Launched: MINI JCW ICE, EV & MINI JCW Aceman – From RM218,888

MINI Malaysia (BMW Group Malaysia) added the new high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW) variants of the latest-gen MINI hatch (EV and ICE) and Aceman.

MINI Malaysia (BMW Group Malaysia) announced earlier today that it has expanded its local line-up with no less than four new additions. Leading things here are a trio of high performance John Cooper Works (JCW) models.

Said trio encompasses both the electric (EV, chassis code J01) and combustion (ICE, chassis code F66) fourth-gen hatch model, followed by the EV-only Aceman (chassis code: J05).

The firm also launched the latest F67-gen MINI Cooper Convertible, which we’ll detail in this separate report as we focus on the leading JCW trio here first.

The F66-gen MINI JCW ICE and J01-gen MINI JCW EV hatches share  the same JCW aerokit, contrasting high-gloss black and Chili red exterior accents, and 18-inch JCW Lap Spoke wheels.

Starting with both ICE and EV hatch variants, both come dressed in a special and distinct aerokit complete with a rear spoiler, as well as a slew of contrasting exterior elements finished in high-gloss black and Chili Red. Both also sport exclusive 18-inch JCW Lap Spoke wheels.

Obviously, the real visual difference between both hatch models lies in their respective rear ends, specifically in the lower half – you’ll find the ICE model rocking a centrally positioned sports exhaust whilst its EV twin doesn’t (obviously).

Note the different lower rear bumper designs of the ICE (left) and EV (right) versions, and the former's adoption of a centrally-mounted sports exhaust.

Similarly, the new MINI JCW Aceman also gains a sharp and sporty aerokit plus the contrasting high-gloss black and Chili Red exterior treatments too. Unique to this hotter guise of the Aceman too are both its roof rails and exclusive 19-inch JCW Lap Spoke dual-tone wheels.

The sporty red-black motif continues on board in the cabins of all three models, which also sees the presence of JCW-specific sports seats up front wrapped in black faux leather and knitted fabric combination.

All three sport JCW-specific sports seats with driver-side power-adjustment and memory. EV variants also get an exclusive panoramic sunroof feature.

Notably, both the JCW EV hatch and Aceman gain a power-adjustable driver seat with memory function, as well as an exlcusive panoramic sunroof with special ambient lighting illumination.

That aside, all variants continue to sport the usual traits we’ve seen and experience in all current MINI models. Key highlights include its interactive 240 MM round OLED central touchscreen display offering a bevy of connectivity-driven functions, wireless charging pad, fabric dash and door inlays, plus a Harman Kardon audio suite, amongst many.

Naturally, the JCW ICE hatch benefits with beefed up outputs of 231 HP and 380 NM to enable century sprints in 6.1 secs. It also gains an exclusive Adaptive Suspension system.

Next, we move to arguably the most important part of any JCW variant, by which we mean the heightened powertrain and performance. In the ICE-powered hatch, the familiar 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill sees output bumped up from 201 HP and 300 NM to a mighty 231 HP and 380 NM.

Said mill continues to drive the front wheels via a 7-speed automatic box, but the boosted outputs grants 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 6.1 secs now and a 250 KM/H V-max. For reference, the standard Cooper S hatch does the former in 6.6 secs and hits a lower 242 KM/H V-max.

Boosted output aside, the ICE-powered MINI JCW hatch also gains Adaptive Suspension in its chassis, which in turn promises both enhanced agility and drive dynamics. Take note, said feature in a unique and exclusive addition for this JCW variant only.

Both the JCW EV hatch (top) and Aceman (above) share the same 54.2 kWh battery and e-motor outputting 258 HP and 350 NM.

Moving to the JCW EV hatch and Aceman duo, both models share the same 54.2 kWh (gross) battery pack that juices a front-mounted e-motor delivering 258 HP (190 kW) and 350 NM to the front wheels. Respectively, century sprints are despatched in 5.9 secs and 6.4 secs, and both share the same 200 KM/H V-max.

For reference, the regular Cooper SE and Aceman SE guises share the same 215 HP and 330 NM outputs that enable century sprint times of 6.7 secs and 7.1 secs respectively. Naturally boosted performance comes with the trade-off in range. These now read at 371 KM and 355 KM respectively versus 402 KM and 406 KM in the regular SE guises noted.

Unchanged though are the 11 kW AC and 95 kW DC charging speeds in both, the latter enabling 10-80% re-charges in just 30 minutes too.

Naturally, the boosted performance comes at the expense of range, and both JCW EVs yield 355 KM (Aceman) and 371 KM (hatch) of which.

Lastly, like all its current-gen stablemates, all three JCW models detailed come equipped with Driving Assistant Plus and Parking Assistant Plus suites. The former brings an arsenal of ADAS features that enable semi-autonomous driving abilities.

As for price, naturally both EV variants benefit with tempting price tags thanks to the on-going CBU EV tax break afforded by the government until end of this year. In turn, this puts the ICE-powered JCW hatch as the priciest of the lot. Here are the figures:

So, which of these sporty new JCW trio is your pick then? Hit the comments below.

By the way, check out the 2025 MINI Cooper Convertible that was also launched alongside the trio detailed by clicking here.