First Drive: Next-Gen 2025 Mini Cooper Is Still Quirky, But Less Fun

The interior is even simpler than before: There is no regular gauge cluster ahead of the driver. Instead, a circular screen at the center of the dashboard serves double duty as information and entertainment. 

Over 2,000 break-in miles, our team has gathered initial feedback on the Mini Cooper S 2 Door we purchased ahead of formal testing. Our impressions range from its nimble handling to predictable space restrictions and keen observations about the powertrain and rather unique infotainment system. 

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Mini Cooper is available to you below. We’ll soon put the Mini Cooper through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability. CR members will have access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available.

If you haven’t signed up to be a member yet, click below and become a member to access this full article and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. 

​Sign up for CR’s Cars email newsletter to be notified when we post our latest road-test results.

What we bought: 2025 Mini Cooper S 2 Door
Powertrain: 201-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; front-wheel drive
MSRP: $34,600
Options: ACC Stop&Go + Active Drive Assist ($600), Sunny Side Yellow paint ($295), roof rails ($250), interior camera ($250) 
Destination fee: $995
Total cost: $36,995