Overview
While it might not be as practical as other station wagons, the diminutive 2023 Mini Cooper S Clubman sure does have its rivals beat on style. With a spicy 189-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and a sport-tuned suspension, it’s also more fun to drive than cars like the Audi A4 Allroad and the Subaru Outback. All-wheel drive is available, but the Clubman doesn’t offer the same kind of ground clearance as the more rugged SUV-ish Subaru. We’re ok with that, as it provides a more car-like driving experience. The Mini’ssporty personality does bring with it a bit of a rough ride though, especially when equipped with the larger 18-inch wheels. What the Clubman delivers best is a taste of that iconic Mini zippiness—with more space for cargo—and it does so without the more awkward proportions of the Mini Countryman SUV.
What’s New for 2023?
A new Untold Edition model—no, we don’t get the name, either—joins the lineup for 2023 and sports Sage Green exterior paint and leather upholstery in a matching hue. The Untold Edition is based on the top-spec Iconic trim and also features bright brass exterior and interior detailing.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Unless you need the All4’s all-wheel-drive grip for traveling in inclement weather, we’d recommend the front-drive S Clubman, which comes nicely equipped. The Cooper S Clubman travels on 17-inch wheels fitted with run-flat tires, and it boasts automatic projector-beam LED headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and heated power-adjustable side mirrors. The cabin is home to luxuries like heated front seats, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, and push-button ignition. You also get keyless entry. This Mini boasts several driver-assistance features as standard, such as forward-collision warning and rear parking sensors.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All 2023 Mini Cooper S Clubman models are motivated by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 189 horsepower. Mini pairs this powerplant with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and optional all-wheel drive. In our tests, a Cooper S Clubman with the previous-gen eight-speed automatic transmission dashed to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds; with all-wheel drive and a six-speed manual, the car took 7.3 seconds to reach 60. Those numbers make it quicker than the Fiat 500L, which completed the run in 8.0 seconds. The Cooper S Clubman scores high marks for its athletic handling, but this sometimes comes at the expense of ride comfort. If you’re looking for a Mini wagon that offers an even higher level of performance, check out the Cooper Clubman John Cooper Works, which we review separately.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The most efficient Mini Cooper S Clubman manages 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. All-wheel-drive models take a small hit in fuel economy, achieving 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. During our time with an S Clubman, we observed 27 mpg. For more information about the Clubman’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Cooper S Clubman provides a cabin with solid build quality and eye-catching design. The display in the center stack sits in a circular housing that mimics the car’s cheerful round headlights. The cabin looks whimsical and upbeat, and the materials are top notch. Despite the car’s small footprint, there’s a decent amount of room available for passengers in both rows. With all seats in place, the Cooper S Clubman provides 13 cubic feet of cargo space. This expands to 44 with the rear seats lowered. That’s a lot less room than you’ll get with some competitors. For example, the Subaru Outback delivers 33 cubic feet of cargo space behind its back seat and 76 with it lowered.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A six-speaker AM/FM sound system comes standard, as do an auxiliary input jack and streaming audio. Also, all models have Bluetooth connectivity, which means you can make and receive phone calls without taking your hands off the wheel. The list of tech options includes integrated navigation, wireless device charging, and an upgraded Harman/Kardon sound system. Apple CarPlay capability is optional for those who want to easily hook up their iPhones to the interface, but Android users are out of luck.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Mini has equipped this wagon with some desirable driver-assistance features. Unfortunately, though, blind-spot monitoring isn’t among them. For more information about the Clubman’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mini’s warranty coverage is competitive, and its three years of included scheduled maintenance is generous for this segment. Subaru doesn’t cover any service visits.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2020 Mini Cooper S Clubman
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$40,600 (base price: $31,750)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC.16 -valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 in3, 1998 cm3
Power
189 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
207 lb-ft @ 1350 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): struts/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 12.1-in vented disc/11.0-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Turanza T005, 225/40R-18 92Y ★
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.1 in
Length: 168.5 in
Width: 70.9 in
Height: 56.7 in
Passenger volume: 90 ft3
Cargo volume: 18 ft3
Curb weight: 3329 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 6.4 sec
100 mph: 17.1 sec
120 mph: 28.1 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.8 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.3 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.7 sec
¼-mile: 15.0 sec @ 94 mph
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 142 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 160 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.91 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 22 mpg
75-mph highway driving: 36 mpg
Highway range: 470 miles
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 29/26/34 mpg
More Features and Specs