In 1957, amidst rising gasoline prices, many in post-World War II England wondered if the large, gas-guzzling vehicles of the day made much sense anymore.
With that, Sir Leonard Lord of the Morris Company issued his top engineer, Alec Issigonis, a challenge: design and build a small, fuel-efficient car capable of carrying four adults, within economic reach of just about everyone. As fate would have it, the challenge of fitting so much function into such a small package inspired a couple of historic innovations.
Issigonis created more room in the cockpit by pushing the wheels all the way out to the corners and turning the engine sideways, giving the car more stability on tight turns and more passenger space on the inside. The world had never seen a car quite like it. And when the first MINI launched in 1959, it quickly became the essence of culture.
And while MINI is a British automotive brand, the company has been owned by BMW Group for over 20 years, and has benefitted in many ways from the engineering expertise offered by the brand that produces the Ultimate Driving Machine.
For the 2025 model year, the MINI family continues to offer premium vehicles. All 2025 MINI Coopers get a full redesign, with a more minimalist exterior and high-tech interior. The all-new Countryman SE ALL4 full-electric vehicle is added to the lineup.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah was the site of the media drive for all things MINI.
Savannah’s recorded history begins in 1733, when General James Oglethorpe and the 120 passengers of the good ship “Anne” landed on a bluff high along the Savannah River in February. Oglethorpe named the 13th and final American colony “Georgia” after England’s King George II. Savannah became its first city.
Today, millions visit Savannah, drawn by its good and bad history, elegant architecture, ornate ironwork, fountains and green squares. Savannah’s beauty is rivaled only by the city’s reputation for hospitality. It has become one of the U.S.’s most popular vacation spots.
2025 MINI Models
There were a bevy of 2025 MINI models for us to drive in Savannah, including the all-new Countryman SE ALL4 full-electric vehicle. All listed MINI prices are base MSRP, exclusive of options and trim packages, and are exclusive of a $995 destination and handling charge:
Cooper 2 Door and MINI Cooper S 2 Door
Offering classic MINI design and proportions, the all-new MINI Cooper 2-door and MINI Cooper S 2-door are part of what MINI executives called “the most significant transformation for the brand since the very first Mini was launched 65 years ago.”
Interior elements include knitted fabric in the dash and door panels, Vescin synthetic leather upholstery options and an industry-first 9.4” round OLED screen.
The MINI Cooper 2-door features a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbo engine generating 161 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Cooper 2-door 0-60 sprints are achieved in 7.4 seconds.
The MINI Cooper S 2-door offers more power with the same 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine, massaged to generate 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, also with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. Zero to 60 mph comes up in 6.3 seconds.
MINI’s signature go-kart-like handling continues, as both models come equipped with a suspension and damping system designed for road-carving agility.
The interior focuses on minimalist design and new materials with an eye for sustainability.
Customers can choose from eight unique exterior colors, and all colors can be combined with one of three roof colors, creating a variety of contrasts. Aluminum wheels are available in 17-inch and 18-inch diameters.
The 2025 MINI Cooper MSRP is $28,950, and the MINI Cooper S’ base MSRP is $32,200.
2025 MINI Cooper 4 Door and MINI Cooper S 4 Door
Need more interior room? The Cooper and Cooper S 4-door models offer 6.3” more in length and 1.2” more in height, along with a longer wheelbase, increasing passenger and cargo space.
Both models offer the same powertrain as the 2-door Cooper and Cooper S with the 4 door models just a tick slower due to their extra weight.
An available John Cooper Works (JCW) style package, exclusive to the Cooper S 4-door, includes the JCW Aero Kit with special front and rear diffusers, high gloss black wheel spats, gloss black brake calipers with JCW logos, a unique radiator grill surround and high-gloss black JCW logos.
MINI Cooper 4 door MSRP – $29,950, Cooper S 4-door – $33,200.
2025 MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper S Convertible
The MINI Cooper Convertible’s 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 161 horsepower and a maximum of 184 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.9 seconds.
For the Cooper S Convertible, power is increased to a potent 201 horsepower/221 pound-feet of torque, with 0-60 mph arriving in just 6.7 seconds.
The convertible’s newly designed front grille and round LED headlights modernize the model’s classic design.
Embodying the brand’s traditional “Always Open” philosophy, the fully automatic soft top can be opened in two ways: either fully retracted (opens fully in 18 seconds), or like a sunroof where the front section of the roof can be slid open up to 16 inches, regardless of speed driven.
A feature unique to the MINI Convertible is the return of the “Openometer,” where the center display tracks how long the car has been driven with the top-down – recording driver desires for a fun dose of Vitamin D. Both trims are available with a classic “Union Jack” pattern roof.
MSRP for the Cooper Convertible is $33,950, Cooper S Convertible MSRP is $37,200.
2025 MINI John Cooper Works 2 Door/MINI John Cooper Works Convertible
Continuing the legacy of Mini racing legend John Cooper, Both JCW’s feature a modified 2.0 liter four-cylinder “TwinPower” Turbo engine outputting 228 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, up from 235 pound-feet in the previous generation JCW models. The John Cooper Works 2 Door sprints 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds – 6.2 seconds for the JCW Convertible. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission also features two steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.
JCW-specific suspension settings deliver agile handling, and Chili Red brake calipers with JCW logos deliver powerful stops and look great.
Eleven body colors for the John Cooper Works models can be accentuated with a contrasting roof on the 2 Door and mirror caps in the colors Chili Red or Jet Black. An exclusive exterior paint finish in Copper Grey is also available for the MINI John Cooper Works Convertible.
The convertible soft top is available in black or with a contrasting grey Union Jack pattern. Like the base MINI Convertible, it retracts quickly and features the same retractable “sunroof” sliding roof feature.
MINI John Cooper Works 2 Door MSRP is $38,200, the John Cooper Works Convertible MSRP is $43,700.
2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4
All-new from the ground up, the MINI Countryman S ALL4 SUV packages more interior room, and 40:20:40 split fold-down rear seats with flexible configurations for both passengers and cargo space.
The Countryman S ALL4’s 4-cylinder turbo engine delivers 241 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This propels the SUV 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds.
The increased wheelbase and track width contribute to the MINI Countryman’s impressive driving dynamics. The ALL4 all-wheel drive system delivers enhanced traction, safety, and driving agility no matter the weather or road conditions.
Countryman S ALL4 is characterized by the distinct shape of the hood and its octagonal front grill. MINI LED headlamps accentuate the front design through individual signature modes that can be selected by the driver. Vertical tail lights complete a well designed silhouette.
The new Countryman S ALL4 is available in Classic, Favored, and John Cooper Works guise. Each includes unique exterior and interior elements.
Sustainability is prominent inside as interior materials with components such as the dash, door and interior trim panels are made of 90% recycled materials. Also, the interior is made of leather-free upholsteries which are recyclable and more sustainably produced.
The 9.4” OLED screen that features a full range of customizable features from experience modes to MINI’s intelligent personal assistant, “Spike,” and even in-car gaming. The twelve-speaker Harmon/Kardon “365” surround sound audio system is ultra impressive. Additional interior goodies include a split panoramic sunroof, supportive “comfort” seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The new MINI Operating System 9 controls entertainment features, driver assistance tech, navigation, selectable engine driving sounds and even includes a video recorder.
Alloy wheels are available in various designs and sizes ranging from 18 to 20 inches.
The 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4 MSRP is $38,900.
2025 MINI Countryman SE ALL4
As the all-electric version of MINI’s first-ever SUV, the Countryman SE ALL4 offers an intelligent all-wheel drive system, extended driving assistance functions, partially automated Level 2 driving, and an EPA electric range of up to 212 miles.
Propulsion comes from two electric motors with a total output of 308 horsepower and 364 pound-feet of torque. The Countryman SE ALL4 is quick, jetting from 0-to-60 mph acceleration in 5.4 seconds.
Countryman SE ALL4’s 286.3-volt lithium-ion battery has a net rated capacity of 64.7 kWh. Charging performance with Level 2 charging nets a full charge in in about 8 hours. With DC fast charging a charge from 10% to 80% takes 30 minutes.
Two style packages are available: Classic and Favored, which set individual accents that highlight different style options, including additional roof colors and interior upholstery features.
At the center of the interior is an industry-first 9.4-inch OLED screen that features a quantum leap in user and vehicle technology, with a full range of customizable features from experience modes to MINI’s intelligent personal assistant, Spike, and even in-car gaming. High-quality comfort seats provide a secure and comfortable seating position for the driver.
The 2025 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 has a base MSRP of $45,200.
2025 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman
The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman offers even more space, comfort, and safety. Thanks to its ALL4 all-wheel drive system, this new MINI is also very capable off the road.
The most powerful MINI in the lineup, the JCW Countryman generates 312 horsepower and a 0 to 60 mph time in just 5.2 seconds. The 295 pound-feet of torque and top speed of 155 mph are in sports car territory.
The performance-tuned engine features optimized pistons, connecting rods and engine mounts which helps generate maximum power from the two-liter turbo engine. An advanced, dual-drive exhaust turbocharger and a low restriction air intake allows the JCW Countryman to leave non-believers in its wake. Aerodynamically optimized 19 and 20-inch wheels are exclusive to JCW model.
The new design is characterized by an upright and minimalist silhouette, and the John Cooper Works logo has been redesigned for a more modern look.
Like all new MINI Countryman models, the interior of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 is defined by the same clear shapes that underline its new design language.
Overhead, the panoramic glass roof brings more light into the interior.
The 2025 MINI John Cooper Works Countryman has a base MSRP of $46,900.
MINI Drive Experience
It really blows people’s minds to see all 6’9” of me get in, comfortably drive, and unwind myself out of any MINI, especially the base two-door models. Let it be known that tall and wide guys will find the interior of any MINI a good place to be. Leg room on long trips will be a challenge, as it is in any brand’s smaller vehicles. But headroom, even with the glass panoramic roof available in the Countryman trims, is plentiful.
All MINIs are exceptionally fun to drive, even though you can no longer buy one with a manual transmission. Driving through beautiful Savannah and along scenic waterways on the outskirts of the city in several of the many models at our disposal, we found the MINI lineup to offer exceptional handling and comfort. Toss in advanced telematics, a bumpin’ audio system, and the safety level of all trims, the MINI lineup should be strongly considered. Just choose your size, and gas engine power requirements or electric propulsion.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
MINIs come with a bevy of standard or available (depending on trim) safety and driver-assistance technology including Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Front Collision Warning with Brake Intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Warning and Rear Collision Prevention, Exit Warning, Forward-Collision Warning, Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, and Lane-Keeping Assist.
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go Function, and Active Driving Assistant Professional are also available.
Active Driving Assistant Professional is a Level 2 automation system, just one level below full driverless systems. Specific features in this very impressive system include:
- Emergency Stop Assistant
- Lane-Change Assistant
- Lane Guiding with Navigation
- Traffic Jam Assistant
- Traffic Light & Sign Warning
Available parking assistance features add additional appeal, as this a lot of the aforementioned safety and driver assistance tech usually found in luxury vehicles, including up level BMWs that feature prices much higher than MINI’s low-to-mid-luxury cost profiles.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
MINI offers a warranty that includes complimentary scheduled maintenance with coverage:
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
