2023 MINI Clubman Untold Edition
MINI doesn’t break down its car sales by model but sufficed to say the Clubman is bringing up the rear. The higher-riding, SUV-styled Countryman has relegated the Clubman to ultra-niche status and as such MINI is expected to end production in 2024. But for iconoclasts the Clubman is quite possibly the perfect foil to automotive conformity and this new special edition cements its individuality.
A TRIO OF SPECIAL EDITIONS
This current generation of MINIs is the best yet – still small, still fun but with a BMW polish that elevates and broadens its appeal. Problem is Americans aren’t buying small cars anymore and they certainly aren’t willing to pay a premium for them. So, MINI is a brand in transition, first to bigger crossover SUVs and then to an all-electric lineup in 2030. In the meanwhile, some special editions will keep the cars fresh like this one tailored specifically to the Clubman. I suppose naming it the Untold Edition is apropos seeing as how it’ll largely remain a secret. New for the 2023 model year, it joins the Resolute and Untamed editions of the Hardtop/Convertible variants and Countryman, respectively. The Untold treatment can be applied to any Clubman including the 301-horsepower John Cooper Works trim but this is the Cooper S equipped with all-wheel drive (known as ALL4 in MINI parlance.)
THE UNTOLD STORY
Untold Editions can be spec’d in this charismatic Sage Green or Midnight Black with either Sage Green or Carbon Black leather upholstery. All come in the fully stocked Iconic trim with no further options. Specifically, the Untold Edition includes:
• exclusive 18-inch wheels with a 2-tone black/brass combination
• the more aggressive aero kit from the John Cooper Works model
• custom side scuttles, door sills and logo projection
• Untold Edition hood and roof stripes
• body color roof with piano black trim
• illuminated interior surfaces
• exterior and interior brass accents.
MINI describes the Untold Edition as sporty understatement and I won’t argue that; it’s a distinctive take that dresses the long-roofed Clubman in unmistakable style. The special paint and spoke design of the wheels have been garnering the most attention. I only wish the brass theme continued through the window surrounds because the chrome clashes with the accents seen on the rest of the car.
IN NO HURRY
Untold models also include driving modes and performance gauges. Green, Mid and Sport are toggled between via a switch, triggering corresponding mechanical and aesthetic changes within the car. MINI’s S models run with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Though it’s diminutive it’s not exactly light at 3,535 pounds so that level of power just doesn’t cut it anymore. It takes too long between summoning the motor and any reaction from it. 27 MPG in combined driving for an all-wheel drive car is a bonus but premium unleaded squashes the savings. The JCW Clubman is the one to have if performance is a top priority. Further dinging the driving fun is the absence of a manual transmission, an option MINI killed after the 2019 model year. I’m not a “save the manuals” groupie but in a MINI I want one especially if there’ not much power on the menu. The 6.6-seconds it takes to reach 60 MPH feels even slower with the 8-speed automatic.
MISSING SOME MINI FUN
Beyond the lack of oomph, the Clubman S ALL4 is missing the romp found in the Cooper Hardtop models. Even with the summer-use Bridgestone Turanza tires this Clubman doesn’t spark the desire to tear up the backroads. In conjunction with the drive mode, Dynamic Damper Control can take the ride quality from one that’s comfort-oriented to one that’s full of feeling. Either way, with MINI’s hallmark quick steering the Clubman always transmits some road keeping the driver fully involved. I just wish the car handled with a bit more verve in keeping with the MINI tradition.
A PREMIUM EXPERIENCE AT A PREMIUM PRICE
What it does particularly well is mimic the personality of a small, premium wagon. MINIs aren’t’ for everyone and that’s the point; they’re full of whimsy and customization. You feel like you’re driving something that’s highly personalized. With an MSRP of $44,400 - $2,250 of which is attributed to the Untold package – there has to be an appreciation of these MINI tenets otherwise this Clubman makes zero sense. Beyond the high feature content, it’s the small details and boutique nature of the design that attracts a certain customer willing to pay a premium. Whether it’s the split rear doors, the Union Jack taillights or the large, circular infotainment screen MINI marches to the beat of its own drum.
FULLY STOCKED
The cabin is of high craftsmanship and equipped with nearly everything a $40,000 car should have: dual sunroofs, a top-notch touchscreen, a pop-up head-up display; its comfort and convenience resume is here. My favorite? The wireless phone charger in the center console that snugs it in place, even accommodating an iPhone Pro. The Clubman also stocks adaptive headlights, a digital gauge cluster and ambient lighting with adjustable colors.
PRACTICALLY SPEAKING
As for practicality, it lives here. The Clubman’s 18 cubic-feet of expandable cargo area and 92 cubic-feet of passenger volume put in the midsize classification. And because it sits so low loading gear is much easier than with an SUV. The rear seats accommodate adults without bumping knees into the front seat backrests and the hatch area includes a cargo cover and a deep, underfloor storage compartment. Available accessories are plentiful including roof racks for sports gear and luggage carriers.
As MINI grapples with balancing a premium experience with more affordable pricing, cars like this Clubman Untold Edition provide a quirky option to those needing to feed their individuality.
A TRIO OF SPECIAL EDITIONS
This current generation of MINIs is the best yet – still small, still fun but with a BMW polish that elevates and broadens its appeal. Problem is Americans aren’t buying small cars anymore and they certainly aren’t willing to pay a premium for them. So, MINI is a brand in transition, first to bigger crossover SUVs and then to an all-electric lineup in 2030. In the meanwhile, some special editions will keep the cars fresh like this one tailored specifically to the Clubman. I suppose naming it the Untold Edition is apropos seeing as how it’ll largely remain a secret. New for the 2023 model year, it joins the Resolute and Untamed editions of the Hardtop/Convertible variants and Countryman, respectively. The Untold treatment can be applied to any Clubman including the 301-horsepower John Cooper Works trim but this is the Cooper S equipped with all-wheel drive (known as ALL4 in MINI parlance.)
THE UNTOLD STORY
Untold Editions can be spec’d in this charismatic Sage Green or Midnight Black with either Sage Green or Carbon Black leather upholstery. All come in the fully stocked Iconic trim with no further options. Specifically, the Untold Edition includes:
• exclusive 18-inch wheels with a 2-tone black/brass combination
• the more aggressive aero kit from the John Cooper Works model
• custom side scuttles, door sills and logo projection
• Untold Edition hood and roof stripes
• body color roof with piano black trim
• illuminated interior surfaces
• exterior and interior brass accents.
MINI describes the Untold Edition as sporty understatement and I won’t argue that; it’s a distinctive take that dresses the long-roofed Clubman in unmistakable style. The special paint and spoke design of the wheels have been garnering the most attention. I only wish the brass theme continued through the window surrounds because the chrome clashes with the accents seen on the rest of the car.
IN NO HURRY
Untold models also include driving modes and performance gauges. Green, Mid and Sport are toggled between via a switch, triggering corresponding mechanical and aesthetic changes within the car. MINI’s S models run with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 189 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Though it’s diminutive it’s not exactly light at 3,535 pounds so that level of power just doesn’t cut it anymore. It takes too long between summoning the motor and any reaction from it. 27 MPG in combined driving for an all-wheel drive car is a bonus but premium unleaded squashes the savings. The JCW Clubman is the one to have if performance is a top priority. Further dinging the driving fun is the absence of a manual transmission, an option MINI killed after the 2019 model year. I’m not a “save the manuals” groupie but in a MINI I want one especially if there’ not much power on the menu. The 6.6-seconds it takes to reach 60 MPH feels even slower with the 8-speed automatic.
MISSING SOME MINI FUN
Beyond the lack of oomph, the Clubman S ALL4 is missing the romp found in the Cooper Hardtop models. Even with the summer-use Bridgestone Turanza tires this Clubman doesn’t spark the desire to tear up the backroads. In conjunction with the drive mode, Dynamic Damper Control can take the ride quality from one that’s comfort-oriented to one that’s full of feeling. Either way, with MINI’s hallmark quick steering the Clubman always transmits some road keeping the driver fully involved. I just wish the car handled with a bit more verve in keeping with the MINI tradition.
A PREMIUM EXPERIENCE AT A PREMIUM PRICE
What it does particularly well is mimic the personality of a small, premium wagon. MINIs aren’t’ for everyone and that’s the point; they’re full of whimsy and customization. You feel like you’re driving something that’s highly personalized. With an MSRP of $44,400 - $2,250 of which is attributed to the Untold package – there has to be an appreciation of these MINI tenets otherwise this Clubman makes zero sense. Beyond the high feature content, it’s the small details and boutique nature of the design that attracts a certain customer willing to pay a premium. Whether it’s the split rear doors, the Union Jack taillights or the large, circular infotainment screen MINI marches to the beat of its own drum.
FULLY STOCKED
The cabin is of high craftsmanship and equipped with nearly everything a $40,000 car should have: dual sunroofs, a top-notch touchscreen, a pop-up head-up display; its comfort and convenience resume is here. My favorite? The wireless phone charger in the center console that snugs it in place, even accommodating an iPhone Pro. The Clubman also stocks adaptive headlights, a digital gauge cluster and ambient lighting with adjustable colors.
PRACTICALLY SPEAKING
As for practicality, it lives here. The Clubman’s 18 cubic-feet of expandable cargo area and 92 cubic-feet of passenger volume put in the midsize classification. And because it sits so low loading gear is much easier than with an SUV. The rear seats accommodate adults without bumping knees into the front seat backrests and the hatch area includes a cargo cover and a deep, underfloor storage compartment. Available accessories are plentiful including roof racks for sports gear and luggage carriers.
As MINI grapples with balancing a premium experience with more affordable pricing, cars like this Clubman Untold Edition provide a quirky option to those needing to feed their individuality.