2013 MINI Paceman: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big news for 2013 is the Paceman itself: this was the all-new model's first U.S. year, not an update to an existing vehicle. MINI launched it as a two-door, four-seat small crossover with a coupe-like roofline and a large rear tailgate.
About the 2013 MINI Paceman
1st generation (R61), first U.S. model year / launch year
MINI positioned the Paceman as a style-led two-door crossover for shoppers who wanted more room and a higher seating position than the smaller MINI hatchbacks without giving up the brand’s playful feel. Its identity centered on standout design, four individual seats, and everyday usefulness wrapped in a more fashion-forward body than the Countryman. Against rivals, its biggest differentiators were its unusual two-door shape, distinctive cabin layout, and MINI’s trademark nimble character.
MINI positioned the Paceman as a more expressive, style-focused alternative to the Countryman, with a higher seating position and two individual rear seats. The Cooper S paired its shape with a 181-hp turbo engine, while Cooper S ALL4 added all-wheel drive. The John Cooper Works ALL4 was the performance standout, with 208 hp, all-wheel drive, a lowered sport suspension, stronger brakes, and a sport exhaust.
What changed, by category
2013 MINI Paceman specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 mpg | 28 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Horsepower | 121 hp | 181 hp | 181 hp | 208 hp |
| Torque | 118 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 177 lb-ft | 207 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 38.1 cu-ft | 38.1 cu-ft | 38.1 cu-ft | 38.1 cu-ft |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Traction Control | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was 2013 the first model year for the MINI Paceman?
Yes. The 2013 Paceman was the model's first U.S. year and the beginning of its first generation, rather than a refresh of an earlier Paceman.
What body and seating layout did the 2013 MINI Paceman introduce?
The 2013 MINI Paceman introduced a two-door small-crossover body with a coupe-like roof, a large tailgate, and four individual seats. Its rear cabin used two separate seats instead of a three-person bench.
Which 2013 MINI Paceman trims had all-wheel drive?
The 2013 Cooper S ALL4 and John Cooper Works ALL4 had all-wheel drive. The Cooper and regular Cooper S used front-wheel drive.
What made the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Paceman different?
The 2013 John Cooper Works ALL4 was the high-performance Paceman. It combined a 208-hp turbo engine and all-wheel drive with a lowered sport suspension, stronger brakes, a sport exhaust, an aerodynamic body kit, and sharper throttle and steering responses.
How did the 2013 MINI Paceman Cooper S differ from the Cooper?
The 2013 Cooper S had a 181-hp turbocharged engine, compared with the Cooper's 121-hp engine. Both used front-wheel drive, while the separate Cooper S ALL4 paired the turbo engine with all-wheel drive.
Sources
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0134695EN US / The Mini Paceman
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0136098EN US / Extreme Sports Performance Inimitable Style:The Mini John Cooper Works Paceman
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0142763EN US / Complete 2014 Mini Lineup Pricing And Equipment Updates
- press.bmwgroup.com — Attachment / T0136098EN US / 214104