The MINI Cooper SE is the first all-electric model from the iconic British brand, offering a fun and eco-friendly driving experience. But what if you want to spice up your electric MINI with some extra flair and attitude? That’s where the new John Cooper Works (JCW) Trim comes in.
The JCW Trim is an optional package that adds a range of sporty features and design elements to the MINI Cooper SE, enhancing its visual appeal and dynamic character. It is inspired by the legendary John Cooper Works models, which are the high-performance versions of the MINI lineup.
This article will explore the features and benefits of the new MINI Cooper SE in JCW Trim and how it compares to the standard electric MINI and the full-fledged JCW models.
What is the JCW Trim?
The JCW Trim is a new option for the 2022 model year of the MINI Cooper SE, which was launched in 2020 as the first fully electric MINI. The JCW Trim is not a separate model but a cosmetic and functional upgrade that can be added to any of the three trim levels of the MINI Cooper SE: Signature, Signature Plus, and Iconic.
The JCW Trim adds a distinctive front and rear design that echoes the look of the full JCW models, powered by a turbocharged gasoline engine. The front grille frame and the logo are finished in high-gloss black, contrasting with the body color. The front bumper also features a more prominent splitter and black grilles in front of the fog lamps.
The side profile of the MINI Cooper SE in JCW Trim is enhanced by a subtle side skirt and 18-inch John Cooper Works Lap Spoke 2-tone wheels. The rear end has a sporty spoiler, a sizable diffuser insert, and redesigned Union Jack taillights. The JCW Trim also offers a Chili Red roof for the first time on a non-JCW car and JCW bonnet stripes in either Chili Red or black.
Inside, the JCW Trim offers a more immersive and dynamic driving environment, with multi-colored knitted textile and black synthetic leather seats with red stitching. The steering wheel, gear selector, and door sills are adorned with the JCW logo, while the instrument cluster and the central display feature a JCW-specific design.
What are the benefits of the JCW Trim?
The JCW Trim is not just about aesthetics but also about enhancing the performance and handling of the MINI Cooper SE. The JCW Trim includes a sports suspension that lowers the ride height by 10 mm, improving the stability and agility of the electric MINI. The JCW Trim also features a sports brake system with red calipers and larger discs, providing more stopping power and better heat dissipation.
The JCW Trim also adds a sport mode to the driving modes of the MINI Cooper SE: Green, Mid, and Sport. The sport mode sharpens the throttle response, the steering feedback, and the sound of the electric motor, making the driving experience more engaging and exhilarating. The sport mode also activates the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, which allows for more wheel slip and controlled drifts.
The JCW Trim does not alter the MINI Cooper SE's powertrain or battery, which remains the same as the standard model. The MINI Cooper SE is powered by a 135 kW (184 hp) electric motor on the front axle, which delivers 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. The electric motor is fed by a 32.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which provides a range of up to 177 miles (285 km) according to the WLTP cycle.
The MINI Cooper SE can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 93 mph (150 km/h). The electric MINI also features a two-stage brake energy recuperation system, which the driver can adjust to suit their driving style and preferences. The MINI Cooper SE can be charged up to 50 kW at a DC fast-charging station, reaching 80% of the battery capacity in 36 minutes.
How does the JCW Trim compare to the standard and the full JCW models?
The JCW Trim is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy the benefits of electric mobility without compromising on the sporty and distinctive style of the MINI brand. The JCW trim adds a touch of flair and attitude to the MINI Cooper SE, making it stand out from the crowd and enhancing its driving dynamics.
However, the JCW Trim is not a replacement for the full JCW models, which offer a different level of performance and exclusivity. The full JCW models are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine, which produces 231 hp (170 kW) and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. The full JCW models can sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 153 mph (246 km/h).
The full JCW models also feature a more aggressive and aerodynamic body kit, a sports exhaust system, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and an optional adaptive suspension. The full JCW models are available in three body styles: the two-door hardtop, the convertible, and the Clubman.
On the other hand, the standard MINI Cooper SE offers a more balanced and affordable option for those who want to experience the fun and eco-friendly driving of the electric MINI. The traditional MINI Cooper SE features a more subtle and elegant design, with chrome accents and a yellow “S” badge. The classic MINI Cooper SE offers a more comfortable and refined ride, with regular suspension and a quieter cabin.
The standard MINI Cooper SE is available in three trim levels: Signature, Signature Plus, and Iconic. The Signature trim includes LED headlights and taillights, heated front seats, a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, and a digital instrument cluster. The Signature Plus trim adds a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a wireless charging pad. The Iconic trim adds leather upholstery, a head-up display, and an 8.8-inch touchscreen with navigation.
Conclusion
The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW Trim is a unique and attractive option for those who want to combine the advantages of electric driving with the sporty and distinctive style of the MINI brand. The JCW Trim adds various features and design elements that enhance the electric MINI's visual appeal and dynamic character without altering its powertrain or battery.
The JCW Trim is not a separate model but an optional package that can be added to any of the three trim levels of the MINI Cooper SE: Signature, Signature Plus, and Iconic. The JCW Trim is not a replacement for the full JCW models, which offer a different level of performance and exclusivity, powered by a turbocharged gasoline engine. The JCW Trim is also not the same as the standard MINI Cooper SE, which offers a more balanced and affordable option for those who want to experience the fun and eco-friendly driving of the electric MINI.
The new MINI Cooper SE in JCW Trim is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of electric mobility without compromising on the sporty and distinctive style of the MINI brand. It is a unique and attractive option that stands out from the crowd and enhances the driving dynamics of the electric MINI.
