What would John Cooper make of the 2025 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4? Cooper is the legendary early British race car builder and driver who developed the factory performance versions of the original Mini first produced by the British Motor Corporation in 1959. It was very small, very simple, and the Cooper versions were considered fast for their time -- and even more modified versions were successfully raced on tracks and rallies for many years.
In contrast, all current MINIs are produced by BMW, which acquired BMC’s parent company in 1994. They also acquired the rights to use Cooper’s name for their performance versions, including the most powerful John Cooper Works models. They include the smallest two-door version which most closely resembles the original boxy Minis, and the larger (though still relatively small) Countryman SUV, the subject of this review.
Unlike their basic predecessors, the newer MINIs are practically luxury vehicles that can be ordered with leather interiors and practically every advanced automotive technology. In fact, the new Countryman rides on the same platform as the luxury subcompact BMW X1 M35i SUV. It even comes standard with all-wheel-drive. But the four-door hatchback is still fun to drive, with the Cooper SE and JWC versions offering sports car-like performance. Car and Driver found the 2005 JWC Countryman ALL4 goes from zero to 60 in just 4.4 seconds, making it the fastest MINI they have ever tested.
Such speeds are the result of technologies that didn’t exist when Cooper first started tinkering with Minis in the early 60s. His normally-aspirated 51.7 cubic inch engine produced a mere 55 horsepower (up from 35) and was mated to a four-speed manual transmission. In contrast, the new JWC Countryman is powered by a twin-turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter engine that generates 312 horsepower – nearly six times the original amount. And it is mated to a 7-speed Steptronic dual clutch automatic with paddle shifters.
The new Countryman is also brimming with advanced technologies. It features 12 ultrasonic sensors and four surround-view cameras that support the innovative driver assistance systems, while also enabling partially automated Level 2 driving in the comprehensive Driving Assistant Professional option package. In addition, drivers can use the voice assistant to operate numerous functions, such as navigation, telephone, and entertainment.
As a racer and car developer, Cooper, who passed away in 2000, would have no doubt been impressed by such advances. It is unclear what he would have made of the new interior, however.
All previous versions of the MINI have had iconic dashes inspired by the originals. They featured a large circular dial in the center of the dash which served various functions over the years, including hosting the clock, maps, backup camera screen, and more. A large gauge was also mounted directly in front of the driver with the speedometer and tachometer. Many controls were operated by old-fashioned manual metal switches in a nostalgic nod to the past.
All new MINIs take liberties with the traditional look and feel that some buyers might find light-hearted, and others might consider to be annoying. The large circular dial is now a thin 9.4-inch infotainment touch screen. The layout changes with the drive modes, and it can also be programed to provide speedometer, tachometer, time and other information in old-fashioned or contemporary styles. The gauge in front of the driver is gone, although a heads-up display shows the speed. The few remaining switches are more like plastic knobs. And most surfaces in my test 2025 MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 were covered with a heavily textured fabric.
BMW calls the new design “minimalist.” I must be old-fashioned because I prefer the previous look and feel. I also think the fabric will be hard to clean. BMW obviously believes a lot of other people will feel otherwise. I don’t care much for ambient lighting, either, so keep that in mind.
Despite those reservations, in a week of daily driving, my test 2025 MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 was always entertaining. Like the original and all subsequent versions, the interior is surprisingly roomy for such a small vehicle. The engine pumps out plenty of power, which the sophisticated transmission provides smoothly to all four wheels. The suspension is a little firm, but that contributes to its sports car/go kart handling. The steering is also very precise, which helps give it a light feel. I believe John Cooper would approve, although the interior is another question.
But enough quibbling. Genuine fun cars are getting harder and harder to find. The 2025 MINI JCW Countryman ALL4 is only offered in one all-in, fully equipped version. My tester was priced at $51,995, which represents a good price-to-entertainment ratio.
2025 MINI JCW Countryman ALL4
Base price: $47,895
Price as tested: $51,995
Type: Subcompact crossover SUV
Engine: Twin-turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter 4 (312 hp, 295 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 7-speed Steptronic dual clutch automatic w/paddle shifters
Drive modes: Go-Kart, Core, Green, Vivid, Timeless, Personal, Balance, Trail
EPA estimated mileage: 23/30
Overall length: 175.1 inches
Curb weight: 3800 pounds
Final assembly: Leipzig, German
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