New Mini Aceman EV Is Big On Space, Small In Size

Mini has finally unveiled the all-new Aceman, a fully electric crossover set to compete in the booming subcompact SUV segment. The high-riding sibling of the Mini Cooper offers a more spacious cabin without sacrificing the agility of the urban dweller, while maintaining a safe distance from the larger Countryman.

Unlike its stablemates, which also come in ICE-powered forms, the Aceman is exclusively available as an EV, offering two power outputs and battery capacities to choose from.

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The design of the Mini Aceman combines the charming features from the Cooper hatchback with angular details from the Countryman SUV. Generous amounts of matte black plastic cladding around the bodywork, skid plates, and roof rails prevent it from resembling a tall hatchback, giving it the desirable crossover stance that consumers desire these days.

The wraparound greenhouse and floating roof are typical Mini design traits, as is the octagonal grille at the front. The latter serves mostly decorative purposes, while the lower bumper intake provides sufficient cooling for the EV internals. The headlights resemble the eyes of an endearing creature and offer three different modes for the LED graphics, similar to the pixel-style taillights.

The Mini Aceman lineup offers four different trims – Essential, Classic, Favoured, and JCW – each one with their respective oblong-shaped badge on the profile and alloy wheels measuring between 17 and 19 inches. Furthermore, the flagship JCW features a unique design for the bumpers, a Chili Red roof and bonnet stripes, plus a high-gloss black finish for the cladding.

The Aceman measures 4,075 mm (160.4 inches) long, 1,754 mm (69.1 inches) wide, and 1,495 mm (58.9 inches) tall, placing it in the lower end of the subcompact SUV (B-SUV) segment. This makes it 217 mm (8.5 inches) longer than the Cooper and 354 mm (13.9 inches) shorter than the Countryman, effectively bridging the gap between the two following the demise of the Clubman.

Minimalist Interior

Despite its small footprint, Mini designers remained faithful to the brand’s “Clever Use of Space” design principle, highlighting the practicality of their new offering. Consequently, the cabin boasts a five-seater arrangement with 300 liters (10.6 cubic feet) of cargo space.

The interior looks very similar to the Cooper, with the 9.44-inch circular OLED touchscreen at the center being the only display. While most of the functions are integrated within the touchscreen, there are a few toggle switches for the start/stop, parking brake, gear selector, experience mode, and volume control making life easier for the driver.

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The MINI Operating System 9 infotainment is inspired by smartphones and integrates Mini’s new Intelligent Personal Assistant called “Spike”. The driver has access to eight selectable Mini Experience Modes (Personal Mode, Go-Kart Mode, Vivid Mode, Core Mode, Green Mode, Timeless Mode, Balance Mode and Trail Mode), which change the interior ambience accordingly.

Each mode features distinct graphics for the screen, accompanied by various illuminated patterns emitted from two projector units. The dashboard is adorned with a knitted material, while the door trim is crafted from recycled polyester, and the seats come with a choice of textile surfaces or perforated Vescin upholstery. Another noteworthy feature is the ambient lighting along the frame of the panoramic glass roof.

The crossover comes equipped with twelve ultrasonic sensors and four Surround View cameras, supporting the ADAS suite that can include sophisticated systems like the Driving Assistant Plus and Remote Parking.

Two Electric Powertrain Options

The Mini Aceman shares its underpinnings with the electric Mini Cooper, so it’s no surprise that the two models offer the same powertrains and battery packs. The entry-level Aceman E comes equipped with a single electric motor producing 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 290 Nm (214 lb-ft) of torque. It features a 40.7 kWh battery pack, providing a WLTP range of 310 km (193 miles).

The Aceman SE boasts a more potent electric motor, producing 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) of torque, once again sending power to the front wheels. With a larger 54.2 kWh battery, it achieves a range of 406 km (252 miles). Mini promises a sporty chassis setup and direct steering, though it remains to be seen if it lives up to that. Furthermore, the JCW trim is expected to offer even sharper handling, compensating for the lack of extra grunt.

The Mini Aceman is expected to go on sale in markets like China, Europe, and the UK towards the end of the year. However, the EV has yet to be announced for the North American market, where small crossovers are less popular. In contrast, Europe boasts numerous rivals, including the Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600e, Peugeot e-2008, DS3 E-Tense, and Opel Mokka Electric.

Production of the Aceman will kick off in China, followed by Mini’s Oxford plant in the UK starting in 2026.

MINI