First Drive: The 2025 F66 MINI Cooper S

[@wackit6756]

WHY would you film in vertical mode? 🤨

[@MrAchilles113]

first video

[@LJ-cp6qs]

I just drove the f66 today after recently selling my f56 which i drove daily for nearly 10 years... I agree with the steering feeling quicker, the vescin feels premium. The ride feels nicer/smoother than the f56 but the cabin feels, although more high tech, less premium in terms of the plastics and overall "solidness." Im sad the cluster is gone, I'd never use the HUD if i get a 2025. The touchscreen is fine, less annoying than i was expecting. My biggest complaint is the lack of customization. In the past Mini prided itself on the myriad of color combos and textile offerings. This f66 is a 100% departure from that. You essentially get 2 options for the interior- light tan or dark blue. So disappointed with that.... As someone who likes to custom order Minis, im having a hard time getting excited about this. All would be forgiven if they just gave us some more options! Some of us don't want a tan or navy interior! Yikes..

[@willjamess941]

I pick up my F66 tomorrow and I'm very much looking forward to it. I've had three F56 cars which were all great fun and I expect this to be no less, just with more tech. Yes the manual is more fun but I ditched that in favour of an easy commute with my last. Used the paddles once so them being absent won't be too much of an issue. I am concerned about the interior quality. My previous cars have been amazing and this one looks like mini have cut costs but time will tell!

[@DshotTV]

Same here, mine arrives in 2 weeks with JCW trim, and the only thing I'm worried about is the interior, anyway, I could see a Contryman JCW and I didn't dislike the interior despite the qualities of the plastics. I think people will like the car as time goes on. I hope I'm not too optimistic here haha

[@oscarschiff9180]

How is it compared to your previous f56’s? Especially the interior and quality of this? Best regards

[@brandonpollard8928]

As the third most iconic car in the world I think everyone's so fussy about it because it's so important, I have my small tweaks that I would make but I'm definitely getting a 2025 JCW in British racing green

[@willi19671]

That "OCEAN " color looks nice with the white roof.

[@Victor-rv7fx]

If I order a Mini 5 door will go for Ocean or the yellow.

[@BrownsFaninIowa]

"...no manual is to me, it's almost unforgivable in a lot of ways." Yes. Absolutely. As an early adopter to MINIs in April 2002 (and a non-stop owner for 22 years), I am so heartbroken over this.

[@Dylan-rs4yx]

Me too

[@steve75112]

Honestly it looks like a cost cutted f56. Not surprising as its basically that with some extra interior tech

[@MrAchilles113]

exactly

[@Joe-eg7ml]

Its lost its aggressive looks with the venting, hood scoop, etc. Looks like a base model now.

[@steve75112]

gotta agree , I own an f56 JCW and mine looks way better !

[@Joe-eg7ml]

@steve75112 wife has a 2024 MCS hardtop and it looks great

[@Dylan-rs4yx]

I agree dude. They’re losing their minds … and eventually their buyers.

[@ISR403]

Where is my hood vent????!!!!!!!!!

[@alioscopy-glasses-free-3D]

Hi there… my F66 arrives this week and, here in the UK, the paddle-shift is still available, by opting for the Sport transmission. However, as you've already published a video about using a 'hidden' function to allow manual gear-shifting - I'm wondering why you didn’t try this? You also said that you weren't sure what the 'L' transmission setting was… and this is explained in the handbook as LOW mode. As to the better ride comfort… might this be because Run-Flat tyres are no longer the standard-fit option? Having driven over 130,000 miles in two F56 models, I'm really looking forward to getting to know my F66… which might be the last ICE-powered MINI I'll own. Thanks for great MINI content!

[@thanasisbert564]

You are lucky, mine coming late in July. I wish you all the best with your new MINI. Where did you find the handbook. Did you have access somehow (real or digital) before you get your MINI? Thanks in advance!

[@alioscopy-glasses-free-3D]

@@thanasisbert564 - hi there, in the UK, the handbook can be downloaded using the official MINI app. I've read through it twice… and watched all of the useful 'how-to' videos that MINI is uploading to their KZbin channel. BTW: I went to do the factory tour (4th time!) on April 30th… and my car was completed on that very same day! We missed seeing it by less than 2 hours!!

[@MotoringFile]

Thanks! As soon as I was done I looked it up and meant to add a note in the video. Agreed it's a game changer.

[@alioscopy-glasses-free-3D]

No problem! I look forward to seeing more F66 & MINI content. Has MINI USA said that they won't make the Sport transmission available on the C & S models...?? The JCW will have it, for sure - and it's definitely available across Europe. BTW: I'm so glad that my car has the anthracite roof lining - your video reminded me of why I don't like the standard cream colour!!

[@MotoringFile]

Because MINI USA refused to offer the JCW style (reportedly because it takes away the specialness of the JCW) and MINI isn't offering paddles in any other style, it's unintentionally not available in the US. Agreed on the anthracite!

[@thanasisbert564]

Thanks Gabe. I am glad hearing your thoughts. I believe that I would like the driving ( I added the shift paddles in my cooper ) such as I love the design in and out. I like everything about it. I am used to have all the info in the center (I have an R53) and this car is, I think, tailor made for me. All I used in physical buttons are there and has more than I wanted first place. I have only a worry about the inner height cause I got (didn't have the option not to but I think I am gonna like it) the panoramic roof and I am quite tall. I never had one in my r53 but the sitting position now is different and I can't compare with something. Not even with an F56. Could you tell me how tall you are to compare your driving position from the video? Thanks again!

[@DshotTV]

I have F56, Don't worry, this new mini has more spaciousness overall than the F56, and F56 is more big than R53

[@thanasisbert564]

@@DshotTV thank you!!!

[@MotoringFile]

I’m 6’2” and have plenty of room. BTW MINI USA will not offer the F66 without a sunroof.

[@thanasisbert564]

@@MotoringFile same here in Europe with the sunroofs. We have almost the same height, it's a relief 😁

[@richardkelly1367]

Thank you for this. I'm in process of buying a new F56 and paddle shifters are important, but I do like the idea of a more comfortable ride. May I ask what you would opt for between Iconic 2024 F56 or the F66? Will you be doing a video showing the new "manual option" using cruise button?

[@MotoringFile]

If you can swing an Iconic pack, definitely go that route. And for us at MF, Favoured is what we’d go with for the JCW seats alone. We will be doing more videos on the car in the near future and will test to see if the secret manual shifting mode works.

[@richardkelly1367]

@@MotoringFile thanks for the advice! Was leaning that way, anyway. Another thing I'm curious about is the adaptive cruise control on F66. Apparently not great on the F56, but I'm guessing will be upgraded with new car.

[@MotoringFile]

@@richardkelly1367 The adaptive cruise in the F56 is a simple but effective system - we've always appreciated it. But it's on perfect and won't work in direct sun, rain or snow. The new system has a much improved sensor and faster processor. We'd highly recommend it.

[@richardkelly1367]

@@MotoringFile Oh well, commited to F56 without ACC (hard to find with all the options I wanted), but at least now I have a great car for a few years til I see how the F66 evolves. Thanks for your help!

[@darleneelvidge6380]

$46,000.00 to over $53,000.00 + before taxes in Canada. No way for this Mini!!

[@davidc-l9174]

I remain cautiously optimistic about the F66. I like the styling and tech changes and use of new materials, and I can forgive the lack of a manual transmission since it's been replaced by a ubiquitous DCT. But I'm truly and genuinely struggling with the lack of shift paddles. If I can't have a manual, I want flappy paddles to still have some manual control and engagement. I don't mind the 17" wheels. Heck, 15" wheels were the base wheel on the F56 Cooper, and 16" on the Cooper S. Not particularly a fan of the specific design shown in the video, but to each their own. Maybe we'll be able to retrofit the shift paddles like can be done with the F56... Maybe I'll just compromise other things (like interior color) and get a JCW, because it otherwise seems to fix everything I'm not fond of with the F66.

[@MotoringFile]

Agree on all fronts.

[@brassrox]

I sat in one yesterday at a Mini dealer and was disappointed by the quality of the interior. While it looked clean and attractive, it felt cheap. Much moreso than the 2024 Mini Cooper SE's that were still in the same showroom, side-by-side. Also, the exterior styling left me cold. The front bumber was simply too plain, and the lack of rear exhausts was disappointing. I predict these things will collect dust on the lot. Mini, for the first LCI/refresh, give it sportier styling and better materials (replace fabric on dash with perforated vescin/leatherette).

[@Dylan-rs4yx]

AMEN! Amen!

[@jontyb123]

Good review.

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

Nice to hear they are going to at least have a 5 door model - if they make that available in full JCW that could be interesting - still not getting rid of my F54 JCW anytime soon ;-)

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

No manual, no handbrake, and aesthetic choices made mostly on cost cutting.

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

My wife absolutely hates and refuses to use the HUD (and they're in 4 or the 5 MINIs we currently own) - do you think that the center display would give enough info to roll without the HUD?

[@brassrox]

@@mikemike2815 The angle of the Mini's windshield doesn't really allow a traditional HUD projection onto it. The plastic flip-up HUD wasn't a cost-cutting measure, it's a design constraint.

[@brassrox]

@@mikemike2815 the F56 and F66 have identical windshield shapes and dimensions...one is not more vertical than the other. It's the J01 that was designed with extra windshield rake. Also, this very low-volume and low margin car doesn't get BMW's best and brightest engineering resources, as evidenced by the fact that BMW entered into a JV partnership with Great Wall to co-develop the J01, clear evidence that BMW isn't going to spend however many hours and resources it takes to achieve your dream HUD.

[@nfsdanz]

Is the steering any lighter than it was before? (Or at least are there any options to make it lighter), I found the F56 was a bit heavy for my liking which put me off it. Thanks.

[@dg7438]

I test drove it and it was lighter and more flickable..ride was soo smooth. Felt like a larger luxurty car. I loved it and plan to order one later this year. Def. get one

[@michaelsmith9308]

I hope you can option the 16" wheels, they are curb RESISTANT:) and ride like a Cadillac :)

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

Those smaller wheels would make nice winter wheels if they start showing up as "take offs" - probably don't fit JCW F56's I'd imagine....

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

I really hope that either paddles are back for a JCW (edit: sounds like that's a yes) or at least after a model year out - c'mon MINI give us _something_ - it's possible that those they asked never use the flappy paddles on Cooper S models....

[@MrAchilles113]

the interior is a dealbreaker for me, what a step in the wrong direction!

[@twp3029]

Bring back the r56

[@spyder5571]

Boring 😴. You have your opinion, but you are complementing the "Blah". Mini is killing their hot hatch. Toyota with a 300hp 3 cylinder and mini is building a Yugo.

[@angelapiette4610]

Super voiture 💞

[@Dylan-rs4yx]

Mini is on some serious crack nowadays. You HAVE to have a MINI that’s a MANUAL. MINI has sold their soul and lost their spirit. They’ve forgotten all about their deep hearted fans and enthusiasts and are appearing more to a modern buyer that MIGHT give it a try. On the other hand, concerning their enthusiasts, they’re probably actually pushing them into other car brands. I’ve always and forever been a huge MINI and BMW fan, but anymore… for what they are, and what they have to offer, you’d just be better off going and buying an MX5 Miata and calling it a day. At least Mazda hasn’t forgotten about their enthusiasts and their fans. They’ve changed what they needed to, but the spirit and soul of the car remains the same. I don’t look for mini to be sold in the US in another 10 years. You can’t convert non-mini lovers to the mini side if they don’t already like them. That’s just how this car is. But once you push the already loving buyer away, they go away and it’ll already be too late. However, I am EXTREMELY proud of MINI giving EV and gas options. That is nice bc not everyone wants an EV.

[@skaterboybbrb2849]

Windy much😂

[@nickaoke]

Any chance we'll get a petrol/hybrid Aceman? Cause I'm not buying none of that chinese shit...

[@mart0225]

Sounds like lots of fake engine noise.

You seriously need to get some training or help on shooting a review video. Perhaps even a proof reader too. Because even your website articles are full of typos, errors and grammatical mistakes.

[@Dylan-rs4yx]

Mini is on some serious crack nowadays. You HAVE to have a MINI that’s a MANUAL. MINI has sold their soul and lost their spirit. They’ve forgotten all about their deep hearted fans and enthusiasts and are appearing more to a modern buyer that MIGHT give it a try. On the other hand, concerning their enthusiasts, they’re probably actually pushing them into other car brands. I’ve always and forever been a huge MINI and BMW fan, but anymore… for what they are, and what they have to offer, you’d just be better off going and buying an MX5 Miata and calling it a day. At least Mazda hasn’t forgotten about their enthusiasts and their fans. They’ve changed what they needed to, but the spirit and soul of the car remains the same. I don’t look for mini to be sold in the US in another 10 years. You can’t convert non-mini lovers to the mini side if they don’t already like them. That’s just how this car is. But once you push the already loving buyer away, they go away and it’ll already be too late. However, I am EXTREMELY proud of MINI giving EV and gas options. That is nice bc not everyone wants an EV.