Is the Most Expensive Mini Cooper Worth It?
The Mini Cooper is an iconic hatchback with a heritage that stretches across generations. For some, it’s a cute city runabout, while others view it as a genuine hot hatch with the chops to match. These days though, the Mini Cooper isn’t the affordable compact three-door it used to be. But does the most expensive Mini Cooper justify the price tag?
Standard features in the Mini Cooper Hardtop 2-door
For this peek into the Mini landscape, we’ll be checking out the Mini Cooper Hardtop 2-door. As the most classic of the Mini formulas, this is the model most think of when ideating about the iconic British brand.
First, the most basic Mini Cooper carries an affordable starting price at just under $26,000. For that though, the two-door offers just 134 horsepower from a turbocharged three-cylinder engine. That said, it does come with Apple CarPlay connectivity and the Active Driving Assistant in its base guise.
Exploring the Mini Cooper S
For that classic spunky Mini sensation, the Mini Cooper S is the more appropriate option. Here, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder turns out 189 horsepower. Furthermore, it’s just one mpg down when MotorTrend compared it to the less-potent base model
Getting a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic comes at a price as well, though Mini purists will likely keep the six-speed stick instead. In addition, the base Mini Cooper S adds some luxury touches like a Nappa leather steering wheel.
What comes in the most expensive Mini Cooper?
We’re omitting the performance-focused John Cooper Works, as that model is a different breed than the rest of the Mini Cooper lineup. But in the most expensive Mini Cooper S, a laundry list of premium features awaits.
Adding the Iconic Trim to the Mini Cooper does get expensive – it’s a nearly $8000 upgrade – but it does offer an elevated experience.
The most expensive Mini Cooper comes with built-in navigation in addition to the Active driving assistant. Other tech features include the Comfort Access keyless entry and start system and a heads-up display. Finally, the Cooper S Iconic includes a wireless phone charger and universal garage door opener for convenience.
There are luxury features abound in this pricey hatchback as well. Premium leather wraps the steering wheel, seats, dash, and doors. An Anthracite headliner ups the style quotient in the cabin as well. Heated front seats and dual-zone climate control add comfort to the overall driving experience. And with a panoramic moonroof, clear views of the sky and warm natural light brighten the interior.
But wait, there’s more!
To complete the most expensive Mini Cooper means exploring all of the optional extras. Here we find adaptive suspension and performance summer tires to complete the hot hatch experience. There are also luxury touches like a heated steering wheel. Tech upgrades include active cruise control and an active parking assistant. Finally, roof racks add versatility and an alarm system helps keep the Cooper safe.
How much is the most expensive Mini Cooper?
With the top-spec trim and all options tacked onto the bill, the most expensive Mini Cooper checks in at just over $41,000. But is it worth the cost?
For that scratch, there are more luxurious and performance-focused options out there. A new Genesis G70 offers more cabin space, performance, and overall luxury in a similar tax bracket. To that end, the Mini Cooper becomes a niche – loved subjectively for what it is rather than objectively for its value.
