Mini John Cooper Works Electric is a riot on wheels with Mario Kart vibes, punchy pace and top tech cabin

IF your bin lid is addicted to driving games like Mario Kart or Gran Turismo, trust me, that’s good parenting. 

They’ll make safer drivers one day. 

3

3

3

All the research I’ve seen suggests gamers have faster reaction times, better awareness of what’s going on around them, and greater driving confidence. 

They are also less likely to get penalty points. 

I was reminded of this trying the new Mini John Cooper Works Electric. 

Basically half-car, half-PlayStation. 

Pop it in “Go-Kart” mode and you’ll hear a cheery “Woo-hoo”, like you’ve just landed in Mario Kart World. 

The boost button on the steering wheel is for instant acceleration, obviously.

But it also flashes up a kaleidoscope of patterns on the touchscreen counting down from ten seconds to zero. 

Your passengers will enjoy that. You’ll be too busy trying to dodge bananas on Rainbow Road. 

Every Mini is wired for fun. You know that. You don’t need to slow for corners in a Mini. 

JCW versions dial everything up to 11. Especially the electric one. 

The petrol JCW is 231hp and catapults from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. 

The electric JCW is 258hp, including that 27hp boost function, and two tenths quicker off the line.

You can also play ‘Go Kart Go’ and ‘Burnin’ Rubber 5’ on that dinner plate-sized OLED screen. 

There’s not much in it in terms of cost. About £2k extra for the EV. 

The sticky bit is range. You’ll get around 160-180 miles in the real world. 

So you’ll need a driveway to top up the battery overnight. The petrol JCW goes a lot further. 

As for looks, the regular Mini Cooper is class – inside and out.

JCWs have more attitude with bonnet stripes, a siiiiiiick red-to-black roof fade, red brake calipers, chequered flag detailing and so on.

I’m repeating myself here but Mini cabin quality is absolutely top notch these days. 

Retro toggle bar and turn-key start mixed with cutting-edge BMW tech and knitted recycled materials. 

You can also play “Go Kart Go” and “Burnin’ Rubber 5” on that dinner plate-sized OLED screen.