My observations of the MINI Cooper JCW E from the Paris Motor Show 2024

One of the two fully-electric John Cooper Works models that premiered here yesterday at the Paris Motor Show 2024 was the MINI Cooper JCW E. Here’s what I think about the new electric hot hatch after seeing it in person during the media debut at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles:

Design & Styling

The MINI Cooper JCW E features a sportier and more aggressive appearance, with several blacked-out elements. The iconic red, white, and black John Cooper Works logo, reminiscent of motorsport’s checkered flag, takes center stage on the octagonal, high-gloss black front grille. Signature John Cooper Works (JCW) badges are prominent, and the rear is accentuated by a large black decoration that integrates a three-dimensional checkered flag motif.

Drawing inspiration from the MINI John Cooper Works E Prototype, the production model sports a distinctive JCW body kit. However, unlike the more extreme gas-powered John Cooper Works GP, this version takes a subtler approach, with aggressive front and rear bumpers, side skirts, unique wheels, and a prominent roof-mounted spoiler, similar to the Cooper SE gasoline model in its JCW configuration.

Interior

The dashboard features a distinctive black and red knitted pattern, complementing the JCW-specific color scheme. When the ambient lighting is activated, the panoramic roof lights up, in what happens to be a JCW-exclusive feature for the electric hatchback. The driver and front passenger seats are upholstered in black synthetic leather with multicolored knitted fabric on the shoulders, highlighted by red accent stitching, preserving the JCW’s signature sporty feel.

At the center of the cabin is a high-resolution 9.4-inch OLED display, providing easy access to key vehicle information. The central instrument controls air conditioning, media, phone, and navigation settings. The MINI Experience Modes allow customization of the interior atmosphere, giving drivers a tailored experience.

My experience inside the MINI Cooper JCW E

Sitting in the MINI John Cooper Works Electric hatch, it’s immediately clear that this car is designed for a low, go-kart-like driving experience. The seating position tells me I’m in for some fun—this isn’t a crossover, it’s all about agility and sportiness. JCW branding is prominent throughout the cabin, with badges on the steering wheel, dashboard, seats, and even the glass roof, which has a checkered flag and red accents, adding to its sporty vibe.

The seats feel similar to those in a standard MINI, built for a dynamic driving experience. While the back support is adequate, I would’ve appreciated a bit more under-thigh support as a six-footer. An armrest would’ve been nice for those moments when I’m not seeking an adrenaline rush and just want to drive in comfort. The headroom is decent for a hatchback, though sitting low does make it feel snug.

MINI John Cooper Works Electric trunk
The MINI John Cooper Works Electric is not even nearly the best car in its segment for cargo space, but then it’s meant primarily for city use and most performance-focused JCW fans who just want fun behind the steering wheel would care little about this aspect.

That said, MINI’s clever use of glass keeps the cabin from feeling claustrophobic. The large panoramic sunroof and generous windows let in plenty of light, making the space feel airy. The steering wheel provides a solid grip, and there’s a boost function, which I imagine will get plenty of use. The drive selector is conveniently located on the center console, along with all the essential switches, which are well within reach, adding to the overall sporty and driver-focused feel.

Specifications

The MINI John Cooper Works Electric has only one motor, which produces 190 kW (255 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb.-ft.) of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of 124 mph. The electric hot hatch uses a 49.2 kWh (net) battery pack, officially expected to deliver a WLTP range of 371 km (231 miles).

Production & Release Date

In the UK, the MINI John Cooper Works Electric costs GBP 38,420 (USD 50,264) and its deliveries will commence in April 2025. Initially, both the Cooper JCW E and the Aceman JCW will be produced in China, but production is set to return to MINI’s Oxford plant in the UK in 2026 to sidestep EU tariffs on Chinese-made cars.

As for the U.S. launch, given the quadrupling of tariffs on Chinese-made vehicles, we’re not expecting the Cooper JCW E to reach the local market before production begins in the UK. We’ll keep an eye on the U.S. developments and report back when there’s an update.