MINI Cooper Trims Explained: Classic, Favoured, and John Cooper Works Compared

Shopping for a new MINI Cooper? You’re in for a fun ride, but the choices can feel overwhelming at first. Here’s the good news: understanding Mini Cooper trims doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you know how the pieces fit together, finding your perfect MINI becomes pretty straightforward.

Think of it this way. You’ve got style choices (Classic or Favoured), equipment packages (Signature, Signature Plus, or Iconic), and performance levels (Cooper, Cooper S, or John Cooper Works). Mix and match these options, and you’ll create a MINI that fits your personality and driving style like a glove.

Here’s something cool: MINI is having a great year. Global sales jumped 17.3% in the first half of 2025, reaching 133,778 vehicles worldwide. That’s a huge comeback after a tough 2024. People are loving the new models, and it’s easy to see why once you get behind the wheel.

Understanding MINI Cooper Trim Levels

Let’s start with the basics. When MINI talks about “trim levels,” they’re talking about equipment packages. These decide what technology and comfort features come in your car. They’re separate from engine choices, which we’ll get to in a minute.

Equipment Package Hierarchy

Signature Trim is where everything starts. Don’t let the word “base” fool you—this package comes loaded. You’ll get heated front seats (perfect for those rare chilly Florida mornings), a huge 9.4-inch circular touchscreen that’s actually really easy to use, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, and built-in navigation. The moonroof comes standard too, along with something called MINI Head-Up Display that projects your speed and directions right in front of you. Pretty neat, right?

Want more? Signature Plus Trim adds $2,400 to your price tag. Here’s what you get for that money: bigger 18-inch wheels, more paint colors to choose from, wireless phone charging (say goodbye to tangled cables), auto-dimming mirrors, and keyless entry. You’ll also get the Active Driving Assistant, which helps prevent accidents by watching for cars in front of you and keeping you in your lane. Remote start joins the party too, so your MINI can be cool and comfortable before you even get in.

Iconic Trim sits at the top. It costs $4,100 more than Signature, but you’re getting the works. Power-adjustable heated seats for both driver and passenger. A Harman Kardon sound system that’ll make your favorite songs sound amazing. Navigation with Augmented Reality—that means directional arrows appear on your actual camera view of the road ahead. Plus, you get a parking assistant that can steer into tight spots for you. If you’ve ever tried to parallel park on Worth Avenue, you know how helpful that can be.

Style Packages: Classic vs. Favoured

Now let’s talk style. This is where MINI really lets you show your personality.

Classic Style leans into MINI’s British roots. It’s timeless and refined. Think traditional colors and elegant trim pieces. If you love the heritage look that made MINI famous back in 1959, Classic is your jam.

Favoured Style is for people who want to stand out. You get bolder colors and more expressive design touches. Here’s something unique: the Multitone Roof option. It’s a three-color gradient that fades from one shade to another across your roof. You can’t get that anywhere else. Favoured gives you 31 different color combinations compared to 22 with Classic. The interior materials step up a notch too.

Both styles let you pick from 10 exterior colors. We’re talking Sunny Side Yellow, Chili Red II, British Racing Green, and Ocean Wave Green, among others. Wheels range from 17 to 18 inches with designs that actually help with aerodynamics.

Engine Variants and Performance Tiers

Okay, here’s where things get fun. The engine you choose changes how your MINI drives. Let’s break down your options.

Cooper Base Model

The standard Cooper uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that makes 161 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. That might not sound like much compared to a muscle car, but remember—this is a small, lightweight car. It feels peppy and quick around town. Plus, you’ll get around 28 miles per gallon in the city and 39 on the highway. That’s excellent fuel economy for something this fun to drive.

All Coopers come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. No manual option anymore (we’ll talk about that later). Front-wheel drive is standard.

Pricing starts at $28,950 for the two-door, plus $995 for delivery. The four-door starts at $29,950. That’s a pretty accessible price for a premium small car with this much character.

The 2025 Mini Cooper S brings updated styling and smart technology features that complement the performance improvements in the latest models.

Cooper S: The Sweet Spot

Step up to the Cooper S and you’ll notice the difference right away. Same engine, but tuned to deliver 201 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. That’s 25% more power than the base model. The 0-60 time drops to about 6.6 seconds, and the car feels noticeably more eager to go.

Here’s why most people choose the S: it only costs $3,250 more than the base Cooper. For that money, you get 40 extra horses, better torque for passing and merging, and bigger wheel options. If you plan to keep this car for a few years, the S is absolutely worth it. You’ll appreciate that extra power every single day.

The four-door body style? It only comes as a Cooper S. No base engine option there. Pricing starts at $33,200.

John Cooper Works: Performance Flagship

Want to know something cool? John Cooper was a real guy. He was a racing legend who turned the original Mini into a champion race car back in the 1960s. The cars that bear his name today live up to that heritage.

JCW models crank the power up to 228 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. That torque number is huge—44 lb-ft more than the Cooper S. You’ll feel that difference when you stomp on the gas.

JCW-Specific Components

But it’s not just about more power. JCW models get serious upgrades:

• Sport brakes that stop harder and last longer
• Special suspension that adjusts how stiff or soft the ride feels based on what you’re doing
• High-performance Continental tires (on the Favoured version—optional on Classic)
• Sportier steering that gives you better feedback
• A single exhaust pipe in the center, just like classic race Minis
• Active sound that pipes cool engine noises into the cabin
• Body kit with better aerodynamics and extra cooling
• Exclusive wheel designs with JCW badges everywhere

To understand how these performance components work together, check out our deep dive on how the John Cooper Works model redefines performance in the MINI lineup.

Inside, you get red and black sport seats with checkered flag patterns. The steering wheel is thick and chunky, perfect for spirited driving. Paddle shifters sit behind the wheel so you can change gears manually when you want to. The Head-Up Display comes standard, showing your speed and directions without making you look down.

MINI says the JCW hardtop hits 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The convertible does it in 6.2 seconds. That’s legitimately quick. It costs $6,000 more than the base Cooper, so you’re looking at $39,375 for the hardtop and $44,875 for the convertible before delivery charges.

Performance Driving Experience

Here’s the thing about the latest JCW models: they’re more refined than the old ones. MINI fixed the torque steer problem that used to make the steering wheel jerk around when you floored it. Now the power goes down smoothly and predictably. The trade-off? Some reviewers say the steering feels a tiny bit less connected than before. But throw on the performance tires and you probably won’t notice.

Who should buy a JCW? People who actually use the performance. If you love driving on twisty roads or take your car to track days, the JCW is amazing. For daily commuting in traffic, the Cooper S gives you plenty of fun for less money.

Comparing Classic and Favoured Specifications

So what’s the $3,000 difference between Classic and Favoured JCW models really buy you?

With Favoured, you get performance tires as standard equipment. Power seats up front with side bolsters that hug you in corners. Tinted windows to keep the sun out. And access to all 31 color combinations instead of just 22.

Both versions include the same great stuff: wireless phone connectivity, panoramic moonroof, wheel choices, heated seats and steering wheel, cruise control that adapts to traffic, and MINI Experience Modes. That last one is really cool—you can switch between eight different driving personalities. Green mode maximizes fuel economy. Go-Kart mode unleashes everything and changes the interior lighting to red. It even adjusts how the throttle responds.

Classic makes sense if you want JCW performance without paying for extras you don’t need. Favoured is for people who want everything MINI offers and maximum personalization options.

The All-New Countryman: A Different Approach

Let’s talk about the Countryman for a second. It’s MINI’s compact SUV, and it takes a totally different approach than the Cooper.

The Countryman has 25% more cargo space than before. You get 56 cubic feet with the back seats folded down. That’s enough room for a beach trip or a run to the hardware store. It rides higher, so getting in and out is easier. And here’s a big difference: all Countryman models come with ALL4 all-wheel drive standard. No front-wheel-drive option.

For a complete breakdown of what makes the 2025 Mini Cooper Countryman such a compelling choice, explore our comprehensive review of this redesigned model.

Three versions exist. The Countryman S ALL4 makes 241 horsepower. The electric Countryman SE ALL4 runs on pure battery power. And the JCW Countryman ALL4 pumps out an insane 312 horsepower. That’s serious power for something this size.

The Countryman uses Signature Plus as its starting equipment level instead of regular Signature. You begin with more features right out of the gate. Pricing starts at $38,900 for the S ALL4 and goes up to $46,900 for the JCW. If you need more space than a Cooper offers but still want that MINI driving feel, the Countryman delivers.

Making Your Mini Cooper Trims Decision

Let’s bring this all together. How do you choose among all these Mini Cooper trims?

Think about three things: how you’ll use the car, which features matter most to you, and how much performance you really need.

For Daily Urban Driving

If you’re mostly driving around town, running errands, and commuting to work, the base Cooper with Signature trim does everything you need. The 161 horsepower feels quick enough in city traffic. The standard features list is generous. And the starting price represents solid value. Want to add some nice touches? Move up to Signature Plus for wireless charging and bigger wheels without breaking the bank.

For Enthusiastic Driving

Love taking the long way home on weekends? The Cooper S hits the sweet spot. You get meaningfully more power for highway driving and back-road fun, but you’re not paying for track-ready components you’ll rarely use. Pair the S with Signature Plus or Iconic trim for a really well-rounded package. Most people end up happiest with a Cooper S.

For Performance Focus

The John Cooper Works is for true enthusiasts. People who actively seek out twisty roads. People who might take their car to a track day. If that sounds like you, the JCW delivers. Every upgrade serves a purpose, and you’ll use them. Just know what you’re getting into—this is a focused performance machine, not a casual runabout.

One disappointment: there’s no manual transmission anymore. MINI dropped the stick shift across the entire 2025 lineup. You only get the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic now. It shifts quickly and you get paddle shifters, but some people really miss having three pedals. If you absolutely need a manual, you’ll have to look at used 2024 or older models.

Current Market Dynamics

Here’s what’s happening with MINI sales right now. It’s actually pretty interesting.

In the U.S., sales are up big time. The second quarter of 2025 showed a 29.1% year-over-year increase. The four-door Cooper is killing it with an 80% sales jump. The Countryman surged 50% as more units became available at dealerships. But here’s the thing: two-door Cooper sales dropped 8%. Dealers say it’s probably because people are bummed about losing the manual transmission option.

Globally, more than one-third of MINI sales in early 2025 were electric vehicles. That’s a huge number. MINI is serious about electrification, and buyers are responding. The Cooper models we’ve been talking about still run on gas, but the electric options keep expanding.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Cooper Trims

What’s the difference between Mini Cooper trims and engine models?

Good question—this confuses a lot of people. Mini Cooper trims are equipment packages. Signature, Signature Plus, and Iconic tell you what technology and features you get. Engine models (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW) tell you how much power you have. You can mix and match these however you want. Want a Cooper S with Iconic trim? No problem. Base Cooper with just Signature? That works too. They’re totally separate choices.

How much more does the Cooper S cost compared to the base Cooper?

The Cooper S adds $3,250 to whatever trim level you pick. That’s it. For that money, you get 40 more horsepower (201 vs. 161) and better torque (221 vs. 184 lb-ft). You also get access to larger wheels and sportier trim options. Most car reviewers think it’s worth the upgrade, and we agree. You’ll notice that extra power every time you drive.

Are Mini Cooper trim levels the same across all body styles?

Nope, they’re a bit different. Two-door and convertible models offer all three equipment packages (Signature, Signature Plus, Iconic) plus Classic and Favoured style choices. The four-door Cooper only comes as a Cooper S—there’s no base engine option. But you still get all three equipment packages. The Countryman does its own thing, starting at Signature Plus instead of regular Signature. It’s a little confusing at first, but your dealer can walk you through it.

Is the John Cooper Works worth the extra cost?

That depends entirely on you. The JCW costs $6,000 more than the base Cooper. What do you get? Sixty-seven extra horsepower. Better suspension. Performance brakes. Exclusive styling. Track-ready components. If you actually drive hard regularly—twisty roads on weekends, maybe some autocross or track days—the JCW is absolutely worth it. You’ll use everything it offers. But if you mostly drive in normal traffic, the Cooper S gives you plenty of fun for less money. Be honest about how you’ll actually use the car.

What does the Favoured style package include?

Favoured gives you bolder looks and more choices. You get 31 color combinations instead of 22. The coolest feature? The Multitone Roof with its three-color gradient design. It looks incredible and you can’t get it anywhere else. Inside, you get nicer materials and more expressive design touches. On JCW models, Favoured includes performance tires as standard equipment. The package adds about $3,000 to your price, but it really makes your MINI stand out.

Can you get all-wheel drive on a Cooper model?

No, all Cooper models (two-door and four-door) come with front-wheel drive only. There’s no all-wheel-drive option available. If you need all-wheel traction for winter weather or just prefer how it drives, you’ll need to step up to the MINI Countryman. The ALL4 all-wheel-drive system comes standard on every Countryman—the S ALL4, the electric SE ALL4, and the JCW ALL4. So you’ve got options if all-wheel drive matters to you.

Which Mini Cooper trims come with a manual transmission?

Here’s the bad news: none of them. MINI killed the manual transmission for 2025. Every single model uses the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic now. No exceptions. Enthusiasts aren’t happy about this, and honestly, we get it. There’s something special about rowing your own gears in a car this fun. The automatic shifts fast and you get paddle shifters to control it manually, but it’s not the same. If you absolutely must have three pedals, shop the used market for 2024 or earlier models.

What’s included in the Signature trim package?

Signature is the base package, but it’s loaded with good stuff. You get heated front seats and steering wheel (yes, even in Florida—they feel nice on cool mornings). The 9.4-inch circular touchscreen is huge and actually works really well. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mean no cables. LED headlights with three different graphics you can customize. Seventeen-inch wheels. Built-in navigation. A panoramic moonroof. Head-Up Display that projects info in front of you. MINI Experience Modes with mood lighting. And a four-year/50,000-mile warranty covers everything. Even the “base” trim feels pretty luxurious.

Ready to Find Your Perfect MINI Cooper?

Choosing the right mix of Mini Cooper trims, power levels, and style packages creates a car that feels made just for you. The 2025 lineup offers something for everyone. Efficient base Coopers for city life. Balanced Cooper S models for enthusiastic drivers. High-performance JCW versions for weekend warriors. They’re all good—you just need to figure out which one matches your life.

Here’s what we recommend: come test drive them all. Seriously. You can read about the differences all day, but nothing beats actually getting behind the wheel. Feel how the base Cooper drives around town. Experience that extra punch from the Cooper S engine. Try the JCW and see if that performance focus speaks to you. Compare Signature to Iconic equipment and decide which features you’ll actually use.

At Braman Mini of Palm Beach, we know these cars inside and out. We’ll help you build the perfect combination of equipment, performance, and style to match what you need and what you want to spend. No pressure, no games—just straight talk about which MINI fits your life.

Whether you’re drawn to the Classic’s timeless style, the Favoured’s bold personality, or the John Cooper Works’ track-ready performance, your ideal MINI is waiting. Visit our showroom and let’s find it together.

Contact Braman Mini of Palm Beach today to set up your test drive. Trust us—once you drive a MINI, you’ll understand why people get so excited about these little cars.