Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
The versatile MINI family is back with a bevy of updated and all-new vehicles for 2025 that garner attention wherever they roam. From all-electric variants to convertibles to performance-happy trims, there may be literally a MINI type for each genre of MINI customer. The brand’s eclectic individualization knows no bounds.
The MINI Formula
Since 1959 MINI has attracted various drivers who love thrilling mobility in small packages. It began that way and continues with the brand new MINI family presented in limitless types of expression. Whether it’s a MINI SUV often known as the Countryman, a MINI Cooper S Convertible, or a John Cooper Works that excites aesthetically and mechanically, each will give you go-kart exhilaration, fun-to-drive characteristics, confident self-expression, and limitless customization capabilities.
A MINI is greater than an automotive product; it’s an extension of your lifestyle and the values you represent. Irrespective of how diverse, MINI brings people together to have fun in unison. One outstanding example is the MINI TAKES THE STATES rally that happens bi-annually with hundreds of householders who parade across the country in an organized and eccentric fashion.
The Savannah Vibe
MINI invited media to Savannah to experience the brand new lineup across the historic allure, nature, and sites of the coastal Georgia city. Parted from South Carolina by the 301-mile Savannah River, I enjoyed my time here while running through Forsyth Park and along the charming cobblestone streets, taking within the energy of the Historic Landmark District, and admiring the antebellum architecture of the town. Savannah is chill, vibrant, and unique in structure and presentation. Whether visiting the First African Baptist Church, Davenport House Museum, the SCAD Museum of Art or partaking within the 40 Acres and a Mule Tour, it’s an interesting walking city for rediscovery.
MINI Electric
The scenery was ideal for our MINI rides since they fit perfectly with the vibe. My drive partner Brian Armstead—who’s 6’9″ and seats comfortably in every MINI—chosen a British Racing Green MINI Countryman SE ALL4 to get the procession going. The “E” in “SE” denotes electric and “ALL4” signifies all-wheel drive. What’s so cool about MINI is that irrespective of what model you choose, the MINI formula stays the identical, reminiscent of the classic hexagon grille, bulldog stance with the wheels pushed to the corners, round bubble lights, and contained in the cabin, the circular center display, trendy textiles and trim, and clever switches and straps for handles. You’ll even discover a strap on the steering wheel.
Pivotal emphasis might be on MINI’s largest models (Countryman S and Countryman SE), that are longer and taller and rebuilt from the bottom up for energetic families. The compact SUV will help engaged owners thrive in each the town and the countryside, especially with increased interior room for gear and equipment and ALL4 to tackle any terrain type and opposed weather. It also represents the primary MINI with Level 2 assistance systems for semi-automated driving, if that’s your thing. It’s definitely not mine because I would like to regulate my ride in any respect times.
The MINI SUV is ignited by two electric motors with a complete output of 308-horsepower and 364 lb-ft of torque for a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of 5.4 seconds. Combined with the 66.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, the Countryman SE can achieve an EPA electric range of as much as 212 miles. Nevertheless, that should increase dramatically to appease today’s EV drivers. As a part of the EV ownership experience plan to put in a Level 2 charger at your own home. The fun, entertaining, and youthful 2025 Countryman SE ALL4 captures the essence and mindset of the MINI community, but now with an electrified attitude. Are you able to ride the electrical MINI wave? Pricing starts at $45,200.
John Cooper Works (JCW)
Next was an outing to the Tybee Island Light Station & Museum in our $44,375 (total with options) Ocean Wave Green MINI JCW Hardtop 2 Door featuring the $2,000 Ionic Trim. The trip over was relatively quick because of the 2-liter MINI TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder, producing 228-horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with a 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters attached to the thick, sporty steering wheel. Cornering and JCW Sport Brakes were precise. The football-shaped brake pedal is an enthusiastic touch as well. MINI Experience Modes help you customize the vehicle’s mannerisms, whether it’s Green, Core, or High Consumption mode. MINI also added a Go-Kart mode for more aggression. Moreover, the center-mounted JCW exhaust tip’s notes sound good.
A couple of comfort amenities include the 12-speaker Harmon/Kardon 365 surround sound audio system, split panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, Teleservices and Emergency Call within the event of an accident, ambient interior lighting, and the brand new 9.4” OLED infotainment touchscreen (in partnership with Samsung) featuring an array of interfaces. Together with MINI Operating System 9, MINI provides all of the mandatory information for an intuitive drive. From here, you control the entertainment features, MINI Navigation, assistance systems, MINI Driving Sounds, and a video recorder. But don’t expect to travel with greater than two people total because backseat legroom is next to non-existent within the MINI JCW Hardtop 2 Door.
MINI Convertible Life
MINI produces three convertibles, dubbed MINI Cooper Convertible ($33,950), MINI Cooper S Convertible ($37,200), and MINI John Cooper Works Convertible ($43,700). They embrace a minimalist silhouette to reflect adventure and flexibility when you view the scene from all perspectives. Styling is strong (especially the JCW) but streamlined with a simplified power-dome hood, the octagonal-shaped grille, recent signature lights, light alloy rims, and vertical LED taillamps. We jumped in a 2025 MINI Cooper S Convertible in Sunny Side Yellow to parade around town. The sensation of flamboyancy was an understatement. To indicate it off, we cruised to see the Gothic-Revival Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Savannah City Market, American Prohibition Museum, River Street, and the Plant Riverside District. Expect 30 combined miles per gallon from the MINI Cooper S Convertible.
MINI’s philosophy of Charismatic Simplicity will dictate the design direction, specializing in three key elements: an intelligent command center, a sporty and thick multifunction steering wheel, and toggle switches. The vertical exterior theme follows in the inside, including the vents and door handles. Leather-free upholstery and human-centric amenities are moreover implemented. In-car tech continues with cloud-based mapping, personal mode to upload photos, and an optional interior camera. MINI went even further by offering the All the time Open Timer to showcase how much time you drove topless. By the way in which, the fully automatic MINI Yours Softtop opens in 18 seconds and in three positions: fully open, partially open, or with the integrated sunroof.
A MINI is a novel vehicle for a novel customer. Whether owners select a MINI Countryman or a MINI Cooper S they might be appeased by the classic design themes, sporty proportions, and exhilaration of those lifestyle vehicles. Due to this fact, be certain to secure a MINI in your next tour to Savannah, GA.
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