MINI’s push into electrification has done a good job turning heads with the quirky British brand attempting to inject some of the magic that its ICE models are known for into EVs which are typically known for their ability to save the planet versus their performance-driving character. However if the first wave of MINI’s newly launched JCW EVs are to be believed at face value, the brand may be on to something with MINI confirming that it’s not only making an electric JCW version of the familiar Cooper SE but also the recently launched Aceman EV.
Cooper JCW EV is a dose of familiarity, Aceman is a surprise
Leading the pack is the JCW Cooper EV with this model following a very familiar blueprint with JCW designers using the three-door version of the Cooper SE as a starting point. Like other ICE-powered JCW three-doors we have seen over the years, JCW designers threw plenty at the car to transform it into a JCW with the front fascia being reworked to create a sportier appearance. That included a revamped lower front bumper and a tweaked grille panel to help provide more cooling to the powertrain.
Meanwhile, the surprise of the bunch is the Aceman JCW. Prior reports and speculation suggested that the brand was possibly resorting to a familiar game plan with the Countryman EV getting the call for JCW duty. However, the Aceman was the one that was picked instead allowing the five-door CUV to have an opportunity to expand its presence and branch out to performance buyers. All Aceman JCW’s get the same basic styling revisions with the Aceman getting minor tweaks exclusive to it versus the Cooper. With both models being built on the same basic EV platform, it’s no surprise to see that both of them are front-wheel drive only with a 255-hp single electric motor being the lone EV powertrain available.
MINI says that the setup allows the Cooper version to make the sprint to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds while the heavier Aceman needs 6.4 seconds to do the same deed. A boost function is also included which temporarily boosts power by 27 ponies but it’s not known if a cooldown period is required after each use.
When can I buy one?
The two models will be making their debut at the 2024 Paris Motor Show but while the pair are going into production and will be sold in international markets, there’s no plans for them to come to the U.S. which is a byproduct of toughened-up tariffs that the United States imposed on China. The two are built by Spotlight Automotive a 50:50 venture company BMW established with Great Wall Automotive. The Chinese connection caused the two JCWs to be impacted by tariffs and as a result, it didn’t make much sense to bring them over.
However, this might change if BMW and MINI feel that there’s enough demand in the U.S. for either model with BMW potentially moving production to Oxford in the UK which would allow the JCWs to avoid the sting of tariffs. Time will tell but look for the JCWs to be the proverbial spearheads of MINI’s broader EV revolution especially as the brand prepares to expand its presence further over the next few years.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.