Mini Cooper AWD Insights All-Wheel-Drive Benefits Uncovered

There are a number of MINI Coopers that have all-wheel-drive. The MINI Cooper’s ALL4 AWD system will automatically redistribute power between the vehicle’s front and rear axles to help you maintain control during harsh or dangerous weather conditions or on unsafe terrain. When AWD isn’t needed, the system will automatically switch to rear-wheel drive in order to improve fuel efficiency and engine performance. Here is a look at what all-wheel-drive is, which MINI Cooper models are equipped with ALL4 AWD, the benefits of all-wheel-drive, and whether you can convert your standard MINI Cooper to an all-wheel-drive MINI Cooper.

What Is All-Wheel-Drive (AWD)?

AWD is a vehicle system that distributes power to all four wheels of the car in order to improve tire traction and vehicle control in dangerous weather or challenging terrain. An AWD vehicle has a center differential that splits power from the vehicle’s transmission to its front and rear axles. This system automatically sends power to all four wheels or just the two front wheels based on the driving conditions. AWD is designed for on-road use and can improve vehicle safety and control on dangerous roadways, such as icy, rain-slicked, or snow-covered roads. AWD is better than front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive at maintaining vehicle control.

Are MINI Coopers All-Wheel-Drive?

Not all MINI Coopers are equipped with all-wheel-drive. However, you can convert your MINI Cooper to AWD if it does not come standard with the model you want. MINI Coopers that have all-wheel-drive are labeled with ‘ALL4’ in their name. Some of the MINI Cooper models that are equipped with all-wheel-drive are:

• 2025 Countryman S ALL4
• 2025 Countryman SE ALL4
• 2025 JCW Countryman ALL4
• 2023 MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4
• 2023 MINI Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works
• 2023 MINI Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works
• 2023 MINI Cooper Clubman S Automatic ALL4
• MINI Cooper Clubman S ALL4
• MINI Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works ALL4
• MINI Cooper Countryman S ALL4
• MINI Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works ALL4
• MINI Cooper Countryman SE ALL4

The Benefits of Buying an All-Wheel-Drive MINI Cooper

MINI Coopers with AWD offer more traction and more control. It will be easier for you to maneuver the vehicle in almost any on-road terrain or scenario. The MINI Cooper’s AWD system functions in the same way as any other vehicle’s AWD system but uses a 50/50 split of the engine power and decides when and where to redirect the power on the vehicle. The MINI Cooper’s ALL4 system is always on and has the capability to redirect up to 100% of the vehicle’s power to the front wheels if necessary. The biggest benefits of buying a MINI Cooper with ALL4 AWD are:

• Improved traction, particularly on slippery roads or inclement weather
• Enhanced stability and control and reduced risk of wheel spin
• Safer handling in wet or snowy conditions
• Reduced risk of an accident or loss of control in wet or snowy conditions
• Improved acceleration on uneven surfaces or challenging roadways

Are MINI Coopers Good in Snow?

Yes, a MINI Cooper can be safe and easy to handle in snow if it is equipped with the ALL4 AWD system as well as snow tires or winter tires. The ALL4 system provides better traction and control on snowy, icy, and slippery roads. However, due to the MINI Cooper’s lightweight frame, small size, and low ground clearance, it may not perform as well in deep snow conditions or off-road snow conditions. The MINI Cooper Countryman is the most snow-friendly MINI Cooper model, as it is larger in size and has higher ground clearance.

Can You Convert a MINI Cooper to All-Wheel-Drive?

Yes, you can convert a MINI Cooper to all-wheel-drive. It’s important to work with an experienced auto technician who is certified in MINI Cooper repairs, upgrades, and performance enhancements. They can install the necessary parts and components to convert your MINI Cooper to AWD. There are two kits that allow a technician to convert your MINI Cooper to AWD:

• Mini Mania – This is an AWD subframe kit that works on Classic MINIs. It includes a custom rear subframe, suspension, body panel modifications, and other enhancements. In order to use the kit, you must purchase a 1996-2001 Honda CR-V AWD manual five-speed drivetrain and make certain modifications to the body of your MINI Cooper.
• Getrag – Getrag offers a Twinster AWD system that can be used on a variety of different vehicles, including the MINI Cooper S.

Making these modifications can be dangerous, and can affect the safety, performance, and lifespan of your vehicle, particularly if they are not done correctly by an experienced auto technician. Modifying your MINI Cooper can also violate your warranty and potentially decrease the resale value of your vehicle.

Learn More About AWD MINI Coopers From Boyd Motor Werks

At Boyd Motor Werks, we are an authorized MINI Cooper auto service center in Portland, OR. We offer quality, reliable auto repairs, replacement parts, maintenance, and inspections for all MINI Cooper models. We also offer vehicle recall repairs and MINI Cooper pre-purchase inspections. We only use quality OEM parts for MINI Cooper repairs to ensure vehicle safety, performance, and value. To schedule a tune-up, maintenance, or repair for your MINI Cooper, call us now or contact us online to make an appointment at our service center.