Mini has been busy recently. Not only has the brand overhauled its entire lineup, but they’ve also taken a fresh approach to their trim levels. And now, they’ve added a bit of spice, introducing John Cooper Works (JCW) models that sadly don’t come with any extra performance gains. Think of it as Mini’s version of BMW’s M Sport Package. It’s a little confusing, though, because these non-performance JCWs are sold alongside the full-blown JCW cars. 

But the big news here isn’t just a trim tweak. Mini has launched its first-ever fully electric JCW models: the John Cooper Works Electric and the John Cooper Works Aceman. The Electric is a classic three-door hatchback, while the Aceman is a more practical five-door crossover. Both cars sit on the same platform, but they come with upgraded power and additional hardware to give you that JCW feeling… with zero emissions.

Now, let’s talk numbers. Both EVs are front-wheel-drive, powered by a single electric motor churning out 190 kW and 350 Nm of instant torque. That’s a neat 30 kW and 15 Nm more than the Cooper Hardtop and Aceman in their SE guises. What does that mean for speed? The JCW Electric can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, while the Aceman manages it in 6.4 seconds. That’s 0.8 seconds quicker for the hatch and 0.7 seconds for the crossover compared to their non-JCW counterparts.

For those moments when you want just a bit more oomph, perhaps overtaking on a winding road Mini has thrown in a boost function. It temporarily increases output by another 20 kW, perfect for when you need maximum acceleration. Of course, this extra punch comes with upgraded brakes for improved stopping power, and standard “high-grip” tyres to help you stick to the road.

But here’s where things get tricky. Mini’s decision to add JCW trims without extra performance means you’ll have to look closely to figure out which is the real deal. The genuine JCW models have unique18-inch alloys on the hatchback and larger 19-inch ones on the crossover. There are also more JCW logos, plus a few extra red accents, but overall, they don’t look too different from the lesser versions. The hatch does get a snazzy checkered flag motif on the tailgate, though the Aceman misses out on that.

Inside, it's a typical JCW affair. The legitimate models carry over the brand's signature red and black theme, with some ambient lighting in the roof to help them stand out from the regular Coopers. The seats are wrapped in synthetic leather, with the front ones featuring multi-coloured knitted fabric and contrasting red stitching.

The kicker? Neither the Electric nor the Aceman JCW are coming to the United States. Well, not yet. For now, these two EVs are exclusively built in China, but that’s set to change by 2026, when production will shift to Mini’s home turf in Oxford. Once that happens, there’s a good chance at least one of these electric hot rods will make its way to North America.

Interestingly, while these EVs wear the Mini badge, they aren’t directly built by Mini or BMW. They’re assembled by Spotlight Automotive, a 50:50 joint venture between BMW Group and China’s Great Wall Motor. Production takes place in a brand-new factory in Jiangsu Province, with a capacity to churn out up to 160,000 vehicles a year.

Today, Mini is showing off these electric JCW models at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. And while the electric duo is causing a buzz, petrolheads don’t need to worry, there are still JCW models with internal combustion engines in the works, beyond the Countryman. Expect a sporty take on the recently unveiled Convertible soon.

So, while the electric future is bright for Mini’s JCW lineup, we’ll still get some old-school thrills for a little while longer.