Yahoo Autos How We'd Spec It: 2025 Mini Coopers and Spicy Countryman JCWs
Mini is currently in the middle of revitalizing the bulk of its model lineup, as the British marque has now introduced new versions of the iconic Cooper hatchback and the bigger Countryman SUV. While both have adopted new styling cues and contemporary tech, they also faithfully preserve Mini's distinctively quirky character and the obligatory ability to be personalized. To get in on the fun, four Car and Driver staffers have loaded up the online configurator and spent time spec'ing their ideal 2025 models, which just so happen to be the 201-hp Mini Cooper S two-door and the 312-hp Mini Countryman JCW.
Caleb Miller's $38,795 Mini Cooper S
While Mini loves to tout its “go-kart” handling, let’s face it: At the end of the day, the diminutive British hatchback is all about style. For my 2025 Mini Cooper, I went with the classic three-door body style and the S powertrain, a 201-hp 2.0-liter turbo four.
Before delving into the options, Mini asks you to select a trim level and a “style,” determining which options you’ll be able to choose from later on. I opted for the most expensive Iconic trim at $5100, which adds the Comfort Plus package as standard. This brings extras like auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry, and a wireless charger, while the Iconic trim also includes goodies like powered front seats and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Favoured style—spelled with the “u” because Mini will never let you forget its British roots—turned the exterior trim Vibrant Silver, although the hue looks more gold to us. It also brings a herringbone pattern to the dashboard trim and sports seats.
I had my Cooper painted Ocean Wave Green to create a tranquil and content aura, pairing it with a blue roof ($500) to remind myself even more of a seaside vacation on even the gloomiest winter days. Seventeen-inch wheels in the same Vibrant Silver hue add some pizzazz while matching the grille trim. Inside, I chose the Vescin Nightshade Blue leatherette upholstery to continue the maritime motif from the exterior. All told, my 2025 Cooper S rang in at $38,795. That’s a lot of dough for only 200 ponies, but at least I'm stylin’ in my new ride.–Caleb Miller
Carter Fry's $50,545 Mini Countryman JCW
A Mini Cooper would be nice. A cute little car to run around town and turn heads in. But this is America, and on these streets size is king, which is why I opted for the big one: The 2025 Mini Countryman John Cooper Works. We liked the JCW variant of Mini’s SUV when we drove it earlier this year. It has 312 horsepower, relatively good driving dynamics, and it lets you bounce off the redline without automatically upshifting. How fun!
Spec'ing out a Countryman JCW is pretty simple because a lot of options go away. For example, there is one interior option, and it’s black. I decided to go all-out and chose the Iconic trim for $2400, which mostly gives me various driver-assist features but also power front seats and, most importantly, that Harmon Kardon Premium sound system to blast Doja Cat or whatever. The most unique exterior option this car offers is the Chili Red roof and mirror caps that I think look pretty dang cool, but it needs a dark color to balance the car out. Mini’s Legend Grey is that sweet spot where it’s not too light, but it’s also not black and pairs well with the red roof. I also chose the black 19-inch JCW Runway Spokes. All three of these exterior options came at no extra cost. The only option I paid extra for was the $250 Black Sport Stripes. I think the black stripes on the dark grey paint look awesome and provide subtle flair to the hood. The grand total comes to $50,545.–Carter Fry
Eric Stafford's $51,145 Mini Countryman JCW
It feels ironic to pick the Countryman, which currently holds the title as the biggest Mini ever made. Similarly, spending $50K on a Mini-branded car also feels excessive, but here we are. To save face, I went with the John Cooper Works model that maximizes the hefty Mini's performance with a 312-hp turbo four and a chassis that's tuned to increase the fun factor versus the non-JCW model. Plus, for just $600 I was able to upgrade from 19- to 20-inch wheels shod with grippier summer tires. If there's a green paint option, nine times out of 10 I'm choosing it, and I think the Countryman's metallic British Racing Green IV looks marvelous. I paired it with the white-painted roof and mirror caps to add visual contrast. Unfortunately, the JCW's interior only comes in black. That's a bummer because the Countryman S offers a beautiful Vescin Vintage Brown option. Alas, that's the price Mini makes you pay for higher performance. I also paid $2400 for the upgraded Iconic trim that includes power-adjustable front seats, a Harman Kardon stereo, and a slew of driver assists. Apart from that package and the sportier wheels and tires, I chose the $250 red hood stripes that nicely complement the Countryman JCW's red front-end elements and brake calipers. The final price of my ideal spec was $51,145, which I find preferable to its similarly priced platform-mate, the BMW X1 M35i.–Eric Stafford
Jack Fitzgerald's $38,295 Mini Cooper S
I went for a two-door hardtop Cooper S as my base—I don't know about you, but I just didn't like the idea of spending nearly $40,000 on a new hatchback that takes nearly 7.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. I added the $5100 Iconic package to get the comfort package and power seats, as well as to open up the exterior paint options. In that department, I selected the Favoured style with Blazing Blue paint on the body and white paint for the roof and mirrors. Keeping the blue theme going, I opted for the no-cost Vescin Nightshade Blue interior. All in, my new Cooper S came out to $38,295, not too bad, though I wouldn't say no to Mini bringing back the third pedal.–Jack Fitzgerald
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