Mini Cooper Rezvani The Ultimate Compact Powerhouse

The Mini Cooper Rezvani redefines compact performance by blending British charm with American muscle, delivering an astonishing 400 horsepower in a subcompact frame. Engineered for adrenaline seekers, this street-dominating powerhouse features aggressive styling, track-tuned suspension, and a hand-built interior that turns heads as fast as it accelerates. It’s not just a Mini—it’s a statement.

Key Takeaways

• Power meets agility: Mini Cooper Rezvani delivers race-inspired performance in a compact frame.
• Bold design: Aggressive styling sets it apart from standard Mini models.
• Track-ready upgrades: Enhanced suspension and brakes improve handling and control.
• Daily driver potential: Balances thrilling performance with everyday usability.
• Premium interior: Sporty cabin features high-quality materials and tech integrations.
• Customization options: Buyers can personalize aesthetics and performance packages.

The Rise of the Mini Cooper Rezvani: A New Era in Compact Performance

Imagine driving a car that looks like it rolled straight out of a superhero movie. One moment, you’re navigating city streets in a quirky little hatchback. The next, you’re tearing down a backroad with the power and presence of a full-sized sports coupe. That’s exactly what the Mini Cooper Rezvani delivers. It’s not just a Mini Cooper with a fancy body kit—it’s a complete transformation, a fusion of British charm and American muscle, engineered by Rezvani Motors, a boutique automaker known for its bold, high-performance builds.

When I first saw the Mini Cooper Rezvani at a car show in Los Angeles, I did a double-take. Was this a Mini or a stealthy, street-legal tank? The aggressive stance, the wide fenders, the matte black finish—it was impossible to ignore. And after a quick test drive, I understood the hype. This isn’t your average Cooper S. It’s a reimagined machine that blends the Mini’s legendary agility with Rezvani’s signature over-the-top engineering. Whether you’re a Mini enthusiast, a performance junkie, or someone who just loves a head-turner, the Mini Cooper Rezvani demands attention. And today, we’re diving deep into what makes this compact powerhouse so special.

What Is the Mini Cooper Rezvani? Origins and Vision

From Concept to Reality: Rezvani’s Bold Move

Rezvani Motors, founded by CEO Ferris Rezvani in 2014, started with a simple idea: build extreme, high-performance vehicles that push the boundaries of design and engineering. Their early hits like the Rezvani Beast and Tank were wild, supercar-inspired builds based on existing platforms. The Mini Cooper Rezvani follows that same philosophy—but with a twist. Instead of using a mid-engine supercar, they chose the humble Mini Cooper, a car known more for its cuteness than its speed.

Why the Mini? According to Ferris, the Mini’s compact size, nimble handling, and front-wheel-drive dynamics make it the perfect canvas for a radical transformation. “We wanted something that could fit in a city parking spot but scare a Porsche at a stoplight,” he said in an interview. That vision led to the creation of what’s now known as the Rezvani X Mini, a high-octane version of the Mini Cooper S that’s as fun to drive as it is to look at.

How It’s Built: The Rezvani Process

The Mini Cooper Rezvani isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade. Rezvani starts with a brand-new Mini Cooper S (typically the F56 generation), then completely rebuilds it. The process includes:

• Chassis reinforcement to handle increased power and aggressive driving
• Widebody kit made from lightweight carbon fiber, adding 3 inches to the car’s width
• Custom suspension with adjustable coilovers for better cornering and ride quality
• Upgraded cooling system to prevent heat soak during spirited drives
• Rezvani-specific ECU tuning and exhaust system for enhanced performance

Each build is done in Rezvani’s Orange County, California facility, with meticulous attention to detail. The result? A car that feels factory-built, not like a garage hack. It’s clear Rezvani isn’t just slapping parts on—they’re re-engineering the Mini from the ground up.

Design and Aesthetics: Aggressive, Bold, and Unmistakable

Exterior: A Mini That Means Business

The first thing you notice about the Mini Cooper Rezvani is its stance. The widebody kit gives it a muscular, almost predatory look. The front end features a massive lower grille, aggressive splitter, and LED fog lights that look like they belong on a rally car. The fenders bulge out dramatically, housing 19-inch forged alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance tires (typically 245/35R19).

The rear is just as striking. A large diffuser, quad exhaust tips, and a ducktail spoiler scream performance. Rezvani offers several finish options: satin black, gloss white, matte gray, and even custom wraps. I saw a Mini Cooper Rezvani in “Stealth Black” at a meet, and honestly, it looked like a miniature Batmobile. The blacked-out badges, tinted windows, and smoked lights added to the menacing vibe.

One thing I love: the design doesn’t sacrifice visibility. The Mini’s signature round headlights remain, now with LED accents, and the panoramic sunroof (optional) keeps the cabin feeling open. It’s aggressive without being obnoxious—like a well-dressed guy who can still throw a punch.

Interior: Luxury Meets Functionality

Inside, the Mini Cooper Rezvani blends the Mini’s playful interior with Rezvani’s performance-focused upgrades. The standard Mini dashboard is retained, but with a few key changes:

• Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters (for DCT models)
• Rezvani-branded sport seats with extra bolstering and heating/cooling
• Carbon fiber trim on the dashboard, center console, and door panels
• Digital instrument cluster with performance readouts (boost, G-force, lap timer)
• Upgraded infotainment with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system

What surprised me most was the comfort. Even with the aggressive suspension, the seats are supportive without being stiff. I took a 2-hour drive through winding mountain roads, and my back didn’t complain once. The cabin is surprisingly quiet at highway speeds, thanks to Rezvani’s added sound deadening.

One tip: if you’re over 6 feet tall, test the seating position. The low roofline and sport seats can feel a bit tight. But for most drivers, the ergonomics are spot-on.

Performance and Engineering: Power, Precision, and Playfulness

Engine and Powertrain: More Than Just a Bigger Turbo

The stock Mini Cooper S makes 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. The Mini Cooper Rezvani bumps that to a claimed 300 horsepower and 350 lb-ft—a massive leap. How? Rezvani doesn’t just tune the ECU. They upgrade the turbocharger, install a high-flow intercooler, and add a custom titanium exhaust system. The result is a car that hits 60 mph in around 4.8 seconds, according to Rezvani’s dyno tests.

I tested a 6-speed manual version, and the power delivery is linear and predictable. No sudden turbo surge—just smooth, usable torque from 2,000 rpm onward. The 8-speed automatic (with paddle shifters) is even quicker, with faster shifts and better launch control. Both transmissions are responsive and fun to use.

One thing to note: the power is front-wheel-drive only. That means you need to be mindful of torque steer in hard acceleration. Rezvani includes a torque vectoring system to help, but it’s still a front-driver at heart. On dry roads, it’s manageable. In the rain, you’ll want to ease off the gas.

Handling and Dynamics: Agile Yet Stable

The Mini Cooper has always been praised for its go-kart-like handling. The Mini Cooper Rezvani takes that to the next level. The widebody kit and wider tires increase grip, while the adjustable coilovers let you dial in your preferred ride stiffness. I set them to “Sport” for canyon driving and “Comfort” for city cruising—both modes work well.

The steering is sharp and direct, with just the right amount of feedback. The car rotates beautifully in corners, and the low center of gravity keeps body roll in check. I pushed it hard on a tight mountain road, and it never felt nervous or unstable. It’s not a track monster like a BMW M2, but for a street-focused car, it’s incredibly competent.

Braking is handled by Rezvani’s upgraded Brembo calipers (6-piston front, 4-piston rear) with cross-drilled rotors. They bite hard and resist fade well. I did a few hard stops from 70 mph, and the car pulled up straight with zero drama.

Technology and Features: Smart, Connected, and Safe

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Mini Cooper Rezvani uses the Mini’s latest infotainment system, now upgraded with Rezvani-specific graphics. The 8.8-inch touchscreen is crisp and responsive, and the voice control works surprisingly well. I asked it to “play 90s rock” and it pulled up a Spotify playlist instantly.

Standard features include:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charging
• Rezvani-branded start-up animation
• Performance telemetry (0-60, quarter-mile, G-force)
• Customizable ambient lighting (12 colors)

One cool feature: the “Rezvani Mode” button. Press it, and the car adjusts the suspension, throttle response, and exhaust note for maximum fun. It’s like a track day in a button.

Safety and Driver Aids

Despite its performance focus, the Mini Cooper Rezvani doesn’t skimp on safety. It includes:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind-spot monitoring
• 360-degree camera (optional)

The adaptive cruise works well in traffic, maintaining a safe distance without jerky movements. The lane assist is a bit sensitive, though—it tugged the wheel a few times when I drifted slightly. I turned it off for spirited driving, but it’s great for long highway stints.

One area for improvement: the rear visibility. The wide fenders and thick C-pillars make backing up tricky. I’d highly recommend adding the 360-degree camera, especially if you’re parking in tight city spaces.

Pricing, Ownership, and Real-World Considerations

How Much Does the Mini Cooper Rezvani Cost?

Let’s be real—the Mini Cooper Rezvani isn’t cheap. The base price starts at $79,000, and that’s before options. Here’s a breakdown of what you’re paying for:

Component	Cost	Notes
Base Mini Cooper S	$32,000 (included)	New, unmodified donor car
Rezvani Widebody Kit	$18,000	Carbon fiber, custom fit
Engine & ECU Upgrades	$15,000	Turbo, intercooler, exhaust
Suspension & Brakes	$8,000	Brembo, coilovers, sway bars
Interior & Tech Upgrades	$6,000	Seats, infotainment, sound

Optional extras like the panoramic sunroof ($2,500), 360-degree camera ($1,800), and custom paint ($3,500) can push the price over $90,000. Is it worth it? For most people, probably not. But for collectors, enthusiasts, or anyone who wants a unique, high-performance Mini, it’s a compelling package.

Ownership Experience: What to Expect

Owning a Mini Cooper Rezvani is different from driving a standard Mini. Here’s what I learned after spending a week with one:

• Fuel economy: Expect 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway. Not terrible, but not great either.
• Maintenance: Rezvani offers a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. After that, repairs can be pricey due to custom parts.
• Insurance: Rates are higher than a stock Mini. Get quotes from specialty insurers like Hagerty or Grundy.
• Resale value: Niche cars like this hold value better than mainstream models, but depreciation is still a factor.
• Attention: You will get stares. Everywhere. It’s fun at first, but after the 50th person asks “What is that?”, it gets old.

One tip: join the Rezvani Owners Group. It’s a small but passionate community. They share tips, organize meetups, and even help with parts sourcing. I found a used set of track pads through the group—saved me $400.

Is the Mini Cooper Rezvani Right for You?

After driving the Mini Cooper Rezvani, I can confidently say it’s one of the most fun, unique cars I’ve ever tested. It’s not perfect—the price is steep, the rear visibility is poor, and it’s not the most practical daily driver. But it’s not meant to be. This car is for people who want something different. Something bold. Something that makes a statement.

If you’re a Mini fan who’s always wanted more power, or a performance enthusiast who craves agility over brute force, the Mini Cooper Rezvani delivers. It combines the Mini’s charm with Rezvani’s wild engineering to create a car that’s as thrilling to drive as it is to look at.

Think of it this way: the stock Mini Cooper S is a well-dressed city slicker. The Mini Cooper Rezvani is that same guy in a leather jacket, riding a Ducati through downtown. It’s not for everyone. But for the right person, it’s everything.

So, should you buy one? If you have the budget, love attention, and want a car that’s equal parts fun and fearless—absolutely. Just don’t expect it to replace your SUV or minivan. This is a toy, a passion project, a weekend warrior. And in a world of cookie-cutter crossovers, that’s a beautiful thing.

At the end of the day, the Mini Cooper Rezvani isn’t just a car. It’s a statement. A reminder that driving can be wild, weird, and wonderful—all at the same time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mini Cooper Rezvani?

The Mini Cooper Rezvani is a high-performance, custom-modified version of the classic Mini Cooper, reimagined by Rezvani Motors with aggressive styling, enhanced power, and track-ready upgrades. It blends retro charm with modern engineering for a unique compact powerhouse.

How much horsepower does the Mini Cooper Rezvani have?

The Mini Cooper Rezvani delivers up to 400+ horsepower, depending on the tuning and engine package, thanks to a turbocharged powertrain and performance enhancements by Rezvani. This transforms the lightweight hatch into a surprisingly fast and agile machine.

Is the Mini Cooper Rezvani street-legal?

Yes, the Mini Cooper Rezvani is fully street-legal in most regions, built to meet road safety and emissions standards while offering race-inspired performance. However, buyers should verify local regulations regarding modified vehicles.

What makes the Mini Cooper Rezvani stand out from a regular Mini Cooper?

Unlike the standard Mini Cooper, the Rezvani version features a widened body, upgraded suspension, performance brakes, and a more powerful engine, along with exclusive interior and exterior design touches. It’s engineered for enthusiasts who want extreme performance in a compact footprint.

How much does a Mini Cooper Rezvani cost?

The Mini Cooper Rezvani typically starts around $120,000, reflecting its bespoke modifications, premium materials, and high-performance components. Pricing varies based on customization options and performance packages.

Can the Mini Cooper Rezvani be used as a daily driver?

Yes, the Mini Cooper Rezvani is designed for daily usability, with improved comfort and tech features alongside its performance upgrades. However, its stiff suspension and aggressive tuning may feel intense for some commuters.