Say Hello To The First Electric John Cooper Works Mini

The CarBuzz spy photographers captured images of the next-generation Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop out testing, and something was missing: an internal combustion engine. That's right, folks. The next JCW Cooper will be all-electric. We already knew there would be an electric and gas version of the standard Cooper Hardtop, but this is the first indication that the sportier JCW model will be an EV.

Whereas the standard Cooper EV is expected to produce 215 horsepower, this JCW model is rumored to dial the output up to 250 hp. For reference, the current JCW Cooper only has 228 hp, so this electric successor should be noticeably quicker.

Expect the JCW to use the same 54 kWh battery pack as the standard car. The 250-mile claimed range will likely suffer due to grippier tires and owners enjoying the grin-inducing EV shove.

How do we know this is a John Cooper Works?

The JCW Hardtop differs visually from the standard model in several ways. There's a deeper front splitter with a divider in the middle, more flamboyant side sills, and a chiseled rear diffuser sans exhaust outlets. It has a large spoiler at the back, giving the car a more track-focused appearance. As part of the JCW transformation, the Cooper will get wider wheels, larger brakes, and a stiffer suspension setup.

Buyers who still want a gas-powered JCW can opt for the upcoming Countryman. Our spy photographers caught it in action late last year, and it will likely use BMW's most potent turbocharged four-pot engine.

Will a JCW EV work? The John Cooper whose name BMW licensed to produce these cars found fame building F1 and rally cars. Like Colin Chapman, he believed that weight spoiled everything. For proof, look no further than the best car to ever carry his name; the first-gen John Cooper Works GP. Launched in 2006, it remains the ultimate modern Mini experience. Though no Mini in history has ever felt like a go-kart, the GP got the closest. (BMW ruined the second-gen GP by making it automatic-only).

Still, we admit the current Cooper Hardtop EV is fun thanks to the instant power. With a tuned suspension and more power, it would be even more fun.

Though Mini has already revealed what the next-generation Cooper will look like on the outside and previewed its retro-themed interior, the car still needs to make its official debut. Given the product timeline, the JCW likely won't be revealed until 2024 as a 2025 model-year vehicle.