Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the MINI Aceman SE is the more rational choice: its 406 km claimed range is 51 km better than the JCW’s 355 km from the same 54.2 kWh battery. The John Cooper Works answers with 254 hp, 350 Nm and a 6.4-second 0-100 km/h time, against 215 hp, 330 Nm and 7.1 seconds for the SE. That is a meaningful gain, but the SE already has the same core cabin, safety kit and 300-litre boot. Pay extra only if the stronger motor matters to you.
Pick the MINI Aceman SE if you want the longer 406 km claimed range and nearly all of the same equipment for less money.
Pick the MINI Aceman John Cooper Works if you will use its 254 hp motor, 6.4-second sprint and six front and rear parking sensors.
Key differences
- Price: RM213,888 for the MINI Aceman SE versus RM233,888 for the MINI Aceman John Cooper Works.
- Motor output: 215 hp and 330 Nm for the SE versus 254 hp and 350 Nm for the John Cooper Works.
- EV range: 406 km for the SE versus 355 km for the John Cooper Works.
- 0-100 km/h: 7.1 seconds for the SE versus 6.4 seconds for the John Cooper Works.
- Top speed: 170 km/h for the SE versus 200 km/h for the John Cooper Works.
- Parking sensors: no front or rear sensors for the SE versus six front and six rear sensors for the John Cooper Works.
SE
- 406 km claimed EV range, 51 km ahead of the JCW.
- Same 54.2 kWh battery, 11 kW AC and 95 kW DC charging as the JCW.
- Same 9.4-inch OLED display, Harman Kardon audio, powered front seats with massage and 360-degree camera.
- 215 hp and 330 Nm trail the JCW’s 254 hp and 350 Nm.
- 7.1-second 0-100 km/h time is 0.7 seconds slower than the JCW.
- No front or rear parking sensors.
John Cooper Works
- 254 hp and 350 Nm, with 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds.
- 200 km/h top speed versus 170 km/h in the SE.
- Six front and six rear parking sensors, plus 19-inch JCW Lap Spoke two-tone alloys.
- 355 km claimed range is 51 km less than the SE’s 406 km despite the same 54.2 kWh battery.
- Costs RM20,000 more than the SE.
- RM240 annual road tax is RM40 higher than the SE’s RM200.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM213,888✓ | RM233,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM200✓ | RM240 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 215 hp | 254 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 330 Nm | 350 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 54.2 kWh | 54.2 kWh |
| EV Range | 406 km✓ | 355 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 95 kW | 95 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.1 seconds | 6.4 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 170 km/h | 200 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,076 mm | 4,076 mm |
| Width | 1,754 mm | 1,754 mm |
| Height | 1,515 mm | 1,515 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,606 mm | 2,606 mm |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 300 litres | 300 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/40R19 | — |
| Rear Tyre | 225/40R19 | — |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear Assurance ComfortTred | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Hexagram Alloy Wheels | 19" JCW Lap Spoke Two-Tone Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Hexagram Alloy Wheels | 19" JCW Lap Spoke Two-Tone Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point belts | 5 Three-point belts |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, Front Passenger Seat | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, Front Passenger Seat |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory and Massage Function | Powered Front Seats with Driver's Side Memory and Massage Function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate | Dual-zone Automatic Climate |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System | 9.4" OLED Display with MINI OS, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Flip Switch | Keyless Flip Switch |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control (Requires Subscription) | Active Cruise Control (Requires Subscription) |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Tailgate | Powered Tailgate |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 4 years | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | Repair Inclusive extendable up to 5 years, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
SE vs John Cooper Works FAQ
Is the MINI Aceman SE or MINI Aceman John Cooper Works better?
The MINI Aceman SE is better for range and lower ownership cost, while the John Cooper Works is better if you prioritise acceleration, a 200 km/h top speed and parking sensors. The SE is the more sensible default.
What is the price difference?
The MINI Aceman John Cooper Works costs RM20,000 more than the MINI Aceman SE.
Which MINI Aceman has the longer range?
The MINI Aceman SE has the longer claimed range at 406 km. The John Cooper Works manages 355 km, despite both using a 54.2 kWh battery and the same 11 kW AC and 95 kW DC charging rates.
