Photos and words by Atif Kazmi for Por Homme
Last month, we flew down to Savannah, Georgia to test drive MINI’s 2025 lineup of cars. But before we saw any of the British heritage brand’s latest offerings, we were met with the city’s rich culture. Savannah is a beautiful blend of centuries-old architecture and a constant surge of creativity driven by SCAD Savannah, the largest of the university’s locations. Cobblestone streets flow into oak trees and parks. The true constant is the city’s Southern charm which radiates through all of the Savannah’s cobblestone streets, parks and beyond. Much like Savannah, MINI too has withstood the test of time, constantly evolving, adapting and fusing its history with modernity.
From the MINI Cooper & Cooper S to the Countryman S ALL4 and the Countryman SE ALL4 Electric, we got to experience MINI’s ever-expanding lineup, one where you can find something for everyone. For us, we immediately gravitated towards the 2025 MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop 2-Door and the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible.
Two Flavors of Fun: Hardtop 2-Door and Convertible
For 2025, MINI is all about its roots, sharpening the athleticism of the John Cooper Works (JCW) lineup while layering in a tremendous amount of tech, improved design cues, and personalization that allows fans to build a MINI JCW that’s truly their own. We split our seat time between the JCW Hardtop 2-Door and the JCW Convertible, both packing the potent 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 228 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Paired to a 7-speed sport dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters and front-wheel drive, these cars are nimble, adventurous and eager to play around town or break out for a quick escape.
The 2-Door delivers the tighter, more focused drive—tossable in the best way and eager through corners with its dynamic damper control and JCW sport brakes.
But in sunny Savannah, it was the JCW Convertible that stole the spotlight. Its fully automatic fabric top transforms into a sunroof or drops fully in 18 seconds. The sunroof setting looks natural and pulls in just the right amount of sunlight and exhilaration. Though most convertibles seem to be an afterthought, MINI’s deliberate in there approach and even popped in the Always Open Timer to track how long you’ve been driving topless, down to the second. Challenge accepted.
MINI’s Design Is An Ode To Its Past
Both JCW variants feature MINI’s now-signature hexagonal grille, bulldog stance, and tight overhangs—design traits that harken back to the 1959 classic but now done with more sharpness and confidence. With the latest design updates, MINI’s also introduced a paint palette that showcases the brand’s personality. Legend Grey, a JCW-exclusive color, turned heads on the Hardtop, while Cooper Grey, reserved for the Convertible, garnered plenty of attention. Step around to the rear and you’re met with exposed center-mounted exhaust tip and LED door projectors signal MINI’s playful performance ethos without being overbearing.
Tech-Forward, But Still Driver-Focused
The MINI cabin experience has always delivered with driver-focused elements and this year’s lineup is no different. But step inside and MINI’s all-new 9.4-inch round OLED display powered by MINI OS9 steals the show. It’s fully circular, fully digital, and houses navigation, media, and drive mode settings right through the intuitive interface. 7 “Experience Modes” are also accessible to adjust everything from ambient lighting to soundscapes. The newly sculpted heated JCW sports steering wheel with integrated HUD keeps the focus front and center.
Additional cabin trimmings include vegan leather upholstery in four customizable options, checkered flag motifs, and JCW-exclusive interior trims. Dual-zone climate control and heated front sport seats come standard, even in the Convertible.
Form Meets Function
MINI packs in a ton of practicality and versatility into their cars. As mentioned before, so much of what MINI does is deliberate and seldom an afterthought. For example, the Convertible features an Easy Load Function which lifts the soft top partially for trunk access, and its boot can fit up to three carry-ons—perfect for a weekend escape or an easy grocery run. The MINI JCW is indeed a performance-focused daily driver that can do it all on weekends, too.
The 2025 MINI JCW Hardtop and Convertible are rare compact performance cars that aren’t facing an identity crisis like others, simply because MINI continues to stay true to their origin and infuse personality into everything they do. With more customization, recalibrated tech, and an free spirited approach to performance, this new JCW duo is MINI at its most confident.
See more of the 2025 MINI JCW lineup in the gallery and pop into your nearest MINI dealership to experience it for yourself.
