JCW options coming for every MINI model

More high-performance vehicles will soon be joining the new MINI Australia model range, with all models due to get their own John Cooper Works (JCW) halo version in the near future.

But while the only JCW model currently on offer – the Countryman JCW – is powered by a turbo-petrol engine, the future line-up will feature both combustion and electric JCW options.

Speaking at the launch of a host of MINIs in Melbourne recently, MINI Australia and New Zealand general manager Alexander Brockhoff said the company has plans to expand the legendary JCW nameplate throughout the line-up.

“We will have a JCW derivative on every model and, in some cases, petrol and electric,” he said. “We will launch more towards the end of year.”

By the end of 2024, the local MINI line-up will have grown to include the new Cooper three-door hatch and Countryman SUV that arrive this month, as well as the new five-door Cooper hatch and the all-new Aceman electric SUV.

According to Brockhoff, only the smallest Cooper is confirmed at this stage to get both petrol and electric JCW options at the end of 2024, while the Countryman JCW “is only petrol” for now.

But MINI used the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed to reveal the camouflaged JCW E PROtotype, which previews the three-door MINI JCW electric hot hatch, and the JCW PROtotype #317 that’s likely to be its petrol sibling.

Both models will have their formal introductions in the UK during the northern hemisphere autumn this year.

The imminent MINI Aceman, however, will only be available as a battery-powered model – regardless of the variant, including the JCW – while the five-door Cooper, which is due to arrive here about the same time, could be offered with both battery- and petrol-powered JCW options.

Adding more choice into the MINI family, the recently introduced JCW Sport specification will also continue to proliferate the ranges following the initial Countryman SE, offering a vehicle that shares some of the JCW’s aesthetic without the price.

“We have the JCW Sport package that you can put on a Cooper S just for visual, for looks, but the actual model range will be expanding,” said Brockhoff.

When the Cooper JCW arrives, it’ll be the first electric John Cooper Works vehicle in 65 years of MINI history, but MINI says this won’t trouble loyal customers who are more accustomed to supercharged, turbocharged and naturally-aspirated JCWs.

According to Brockhoff, the decision to offer both petrol and electric JCWs will keep a broader range of customers happy and variety is key to strengthening the MINI brand.

“They [customers] can drive both and make their own decision,” he said.

“JCW and electric definitely fits together. They make 100 percent sense and are really fun go-karts to drive around the city. It’s up to the customer to choose.”

For now, the Countryman JCW is the sole option in the MINI line-up, which launches this month priced from $67,990 plus on-road costs for the Core version, while the Countryman SE offers an electric powertrain with some JCW styling for $77,990 plus ORCs.

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