The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW Trim: A Sporty and Sustainable Electric Car

The MINI Cooper SE is the first all-electric model from the iconic British brand, offering a fun and eco-friendly driving experience. The new 3-door model is also available in a sporty John Cooper Works (JCW) trim, which emphasizes the brand’s racing heritage and adds some distinctive design elements. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features and specifications of the new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim, and compare it with some of its competitors in the electric car market.

What is the John Cooper Works trim?

John Cooper Works is the name of the performance division of MINI, which produces high-performance versions of the regular MINI models. The JCW trim usually includes a more powerful engine, a sportier suspension, larger brakes, and a more aggressive exterior and interior styling. The JCW trim is inspired by the legendary John Cooper, who was a British racing driver and engineer, and who helped develop the original Mini Cooper in the 1960s.

MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim

The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim is the first electric model to receive the JCW treatment, although it does not have a more powerful motor than the standard Cooper SE. Instead, the JCW trim focuses on enhancing the visual appeal and the driving dynamics of the electric MINI, while retaining its zero-emission credentials.

What are the features and specifications of the new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim?

The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim has several features and specifications that make it stand out from the standard Cooper SE, as well as from other electric cars in its segment. Here are some of the main highlights:

• The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim has a 218 horsepower (160 kW) electric motor on the front axle, which delivers a maximum torque of 330 Newton meters. The electric motor is powered by a 49.2 kWh net capacity lithium-ion battery, which is placed on the car’s floor for a low center of gravity and optimal weight distribution. The battery can be charged at speeds of up to 95 kW at compatible charging stations.
• The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph). The electric range of the car is estimated at 385 to 402 kilometers (239 to 250 miles), depending on the driving mode and conditions. The car also has a regenerative braking system, which recovers energy from deceleration and feeds it back to the battery.
• The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim has a sporty and distinctive exterior design, which includes a Chili Red roof and a rear wing, which are exclusive to this trim. The front grille frame and logo are in high-gloss black, as well as the inner grille frame, the brand logos, and the model badge. The car also has JCW bonnet stripes in either Chili Red or black, and 18-inch John Cooper Works Lap Spoke 2-tone wheels. The car is available in four exterior colors: Legend Grey Metallic, Rebel Green Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, and Chili Red.
• The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim has a sporty and refined interior design, which features Light Gold Checkered fabric and Black Pearl leatherette seats, with JCW logos on the headrests and the steering wheel. The car also has a digital instrument cluster, a 8.8-inch touchscreen display with MINI Navigation, Apple CarPlay, and MINI Connected Services, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The car also has many driver assistance systems, such as a parking assistant, rearview camera, head-up display, and active cruise control.

How does the new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim compare with other electric cars?

The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim is a unique offering in the electric car market, as it combines the sporty and stylish character of the MINI brand with the sustainability and efficiency of an electric vehicle. The car is aimed at customers who value driving pleasure, individuality, and environmental responsibility.

MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim

However, the new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim also faces some strong competition from other electric cars in its segment, such as the Honda e, the Fiat 500e, and the Volkswagen ID.3. These cars also offer a compact and urban-friendly design, a modern and high-tech interior, and a decent electric range and performance. Here are some of the main differences and similarities between the new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim and these competitors:

• The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim has a higher price than the Honda e, the Fiat 500e, and the Volkswagen ID.3. The starting price of the new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim is around $54,000 (converted from EUR), while the Honda e starts at around $37,000, the Fiat 500e starts at around $33,000, and the Volkswagen ID.3 starts at around $40,000.
• The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim has a higher power output than the Honda e, the Fiat 500e, and the Volkswagen ID.3. The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim has 218 horsepower, while the Honda e has 152 horsepower, the Fiat 500e has 118 horsepower, and the Volkswagen ID.3 has 201 horsepower.
• The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim has similar acceleration to the Honda e, the Fiat 500e, and the Volkswagen ID.3. The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim can go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds, while the Honda e can do it in 8.3 seconds, the Fiat 500e can do it in 9 seconds, and the Volkswagen ID.3 can do it in 7.3 seconds.
• The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim has a lower top speed than the Honda e, the Fiat 500e, and the Volkswagen ID.3. The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim has a top speed of 170 km/h (106 mph), while the Honda e has a top speed of 145 km/h (90 mph), the Fiat 500e has a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph), and the Volkswagen ID.3 has a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph).
• The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim has a higher electric range than the Honda e and the Fiat 500e, but a lower electric range than the Volkswagen ID.3. The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim has an electric range of 385 to 402 kilometers (239 to 250 miles), while the Honda e has an electric range of 222 kilometers (138 miles), the Fiat 500e has an electric range of 320 kilometers (199 miles), and the Volkswagen ID.3 has an electric range of 420 to 550 kilometers (261 to 342 miles).

Conclusion

The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim is an attractive and exciting option for electric car enthusiasts who are looking for a sporty and sustainable vehicle. The car offers a powerful and agile performance, a distinctive and refined design, and a modern and high-tech interior. The car also has a decent electric range and a fast charging capability. However, the car also has a high price tag and faces some tough competition from other electric cars in its segment, which may offer a better value for money or a longer electric range. Therefore, the new MINI Cooper SE in JCW trim may appeal to a niche market of loyal MINI fans and eco-conscious drivers who are willing to pay a premium for the brand’s heritage and personality.