2025 MINI John Cooper Works Convertible (F67) Drive Assessment

There’s one thing uniquely liberating about driving a MINI John Cooper Works Convertible, particularly nowadays when that phase is shrinking. Not too long ago, I took the most recent iteration of the enduring open-top sizzling hatch—the 2025 F67—out for an enthusiastic spin to see if MINI has retained its fun-loving spirit, whereas introducing some newfound refinement. This time, it was Savannah, Georgia’s cobblestone streets and scenic attraction that grew to become the backdrop for my drive, and whereas the native roads weren’t precisely driving nirvana, I nonetheless managed to seek out some twisty backroads to push MINI’s newest convertible.

Powertrain and Efficiency: Extra Torque, Extra Enjoyable

Beneath the hood is BMW’s trusty B48 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, rated at 228 horsepower and a formidable 280 lb-ft of torque—up considerably from the earlier era. The ability is distributed to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with has its personal qualities and flaws. Extra on that in a second. MINI claims a 0-60 mph dash of 6.2 seconds, however my real-world testing proved even faster. On my first run, I clocked 5.94 seconds, adopted by an much more spectacular 5.82 seconds on a second try. Clearly, this JCW has greater than sufficient tempo to maintain lovers grinning from ear to ear.

The additional torque in comparison with the earlier era -nearly 50 fb-ft more- considerably enhances responsiveness, particularly when the automotive is switched into the enduring “Go-Kart” mode, the place the acceleration feels instantaneous and punchy. I did discover, nevertheless, that in normal drive modes, the DCT often hesitated when flooring it from a standstill—one thing MINI shares with a number of BMW fashions just like the X1, X2, and the new 1 Collection. Happily, switching into “Go-Kart” mode significantly mitigates this lag. It’s honest to say that a lot of the lag is barely felt within the low RPM band and within the regular driving modes.

Driving Dynamics: MINI’s Go-Kart DNA Is Nonetheless There. Considerably

The 2025 MINI JCW Convertible hasn’t misplaced its playful essence. With its widened observe and newly fitted 215/40 tires, up from 205-section rubber beforehand, grip ranges have noticeably improved, particularly paired with the 18 inch Continental summer season tires. Steering stays pretty sharp and responsive, however with an absence of really feel coming from the entrance tires. Physique roll is minimal, and the automotive feels impressively tight and composed, granted you’re within the Go-Kart Expertise mode. The chassis nonetheless reveals some torque steer, particularly below onerous acceleration, but it surely’s managed gracefully, including relatively than detracting from the driving pleasure.

To dig deeper into how the JCW Convertible handles with no fastened roof, I spoke with MINI Product Supervisor Vikash Joshi. I requested particularly whether or not there have been any setup variations between the F66 JCW Hardtop and the F67 JCW Convertible—notably when it comes to chassis tuning, suspension habits, and total structural rigidity.

The brief reply? No, the core setup is an identical between the 2 fashions. The longer clarification, nevertheless, reveals that the traditionally MINI convertibles consists of extra reinforcements within the chassis to make up for the absence of a roof. These built-in structural helps make sure the F67 stays inflexible and composed, even below spirited cornering—so that you’re not sacrificing that traditional MINI sharpness for the sake of open-air driving.

The brand new John Works Coopers options mechanically adaptive dampers—not like the electronically managed setups present in a lot of MINI’s BMW family. Whereas this less complicated design doesn’t soak up bumps as easily on tough roads, it actually comes into its personal once you’re pushing the automotive to its limits, delivering sharp, predictable dealing with the place it counts. Higher but, for the performance-minded driver, the suspension setup helps coilover modifications, ultimate for individuals who would possibly often hit the observe.

Regardless of MINI’s determination to ditch the Brembo four-piston brakes in favor of less complicated single-piston calipers, braking energy stays sturdy. Certain, the Brembos provided superior observe efficiency, however the brand new JCW brakes proved completely succesful throughout my spirited street assessments.

Exterior Design: Modern and Sporty

Aesthetically, MINI has opted for a sleeker, extra polished exterior design. The F67 JCW Convertible now sports activities cleaner traces, gloss-black trim across the grille and wheel arches, up to date LED  headlamps and taillights and new JCW badging. The checker-flag sample on the gentle high is one other good contact, underlining MINI’s playful character.

As for sound, the exhaust setup has modified too. As an alternative of twin pipes, there’s now a single outlet on the rear with one other one hidden below the bumper. The valve on this one opens above 3,000 RPM, however I nonetheless wouldn’t name it loud. Granted, the pretend exhaust sounds within the cabin are considerably satisfying.

Inside and Tech: Refined, But Quirky

Inside, the brand new 2025 MINI JCW Convertible doesn’t really feel acquainted anymore. MINI’s conventional instrument cluster is gone, changed solely by a hanging 9.4-inch Samsung OLED central touchscreen, working the most recent MINI Working System 9. Whereas visually interesting, I missed having essential data proper behind the wheel. There’s nonetheless a useful head-up show, however adjusting to the brand new structure requires some getting used to.

The JCW-specific inside blends vegan leather-based and sporty material upholstery with signature purple accents, offering wonderful aspect bolstering—particularly noticeable throughout enthusiastic driving. The cabin maintains MINI’s quirky attraction, even when the plastic switches and buttons raised questions on their high quality. The knitted material additionally leaves me interested by its long-term sturdiness. Though MINI assured me that loads of sturdiness testing has been carried out on this knitted material.

MINI has thoughtfully included superior Degree 2 driver-assist options, corresponding to adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and augmented-reality navigation, significantly enhancing consolation and security for each day driving. You may also select amongst seven distinct driving “Experiences,” additional personalizing the digital interface and total car really feel.

Convertible High: Sensible and Enjoyable

The F67 continues MINI’s custom of utilizing a singular three-stage convertible gentle high. It will probably partially open like a sunroof or totally retract in simply 18 seconds, at speeds as much as 18 mph—ultimate for spontaneous top-down moments. Cargo area within the new JCW Convertible takes a noticeable hit in comparison with the hardtop. The tailgate opens in a pickup-truck-style drop-down style, revealing simply 7.59 cubic toes of storage—and that shrinks to solely 5.65 cubic toes when the roof is lowered. MINI does supply a workaround: you may raise the rear glass and fold down the again seats to make room for bigger gadgets.

On the plus aspect, MINI retains issues enjoyable with a unusual characteristic known as the All the time Open Timer, which tracks how lengthy you’ve pushed with the roof down—as a result of why not flip top-down cruising right into a stat to brag about?

Day by day Driving Is Higher

Whether or not cruising by means of metropolis streets or attacking twisty backroads, the F67 JCW Convertible feels at dwelling. The trip is considerably harsh in “Go-Kart” mode, as anticipated, transmitting street imperfections on to the motive force—however that’s the purpose. MINI purists who love that uncooked, related feeling will really feel proper at dwelling. Nonetheless, softer modes considerably clean out the trip high quality, making the automotive extra comfy for each day driving. Steering turns into lighter, and throttle responses mellow, providing a calmer demeanor. Whereas longtime lovers would possibly lament the slight shift towards consolation, the trade-off makes the JCW Convertible a greater all-around each day driver.

Last Ideas: Extra Refined Mischief

The 2025 MINI JCW Convertible undoubtedly represents a extra mature strategy to MINI’s legendary fun-driving method. Sure, the absence of a handbook transmission is keenly felt—this MINI cries out for a stick shift. The shift from Brembos to less complicated brakes may also disappoint observe lovers. But regardless of these small concessions, the automotive stays deeply participating, desperate to dive into corners, and encourages playful driving at each alternative.

Briefly, the 2025 MINI JCW Convertible continues to be the caffeinated Jack Russell of the automotive world—barely extra grown-up, however each bit as desperate to play. The 2025 MINI JCW Convertible has a beginning MSRP of $43,700. Beginning MSRP excludes the vacation spot and dealing with charge of $1,175.