Coinciding with the introduction of the new BMW 5 Series Touring and i5 Touring, the BMW Group, which is MINI's parent company, has also pulled the wraps off the 2025 Cooper and Cooper S superminis.
The fifth-generation three-door hatchback has a very familiar design, and for good reasons: it follows in the footsteps of the latest Cooper SE, aka the battery-electric one. It looks like an evolution of its predecessor even if everything is brand new, starting with the circular LED headlamps, grille, front hood, fenders and ending with the tailgate, rear bumper, and the arrow-like (or half Union Jack) pattern of the taillamps.
On the inside, MINI's new Cooper and Cooper S have a minimalist styling. The 9.4-inch round OLED display now sits closer to the driver and can be used to control a whole bunch of stuff. Moreover, drivers will have to look at the top of the screen to see the vehicle-related information, including the speed and fuel consumption, as there is no digital gauge cluster behind the redesigned steering wheel. The lower part can be used to select the climate control, navigation, telephone, and media.
MINI moved the gear selector below the new screen, thus freeing up more space on the center console, which is now home to an enhanced wireless charging pad. The toggle bar also hosts the parking brake, start/stop key, driving mode selector, and volume control next to the gear selector. As for the cargo area, it can be expanded from 8.9 to 34.4 cubic feet (252-974 liters) by folding down the rear seats.
Photo: MINI
Power-wise, the new Cooper and Cooper S feature 2.0-liter four-pots in the United States. The lump generates 201 hp (204 ps/150 kW) and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque in the Cooper S, enabling the 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) in 6.3 seconds. Specifications and performance details for the normal Cooper will be announced in due course. The sporty three-door subcompact hatchback also retains the famous go-kart feel, so it should put a lot of smiles on enthusiasts' faces.
Numerous driving assistance features are included, such as the safe exit function, steering and lane keeping, automatic speed and distance control, and others. Future buyers will also be glad to learn that the MINI Navigation Package brings 3D visualization and augmented view, albeit at an extra cost. It also comes with a digital key that turns the smartphone into a car key and has numerous exterior colors that can be combined with three roof hues for additional personalization.
MINI says production of the 2025 Cooper S will commence in March, and this model has an MSRP of $32,200 in our market. Meanwhile, the lesser 2025 Cooper will hit the assembly line in July and kick off at $28,950. All prices exclude the $995 destination charge.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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