2025 Mini Cooper S 4 Door: A Lovable Hot Hatch with Growing Pains
The 2025 Mini Cooper S 4 Door represents a significant redesign that brings both welcome improvements and controversial changes to the beloved hot hatch formula. With its first-ever 200+ horsepower output in a non-JCW model and completely revamped interior, this latest generation embodies what Mini calls 'charismatic simplicity.' However, purists may mourn the loss of distinctive design elements like the decorative hood scoop and center-mounted dual exhaust tips that previously defined the Cooper S identity. Our week-long test revealed a car that maintains Mini's playful spirit while growing more sophisticated, though not without some trade-offs in character and usability.
2025 Mini Cooper S
View ListingsPros
- 201 horsepower delivers strong acceleration and passing power
- Compact dimensions make city driving and parking effortless
- Engaging handling with eager turn-in response
- Premium features like blind-spot monitoring now standard
- Competitive pricing compared to similarly equipped rivals
Cons
- Firm suspension creates harsh ride quality over rough roads
- Front-wheel torque steer under hard acceleration
- Circular touchscreen interface is laggy and difficult to operate
- Manual transmission no longer available
- Interior materials feel cheap with coarse fabric surfaces
Performance: More Power, Same Playful Character
The heart of the 2025 Cooper S remains a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, now producing 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque—increases of 12 hp and 14 lb-ft over the previous generation. This marks the first time a non-JCW Cooper S has broken the 200-horsepower barrier. The engine pairs exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as manual options have been discontinued. Despite the modest power increase, the new Cooper S feels noticeably quicker in daily driving situations, with strong low-end torque making highway merging and quick overtakes effortless. The 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds represents only a marginal improvement, but the enhanced drivability is immediately apparent. Front-wheel-drive dynamics still show their limitations under hard launches, with noticeable torque steer requiring a firm grip on the substantial steering wheel. The braking system impresses with linear pedal feel and strong stopping power during spirited driving sessions.
Handling: Eager but Not Always Composed
The Cooper S maintains Mini's reputation for zippy, engaging dynamics that transform mundane commutes into entertaining experiences. The firm suspension setup minimizes body roll and provides responsive handling characteristics that make navigating tight city streets or quick direction changes feel effortless. Turn-in response is exceptionally sharp, almost hyperactive, allowing drivers to tackle 90-degree corners at surprising speeds. However, pushing the limits reveals some dynamic weaknesses—understeer appears when cornering too aggressively, though a quick brake tap helps rotate the rear end back into line. The compact 158.9-inch length makes the Cooper S nearly two feet shorter than a Honda Civic hatchback and 10 inches more compact than a Volkswagen GTI, enhancing maneuverability in urban environments. While maximum grip levels aren't exceptional, the entertaining handling character remains accessible at legal speeds, making every drive feel more engaging than typical economy cars.
Interior: High-Tech but Polarizing Changes
The 2025 Cooper S interior represents Mini's most dramatic departure from traditional design philosophy. The centerpiece is an industry-first circular OLED touchscreen that consolidates nearly all vehicle functions, eliminating most beloved physical toggle switches. While the display quality is exceptional with crystal-clear graphics, the software proves laggy and menu navigation becomes frustratingly complex for simple tasks like adjusting cruise control settings. The lack of a natural wrist rest makes precise touchscreen operation difficult while driving over rough surfaces. Interior materials take a step backward, featuring coarse fabric surfaces that replace the previous generation's padded panels, with hard plastics dominating non-contact areas. Front seats accommodate tall occupants comfortably, but rear space remains limited for adult passengers. The traditional gauge cluster disappears entirely, replaced by information integrated into the central screen, though a standard head-up display helps maintain driver focus. Climate controls now require multiple screen taps instead of intuitive physical knobs, creating unnecessary complexity for basic functions.
Technology and Features: Finally Catching Up
For the first time in Mini Cooper history, the 2025 model offers power seats, though only on top trim levels. Standard blind-spot monitoring addresses a long-standing safety oversight, while adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and lane-keeping assistance create a comprehensive driver assistance package. The panoramic sunroof comes standard, and available Harman Kardon audio provides premium sound quality. Mini Parking Assistant Plus can autonomously navigate tight parking spaces, perfect for urban driving scenarios. However, accessing paddle shifters requires expensive option packages totaling $6,300 above the base price, making manual gear selection cost-prohibitive. The controversial circular display serves as the command center for all functions, from climate control to vehicle settings, requiring drivers to adapt to an entirely new interface philosophy. While feature content finally matches modern expectations, the implementation prioritizes aesthetics over usability in several key areas.
Value Proposition: Reasonable in Today's Market
Starting at $34,375 including destination charges, the 2025 Cooper S 4 Door enters an increasingly expensive hot hatch segment. Our test vehicle's $38,795 price point includes several desirable options while remaining competitive against rivals like the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen GTI Autobahn, which can exceed $41,000 when similarly equipped. The Mini's unique character and compact dimensions justify the premium over mainstream alternatives, though potential tariff impacts could affect future pricing. Standard features like blind-spot monitoring, panoramic sunroof, and head-up display add value compared to previous generations that charged extra for basic safety technologies. However, expensive option packages required for features like paddle shifters feel unnecessarily punitive. Used previous-generation models offer similar charm with more intuitive controls and available manual transmissions, making them attractive alternatives for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize traditional Mini character over the latest technology.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2025 Mini Cooper S 4 Door reliable?
The 2025 Mini Cooper S represents the first model year of a completely redesigned generation, so long-term reliability data isn't yet available. Mini has historically faced some reliability challenges, particularly with complex systems and electronics. The new model's simplified engine lineup and updated technology could improve reliability, but the extensive use of the new circular touchscreen for basic functions raises concerns about potential electronic issues. Previous generation Mini Cooper models have shown mixed reliability results, with some owners experiencing issues with the dual-clutch transmission and various electrical components. We recommend waiting for more real-world data or considering certified pre-owned options with warranty coverage.
How does the 2025 Mini Cooper S compare to the Volkswagen GTI?
The Mini Cooper S and Volkswagen GTI represent different philosophies in the hot hatch segment. The GTI offers superior refinement, build quality, and practicality, with a more composed ride, better interior materials, and more usable rear seating. It's also available with a manual transmission and provides more traditional controls. However, the Mini Cooper S delivers more character and urban maneuverability, with its compact dimensions making city parking much easier. The Mini's 201 horsepower slightly edges the GTI's output, and its starting price of $34,375 undercuts the GTI significantly. Choose the GTI for all-around excellence and the Mini for personality and city-friendly size, though both require careful consideration of option packages to reach their full potential.
What are the main problems with the 2025 Mini Cooper S interior?
The 2025 Mini Cooper S interior's biggest issue is the controversial circular OLED touchscreen that controls virtually all vehicle functions. This system eliminates beloved physical toggle switches and creates usability problems, including laggy response times, complex menu navigation, and difficulty operating while driving due to the lack of a wrist rest. Basic functions like climate control now require multiple screen taps instead of simple knob turns. Interior material quality also disappoints, with coarse fabric surfaces replacing previous soft-touch materials and hard plastics dominating contact points. The loss of traditional gauges forces drivers to look at the center screen for vital information, though the standard head-up display helps mitigate this issue. Many owners may find the learning curve steep and prefer the more intuitive layout of previous generations.
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