini have really lost the way

[@bmwblog]

why?

[@barryvanderdong]

Nonsens 😊

[@lightofthewrld777]

Mini needed to adapt to the market and popular demands.

[@bertvanhaeften6674]

OMG 😱🤮