THE ICONIC JOHN COOPER WORKS MINI GOES ALL-ELECTRIC - HERE'S WATTS UP.
MINI is kicking things up a gear with two powerhouse electric models ready to take the spotlight at the Paris Motor Show: the MINI John Cooper Works Electric and the MINI John Cooper Works Aceman. Both packing a hefty punch with up to 190 kW (258 hp), these EVs are set to redefine what top-tier performance means for their class. With adrenaline-pumping acceleration and speed to match, MINI's iconic go-kart feel gets a next-gen upgrade. The MINI John Cooper Works Electric rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, while its Aceman sibling follows close behind, hitting the mark in 6.4 seconds. Both hit a top speed of 200 km/h and serve up a serious 350 Nm of torque, making every drive feel like a racetrack moment. Thanks to their 54.2 kWh batteries, the JCW Electric boasts a range of up to 371 km, with the Aceman offering up to 355 km on a full charge, all WLTP-certified. Stefan Richmann, Head of MINI, sums it up: "We’re merging the legendary performance and spirit of MINI with cutting-edge technology for an electric experience that our customers will love." These new models continue MINI’s decades-long tradition of track-bred performance, dating back to when John Cooper transformed the classic Mini into a race-winning machine. With victories like three Monte Carlo Rally titles under its belt and a Nürburgring class win with a JCW prototype, it’s clear that MINI knows how to transfer track skills to the road. And with the new all-electric lineup, they’re adding a new trick - an electric boost mode. Activated via a sport steering wheel paddle, it pumps out an extra 20 kW for quick bursts of acceleration, perfect for overtaking or just having a blast on the road.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a MINI without that signature go-kart handling. Both models feature JCW-specific suspension tuning, delivering the kind of nimble, precise control that has always set the brand apart. And when it's time to slow things down, a high-performance braking system finished in Chili Red with a bold white JCW logo ensures sharp, controlled stops. Visually, the fully electric John Cooper Works models don't hold back. The JCW badge, with its motorsport-inspired red, white, and black palette, stands proud on the octagonal grille in high-gloss black. Add in details like the iconic JCW Signature LED headlights, black side skirts, aeroblades,and a rear spoiler, and you’ve got a design that cuts through the air as sharply as it cuts through traffic. The Chili Red contrast roof or gradient multi-tone roof option gives each model that extra pop of personality, while aerodynamically-tuned 18-inch wheels on the Electric and 19-inch wheels on the Aceman complete the look. Inside, the JCW-specific black and red interior delivers that sport-tuned vibe in every detail. The dashboard features a unique knitted surface that mirrors the exterior’s bold styling, with ambient lighting illuminating the panoramic roof. The seats? Black synthetic leather with multicoloured fabric accents and red stitching, ensures the driver and passenger get the full JCW treatment. That’s MINI making electric mean, lean, and built for speed, just in time for the Paris Motor Show. These new models? They’re everything you love about John Cooper Works, now fully electric and more exhilarating than ever. Will they ever make their way to SA? I guess that all depends on how much they’re likely to cost and if the public starts having more faith in EVs and… Eskom.
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows the latest evolution of the iconic Mini, or MINI as it's referred to today. In this instance, it's heading into the future with a bang - and all-electric bang. Will battery p[ower change everything that's cool about MINI?: The first-ever all-electric MINI JCW. | MINI
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