2025 MINI Cooper Debuts With Four Cylinders Only, No Manual Gearbox
Following the all-electric MINI Cooper SE last summer, it’s now the gas-powered MINI Cooper’s turn to debut a new generation. Unveiled today in a world premiere, it will go on sale in Canada this spring as a 2025 model.
For now, all the focus is on the MINI 3 Door in Cooper and Cooper S trim. The fate of the MINI 5 Door and Convertible has yet to be announced (it’s possible the upcoming MINI Aceman electric crossover will replace the former). As for the high-performance John Cooper Works, details will be shared at a later date.
- Also: 2024 MINI John Cooper Works 3 Door: We’ll Miss That Manual Gearbox
- Also: 2025 MINI Countryman to Start at $45,990 in Canada
Four Cylinders Only and No Manual
Forget the small 1.5-litre triple-cylinder engine: the new MINI relies exclusively on the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder mill, both for the base Cooper (power and torque TBD) and the sportier Cooper S. The latter is more potent now, with output increasing from 189 hp to 201 hp and torque going from 207 lb-ft to 221 lb-ft. Acceleration times will inevitably be quicker, but alas, that’s one other thing MINI is not telling us at this time.
The big disappointment, of course, is the elimination of the manual gearbox. If you insist on rowing your own gears, you’ll have to settle for the outgoing 2024 model, which will be in short supply pretty soon. The new 2025 MINI Cooper is automatic only and the shifter on the console has been replaced by a toggle on the centre stack, right next to the start/stop toggle.
Styled After the Electric Variant
When it comes to styling, MINI designers essentially copied the battery-powered Cooper SE, except that the upper grille isn’t closed and that the wheel arches sport dark plastic cladding. The LED headlights (including the horizontal daytime running lights) and the taillights are revised and offer three selectable light signatures that begin and end with a specially orchestrated welcome or goodbye animation.
All the body colours can be combined with one of three roof colours to create a variety of contrasts. An exclusive option is the distinctive Multitone Roof featuring a three-colour gradient (available to North American customers starting as of July production). What’s more, the MINI Cooper and Cooper S will come with a choice of aerodynamically optimized 17- and 18-inch wheel designs.
Less is More Inside
The new interior is cleaner and a bit roomier while adding a bunch of cool tech. By moving the shifter to the toggle bar, the centre console now has space to accommodate a new wireless charger for smartphones. In the rear, cargo space is pretty much the same, with 210 litres in the trunk and 725 litres with the rear seats folded.
Similar to the Cooper SE, you won’t find an instrument cluster in front of the steering wheel. Now, it’s all about that 9-inch round OLED touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard. Relevant vehicle-related information (speed, fuel consumption, etc.) is displayed at the top of the screen. In the main menu, the functions are arranged horizontally as widgets and can be selected by swipe and touch. In the lower area, shortcuts for navigation, media, phone and climate can be selected directly at any time.
As previously reported, there’s a brand new infotainment system complete with an intelligent voice assistant named Spike, so-called “MINI Experience Modes” that change the look, sound and feel of the cockpit, as well as expanded safety content including a Safe Exit function that delays the unlocking of the doors and uses light signals outside the car to warn of a possible collision.
The 2025 MINI Cooper S destined for Canada will start production in April and carry a base MSRP of $39,990, an increase of $2,100. The entry-level Cooper will follow later, but its price has not been announced yet.
