Mini introduces its new electric John Cooper Works (JCW) versions for the Hatch and Aceman, but despite the racing stripes and aggressive styling, the power figures are surprisingly restrained for the iconic JCW badge.
A Mild Power Boost
Mini’s approach to its electric JCW models mirrors a broader trend where sporty branding doesn’t necessarily mean a huge performance boost. Gone are the days of over-300-PS JCWs; the electric versions of the Mini Hatch and Aceman offer a modest 190 kW (258 PS) instead. Even more surprising is the speed cap at just 200 km/h – quite conservative for a brand renowned for its go-kart feel and sporty prowess.
This limit makes the electric JCW Minis notably slower than even the standard petrol-powered Mini Cooper C (216 km/h) and Cooper S (240 km/h), or even a base VW Golf 1.5 eTSI, which can surpass 200 km/h.
Brief Boost Mode and Practical Range
While not overly powerful, the JCW electric models can still zip to 100 km/h fairly quickly, hitting the mark in 5.9 seconds for the Hatch and 6.4 seconds for the Aceman. Part of this acceleration comes from the Boost mode, which provides an extra 20 kW of power at the press of a steering wheel toggle, activating “Go-Kart Mode” for short bursts of added excitement.
Both the Mini Hatch and Aceman are powered by 54.2 kWh battery packs, offering a respectable range of over 350 kilometers on a single charge.
Sporty Styling and Interior Touches
In terms of design, the JCW electric versions of the Hatch and Aceman still bring the visual punch you’d expect, featuring sporty tires, red brake calipers, and JCW styling elements such as side skirts, front and rear spoilers, and special badging.
Inside, drivers are treated to synthetic leather sport seats and Mini’s iconic round digital display, which serves up all essential driving information.
Pricing and Options
With a starting price of €39,700 for the Mini JCW Hatch and €42,200 for the JCW Aceman, these models might appeal to style-conscious drivers looking for an electric Mini with a sporty look. However, with power figures that may feel modest for the JCW name, performance enthusiasts might find themselves wanting a bit more oomph from this otherwise stylish pair.
