Having not purchased a non-GM product in nearly 25 years, reaching the one-month mark with my 2025 Mini Cooper S seemed like a good time to share my thoughts on the experience. Spoiler alert: I’m very satisfied.
WHAT WORKS
I attended the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1997 when the first new Mini (or MINI, to be technically correct) concept was unveiled, and I became a fan right away. The following spring, I bought a 1972 Canadian-spec Austin Mini, officially joining the Mini community. However, not all Mini enthusiasts embraced the new version--too big, too complex, too heavy, etc. Yes, every year the new Mini has grown larger; my current car is almost 3 feet longer and twice as heavy as my '72. But despite the size increase, it still drives like a go-kart and remains smaller and more maneuverable than nearly everything else on the road.
The new design philosophy, dubbed "charismatic simplicity," significantly enhances the exterior of the new Mini compared to its predecessor, bringing it closer to its roots. While it may not be as efficient as the original, the long wheelbase, relatively short overhangs, and (on my vehicle) 17-inch wheels create a visually appealing proportion and stance.
In terms of the interior, the changes feel more like a revolution than an evolution, with a layout that should feel familiar to classic Mini owners. Instead of trying to fit a square display into a round hole (as seen in previous generations), the 2025 model features a sleek round screen inside a round housing with slim bezels. I found the display to be crisp, clear, and responsive, with a subtle 'tap' sound that makes it easier to use. And, rather than a vast field of satin-finish black plastics, the new Mini offers some variety in material appearance and texture (augmented by some tasteful ambient lighting.
Beneath the center screen, there’s a switch panel that pays homage to the original Mini. The twist switch to start and stop the car—which mimics the action of turning an ignition key—is a charming retro alternative to the common pushbutton start. The toggle for gear shifting took some time to get used to, but after a month, it feels quite natural. Plus, you have a physical volume/mute control for the audio, along with physical buttons on the steering wheel for both audio and cruise control, rather than the newer, more finicky capacitive switches found in other vehicles.
That being said, the rest of the car operates primarily through the touchscreen. While not my preferred method for managing climate controls, the graphics are adequately sized and fairly easy to use. You can also create shortcuts for various functions in a pull-up menu. However, a better option is to utilize "Spike," Mini’s onboard digital assistant represented by an animated bulldog or Mini hatchback. Activated by saying "Hey Mini" or using the steering wheel control, this assistant is highly competent, managing audio, navigation, temperature, and even the heated seats.
Driving the new Mini is a joy, and achieving over 30 miles per gallon around town without needing premium fuel is a great bonus. The car has plenty of pep, responsive controls, and offers an acceptable ride, especially considering Michigan’s road conditions. While the Experience Modes feel somewhat gimmicky—more aesthetic than functional—they are enjoyable, and the Go-Kart mode notably enhances the steering, suspension, and throttle response. I appreciate the various graphics and lighting effects, particularly at night, and I am sure Mini will provide additional options through their Connected Store. Overall, comfort, visibility, and driving position are all excellent, with the combiner-style head-up display working effectively, even if it doesn’t project directly onto the windshield.
Finally, there are the bells and whistles; they range from useful to interesting to slightly ridiculous. The driver assist technology (including adaptive cruise control and lane keeping) works quite well, and the cruise control will even slow down as you approach curve or a turn. The exterior camera set up is quite comprehensive; I don’t know if I will ever need a 3-D external view of my car while I’m sitting in a restaurant, but if I want it, it’s there. There’s also a fully automated parking system – but let’s face it, if you need help parking a Mini Cooper, perhaps you shouldn’t be driving at all.
WHAT NEEDS WORK
So far, I haven't encountered many issues. My main concerns involve the new technology; apparently, my car is equipped with predictive navigation (which learns your frequent destinations and offers suggestions when you start the car) and calendar integration (tying destinations from your appointments to your navigation system), but I’ve been unable to get either feature to work according to the provided instructions. I’ve reached out to customer assistance and am awaiting their feedback. Oh, and having to hit the OK button to acknowledge the safety warning twice every time I start the car is likely going to wear on my nerves; hopefully a future software update will fix that.
THE FUTURE OF THE BRAND
When a Mini badge is placed on a compact SUV like the Countryman, brand enthusiasts often voice their dissatisfaction, so I empathize with the product planners trying to grow Mini in an SUV-dominated market while being true to the brand. Each new generation of Minis has indeed become larger and more complicated, which contradicts the Mini ethos. However, the latest generation seems to align more closely with the spirit of Alec Issigonis’ original design--and, unlike Jaguar, Mini hasn’t abandoned everything the brand stands for. Since 2006, BMW nearly doubled Mini sales by 2023 (peaking at about 370,000 units in 2017), and while sales have slightly decreased to around 300,000 units annually, this still bodes well for the future (despite a significant drop in sales last year, largely attributable to model changeover for both Cooper and Countryman).
The upcoming electric Minis, co-developed with Great Wall, are expected to be a significant part of the brand's future, although Mini has scaled back its plan to transition to an all-electric lineup to "early next decade." And rumors that plans to build the new EVs in the UK (which would sidestep European and US tariffs on Chinese-built EVs) suggest things are... fluid. Could we see next-generation models of the just-launched Cooper and Countryman? It's entirely possible. I look forward to seeing what Mini has up their sleeve next...
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