MINI is embracing an electric future and that includes their performance-oriented John Cooper Works sub-brand. Looking slightly more aggressive than the Cooper SE, the JCW variant is distinguished by a new front bumper and a sportier intake that features a split design as well as a horizontal bar. Moving further back, the car has chunky side skirts and flush-mounted door handles. They’re joined by a sloping roof and turning fork style wheels that have a two-tone design.
Since exhaust tips can’t be used to
distinguish high-performance variants in the electric era, MINI decided to opt
for a more aggressive rear bumper and a lightly revised diffuser that features
vertical accents. We can also see a revised spoiler and what appear to be
taller reflectors.
Spy photographers didn’t get a look
inside, but the company recently revealed the interior of the standard model.
It features a minimalist design as the cabin is dominated by a circular display
that measures 240 mm in diameter and runs Android-based MINI
Operating System 9. The display combines the features of a digital instrument
cluster and an infotainment system, and offers extensive customization as well
as a new voice assistant that can be represented by a dog avatar.
MINI has already confirmed the Cooper E
will have a 40.7 kWh battery pack and an electric motor developing 181 hp. The Cooper SE will improve on that with a larger 54.2 kWh battery
and a more powerful motor developing 215 hp. The company has
been coy about the upcoming JCW variant, but it will reportedly use the Cooper
SE’s battery pack as well as an upgraded motor developing around 247 hp.
