Mini John Cooper Works 3 Door Electric Car Test Drive Review

August 18, 2025

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Is this still a John Cooper Works hot hatch ……. or not

When we saw the latest version of the John Cooper Works (JCW) Mini at its launch in early May 2025, we wondered if the battery powered version will be as fun as the petrol version (waiting to test drive the new petrol version).

First, take note that the petrol powered JCW which weighs in at 1680kg is priced at RM315,558.00 and this all electric JCW which weighs in at 1820kg is priced at ONLY RM225,188.00.

So, why are we sharing the weight of both variants? Well, it is a well known fact that electric cars are heavy because of its battery pack and here we see ONLY a slight weight gain with the electric JCW (140kg which is about 2 average adults).

Meanwhile, the JCW name sits with light weight performance and the petrol version is quite a heavyweight at 1680kg.

Incidentally, the first ever BMW produced Mini JCW arrived in 2006 and weighed in at just 1150kg and it won the hearts of every driver that had the chance to get behind its steering wheel….. us included. Launched in Malaysia for RM279k it is still sought after today in the used car market with prices hovering between RM25k to RM35k depending of condition.

As the years progressed the JCW got heavier and also got more powerful with bigger engines and higher outputs.

Today, the tax free status of imported electric cars in Malaysia (which will end in December 31st 2025) allows for you to buy an ELECTRIC Mini JCW for just RM225k.

Yes, this JCW EV we are test driving here is just RM225k and it delivers a cabin experience that is unrivalled.

Iconic MINI Design & Features Included

The JCW Electric boasts distinctive exterior and interior design elements, including JCW badging, aerodynamic features, and attractive wheels which provide a visual feast.

The visual feast continues inside the cabin as the JCW Electric comes equipped with MINI’s latest technology, including an 8.8-inch touchscreen, MINI Connected services, and potentially a Head-Up Display.

Its minimalist interior features premium materials, a new OLED touchscreen interface which is very easy to use and learn, head-up display, and ambient lighting modes that gives the cabin so much attention at first glance. The MINI Operating System 9 and Intelligent Personal Assistant ensure drivers stay connected and in control on every journey.

The Drive Feel

This Electric Mini will deliver 258hp and 350Nm of instantly available torque. You get an additional 20kW of electric motor power via an electric BOOST (little red button on the steering wheel) function, allowing for particularly dynamic acceleration.

The JCW-specific suspension tries its best to deliver the promised MINI go-kart feeling but its not as communicative as with the petrol powered JCW.

This MINI John Cooper Works Electric delivers a possible 371 kilometers on a single battery charge. Despite its hard edge sporty nature, the JCW Electric is designed to be a practical daily driver, offering sufficient range for everyday commutes and errands. The tight suspension has its work cut out for it on our badly maintained roads and ‘too many to count’ speed bumps.

This JCW features various driving modes, including “Green” mode for efficient driving and “Go-Kart” mode for a more spirited experience which is the best mode to be in.

Choosing the all-electric JCW contributes to reducing your carbon footprint and supporting sustainable transportation whilst getting a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 200km/h.

In summary, this Mini Cooper JCW Electric is an appealing choice for those seeking a sporty, fun-to-drive, and environmentally conscious car. It delivers most of JCW experience with the benefits of electric mobility with a price that is hard to ignore.