MINI unwraps its performance EV lineup

BMW has unveiled two all-electric MINI flagships at the Paris show – the three-door hatchback MINI JCW and the crossover Aceman JCW. Both feature a sportier exterior combined with tweaked suspension and the best powertrain in their respective lineups.

Both models rely on the same electric motor rated at 258 PS (254 hp / 190 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. The MINI JCW Electric is faster in a straight line with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 5.9 seconds, while the heavier Aceman lags behind it with 6.4 seconds. Both are capped at 200 km/h (124 mph).

Like some other John Cooper Works models from the past, these two feature a drive preset called Go-kart Mode. However, while the ICE cars mostly treated it as a suspension preset, the electric duo simply “unlocks the peak output” of their electric powertrain, according to MINI. The company suggests using this feature whenever faster acceleration is desired, such as when overtaking. The regular output stays 27 PS (27 hp / 20 kW) below the figures quoted above in normal driving scenarios.

We suppose it was done to keep the range somewhat decent. Once fully charged, the MINI JCW Electric has up to 371 km (230 miles) of it and the SUV is even less impressive with 355 km (220 miles).

Compared to the standard MINI lineup, both electric flagships sport new aero kit parts, black trim accents, wheels sized up to 19 inches in diameter and painted brake calipers. The roof can be finished either in red or a red-to-black gradient for contrast. Sport seats and exclusive trim bits sum it up for the interior.

Preorders will open in late October. Prices vary from country to country, with the three-door electric hatch starting from €42,350 in France and the SUV from €45,450.