MINI Countryman JCW: The big MINI goes all out

The John Cooper Works badge has always represented the peak of MINI performance — a celebration of engineering precision, driver engagement, and personality. With the arrival of the new MINI Countryman JCW in India, that legacy evolves into a larger, and more versatile form. This is not merely a crossover with sporting pretensions; it’s a genuine performance machine that blends practicality with punch in a way few others can.

We drove the new MINI Countryman JCW at the Buddh International Circuit, and the first impression is clear — this is the most powerful MINI yet. Under the hood lies a 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine that delivers 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. The result is a car that feels planted and alive through every corner, capable of sprinting from 0–100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds, on to a top speed of 250 km/h. The steering is precise, body control is tight, and the chassis balance is exceptional for something that rides 190 mm off the ground. Through BIC’s long, sweeping bends, it corners with composure that’s right up there with sportscar benchmarks — and the quad exhausts ensure you’re constantly rewarded with a throaty, mechanical soundtrack.

The Countryman JCW offers multiple drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor its character from relaxed cruising to all-out attack at the flick of a switch. Each mode tweaks throttle response, steering weight, and gearbox behaviour, giving it genuine duality — a commuter on weekdays and a track toy on weekends.

Visually, it’s pure MINI with an added dose of aggression. The revised front bumper, larger air intakes, and new JCW logo — now sleeker and more modern — all underscore its performance intent. The 19-inch alloy wheels complete the stance, while design elements like contrast roof colours and Union Jack-inspired taillights retain that unmistakable MINI charm.

Inside, the Countryman JCW impresses with its premium materials and signature design flair. The new circular OLED display takes centre stage, serving as the main interface for infotainment, navigation, and drive settings. The JCW sport seats are snug and supportive, perfect for spirited driving yet comfortable over long journeys. Space is another highlight — even taller passengers will find ample room in the rear, a pleasant surprise given the car’s compact footprint. It’s practical, comfortable, and stylish in equal measure, with MINI’s trademark mix of playfulness and precision throughout the cabin.

Add to that a Harman Kardon audio system, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof, and you have a cabin that feels as premium as it is distinctive. And with 190 mm of ground clearance, the Countryman JCW is well suited to handle India’s imperfect roads without compromising on its athletic character.

Few vehicles at this price point deliver this level of performance, craftsmanship, and everyday usability. The Countryman JCW is quick, composed, and dripping with character — a crossover that genuinely feels like a hot hatch on stilts.

Deliveries for the new MINI Countryman JCW are expected to commence shortly. Priced at ₹64.90 lakh (ex-showroom), it stands as a rare breed — a performance SUV that thrills the enthusiast while still fitting seamlessly into everyday life.

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