Some cars go to finishing school; others go rallying through snow, gravel, and traffic jams on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway. The new 2025 MINI Countryman John Cooper Works All4 somehow does both. It’s a small car that’s not so small anymore, a British icon raised by German parents, and now, in its third generation, it’s flexing 300 horses like it just finished an espresso at the Nürburgring.
A MINI That’s Not Really Mini Anymore
Back in 2010, when the first Countryman launched, purists gasped — “A big MINI? Blasphemy!” Fast forward to 2025, and this U25-generation crossover SUV is longer, wider, heavier, and angrier than ever. It measures 4.4 metres long, 1.8 metres wide, and tips the scales at 1,735 kg — about as “mini” as an XL-sized cappuccino.
But it’s also the fastest MINI ever — with a 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo engine (B48A20H) producing 296 hp and 400 Nm, shooting from 0–100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Top speed? 250 km/h. That’s enough to leave most hatchbacks wondering what went wrong in their lives.
Design: Charismatic Simplicity Meets Caffeine Overdose
MINI calls the design philosophy “Charismatic Simplicity”, which is fancy talk for “fewer lines, bigger personality.” The octagonal gloss-black grille looks ready to inhale air like a Dyson on steroids, while the active cooling ducts and quad exhaust flaps make it clear this crossover means business.
You also get JCW aerodynamics, vertical reflectors, and that charming Union Jack LED taillamp signature reminding you that no matter how German its engineering, its soul still waves the British flag.
Finished in British Racing Green, it looks like a gentleman in a Savile Row suit who’s secretly training for rallycross. Sadly, India misses out on the 20-inch alloys, but the 19-inch JCW Runway Spoke Black wheels wrapped in Michelin e.Primacy tyres (245/45 R19) do just fine.
Interior: Tech Chic Meets Knitted Madness
Step inside and it’s like entering a MINI-themed boutique. There’s a 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen that doubles as your infotainment, digital cockpit, and probably therapist — thanks to the new MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant (which responds to “Hey MINI”). It runs Operating System 9, offers wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even remote software upgrades, because apparently your car needs firmware updates now.
There’s also a Toggle Bar Island with switches for everything from drive modes to volume — because normal buttons are too mainstream. The JCW sport seats (with memory function), Harman Kardon sound system, panoramic glass sunroof, and black/red knit dashboard make sure you’re comfortable while pretending to be James Hunt.
And yes, the 505-litre boot expands to 1,450 litres, so you can carry both luggage and your ego.
Performance: Like Espresso with Nitrous
The 7-speed DCT Steptronic Sport transmission keeps things sharp, while the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system makes sure every horsepower is used wisely — or at least dramatically. There’s Boost Mode for instant power surges, JCW Adaptive Sports Suspension for surgical handling, and increased front camber so it corners like a caffeinated terrier chasing a squirrel.
It’s built on the BMW UKL2 platform, shared with the BMW X1 and 2 Series, meaning it’s got Bavarian brains under its cheeky British bodywork. The ELDC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) even lets you channel your inner rally driver — if you press the traction control button long enough to scare the passengers.
Safety & Tech: MINI’s Got Your Back (and Front, and Sides)
With ADAS Level 1, the Countryman gives you Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Reversing Assistant, and Attentiveness Assist — perfect for those moments when your enthusiasm outpaces your reflexes.
Add Euro NCAP’s 5-star safety rating, 4 airbags, 360° camera, Brake Assist, and Dynamic Stability Control, and it’s as secure as the Crown Jewels in Buckingham Palace.
It even offers brake energy recuperation and runflat indicators, so when things go flat — your spirits don’t.
The Electric Countryman: The Silent Rebel
For those who think petrol is passé, the Countryman Electric arrives with a 66.45 kWh battery, 204 hp, and 566 km of range. It’s slower (0–100 in 8.6s) but whispers through traffic like a polite assassin. And at ₹54.90 lakh, it’s cheaper than the JCW too — though it misses the pops, crackles, and fiery drama of the petrol beast.
Ownership: MINI-Sized Payments, MAXI Personality
MINI offers a 2-year unlimited kilometre warranty extendable to 10 years, plus 24×7 roadside assistance. Through MINI Smart Finance, you can take it home for ₹64,900 a month — or, as MINI likes to call it, “a small EMI for a big personality.”
Verdict: The British Bulldog in a German Suit
The 2025 MINI Countryman JCW is for those who love contradictions. It’s big yet compact, British yet German, luxurious yet mischievous. It’s the SUV for people who wear a tuxedo to a track day and still bring their dog along.
Sure, it costs ₹64.90 lakh (ex-showroom), but can you really put a price on style, speed, and that irreplaceable “Oi mate, let’s have some fun!” attitude?
