On the eve of the NY Auto Show, MINI USA took the all-new Cooper S for a spin on the streets of NYC, marking the North American debut of the 2025 model. As opposed to its zero-emission sibling, which is underpinned by a brand-new EV platform, the internal combustion-powered Cooper is mechanically similar to its predecessor.
The Cooper S pictured in the photo gallery uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet (300 Nm) on deck. Scheduled to arrive in dealer showrooms this spring, the 2025 MINI Cooper S needs 6.3 seconds to hit 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour).
At $32,200 plus $995 for the destination charge, it's not exactly affordable. The Cooper, which is due in early fall, carries a starting price of $28,950 sans the aforementioned tax. MINI's US division did confirm a 2.0-liter turbo four-pot for the Cooper, but alas, final specifications and performance details will be made available closer to launch.
Codenamed F66, the three-door version of the Cooper will be joined by the F67 convertible and the F65 five-door. The all-electric Cooper, by comparison, is dubbed J01. Turning our attention back to the Cooper S, the British marque promises – rather unsurprisingly – the go-kart feeling of every other MINI before it.
The question is, what do you get for your money? As per MINI's product guide, standard goodies include a dual-clutch transmission, 17-inch gray wheels, all-season tires, a panoramic moonroof, dual-zone auto climate control, LED headlights with automatic high beams, Parking Assistant, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a one-year subscription, BMW Assist eCall, BMW TeleServices, and MINI Navigation. Unfortunately, there's no manual option to speak of.
Photo: MINI
The online configurator for the Cooper S lists three distinct trims, beginning with the Signature. $2,400 gets you the Signature Plus, which offers more paint colors, contrasting paint for the roof and mirror caps, 17- or 18-inch wheels, and remote engine start. Priced $4,100 higher than the Signature, the Iconic adds the so-called Comfort Package Plus. As the name implies, customers are presented with Comfort Access keyless entry, auto-dimming mirrors, Parking Assistant Plus, MINI Navigation AR, and a wireless charger.
Exclusively front-wheel drive, the Cooper S can be optioned with Harman Kardon surround sound and Dynamic Damper Control. The latter is especially important, for it elevates the driving experience. MINI's tech specs sheet for the Cooper S states that the 201-horsepower rating is only possible on 93 octane. The minimum octane number is 87, whereas the recommended octane is 91.
The Cooper S is good for 150 miles per hour (241 kilometers per hour) at full song, four miles per hour better than the previous generation. The beating heart of the British hatchback is the B48, a powerplant introduced by the F56 a decade ago. Applications further include the BMW 330i, which produces 255 ponies and 295 pound-feet (400 Nm) at 1,550 to 4,400 revolutions per minute.
Prospective customers will receive their Cooper S two-door hatchbacks beginning May 2024. Series production kicked off earlier this month at the MINI plant in Oxford. BMW Ground Plant Swindon is tasked with body pressings and sub-assemblies, whereas the 2.0-liter turbo comes from BMW Group Plant Hams Hall in North Warwickshire.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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