MINI Mini IV (J01) (2023 – Présent)

Reliability score : 8.7/10

The 4th generation of the MINI (3-door Hatch) marks a historic turning point with a dual platform strategy. On one side, the J01, a 100% electric platform developed in China in a joint venture with Great Wall Motors (Spotlight Automotive). On the other, the F66 (and F65 in 5-door), which is a heavily revised evolution of the old F56 ICE platform, manufactured in Oxford. IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION REGARDING DIESEL: As an expert, I must emphasize that MINI has definitively abandoned diesel engines (Cooper D, Cooper SD) on its city cars since 2019. There is absolutely no diesel engine on the IV generation (J01/F66) produced between 2023 and 2025. High-mileage drivers will have to turn to the used car market (F56 generation before 2019) or opt for the new long-range electric versions. This report

✅ Strengths

Minimalist and spectacular interior design (24 cm round OLED central screen).
Electric version (Cooper SE) range finally competitive (up to 402 km WLTP).
Driving dynamics still 'Go-kart' like, especially on the J01 thanks to the very low center of gravity.
Increased finish quality, enhancing recycled materials.
Reliability of ICE blocks (B38/B48) now irreproachable.

⚠️ Weaknesses

Total disappearance of the Diesel offering (penalizing for very high-mileage drivers).
All-touch ergonomics: removal of the iDrive knob and physical climate controls.
Significant weight increase on electric versions (J01).
The ICE version (F66) is only a major facelift of the previous generation (F56).
Frequent software bugs on early models (MINI Operating System 9).

🎯 Verdict

The 4th generation MINI successfully navigates its transition. The electric version (J01) finally becomes a versatile car thanks to a decent battery, while the internal combustion version (F66) capitalizes on BMW engines (B38/B48) whose reliability is well-established. If you are looking for a Diesel, move on: MINI has definitively turned that page. For high-mileage drivers, the Cooper S ICE or the Cooper SE electric (if home charging is available) are the only viable alternatives. Purchase is recommended, but slight negotiation is possible on showroom models that have experienced initial software bugs.