World premiere of the Mini Aceman: Mini launches first all-electric model

Mini is positioning the newcomer between the brand icon, the three-door Cooper, and the compact crossover Countryman – at 4.07 metres long, the Aceman is closer to the 3.90-metre Cooper than the Countryman (4.43 metres). Still, its height of 1.50 metres clearly makes it a crossover. Mini calls it the “first crossover model for the premium small car segment”.

In terms of the drive system, the Aceman is strongly orientated towards the current Cooper generation, which debuted at the IAA Mobility last year – with one exception. Like the Cooper E, the entry-level model Aceman E has a drive power of 135 kW and 290 Nm of torque. However, at 42.5 kWh, the battery of the Aceman E is slightly larger than that of the Cooper E (40.7 kWh). One benefit is that with a WLTP range of 310 kilometres, the Aceman E can travel five kilometres further than the small car.

However, there are no changes to the Aceman SE: as in the Cooper, the power output is 160 kW, and the maximum torque is 330 Nm. The battery has an energy content of 54.2 kWh. Surprisingly, with the same battery-drive combination, the small crossover car can even travel four kilometres further than the supposedly more aerodynamic small car – specifically 406 instead of 402 kilometres, according to the WLTP.

We summarised all other technical data in the following table. There are also no significant differences to the Cooper E and Cooper SE in terms of charging behaviour.

Two factors still need to be considered to turn the smaller crossover into a “real” Mini: the driving behaviour and the design. According to Mini, the chassis gives the Aceman “a sporty character, and this is also reflected in the driving fun that is typical of the brand”. New features in the Aceman include the damping system with “highly prestressed stabilisers” that, according to Mini, “improve steering precision and accuracy while at the same time ensuring sound roll support. The precise adjustment of the steering and all driving stability control systems to comfortable or sporty driving guarantees an exceptional driving experience in every situation. The response of the electric drive to pressure on the accelerator pedal is optimised for a sporty driving style.”

As the Aceman is based on an electric platform and thus does not have to make allowances for any combustion engine components (such as the Countryman), the new model is even said to be “a contemporary interpretation of classic Mini inventor Sir Alec Issigonis’ underlying vision”, according to Mini. Maximum space utilisation with a minimum footprint combined with a modern drive concept. Although the Aceman is just over four metres long, it offers five comfortable seats and a load volume of 300 litres, “while numerous adjustment options enable this capacity to be extended individually to as much as 1,005 litres”. That includes folding up the rear seats.

For the design of the production model, the team led by Mini’s Head of Design Oliver Heilmer has taken up numerous elements of the Aceman study from 2022, which, in the case of the shape of the daytime running lights, have already been seen on the Countryman. However, overly playful elements such as the illuminated contour of the brand-typical but no longer present front grille have not made it into series production. But the basic concept with a steep, robust front and short overhangs has. Mini will offer the Aceman in four design trims (Essential, Classic, Favoured and JCW), which differ in design details. The Classic trim, for example, features a contrasting coloured roof and side mirrors in black or white, while JCW (which stands for the “John Cooper Works” motorsport line) has a sportier design at the front and rear – the frame of the front grille, for example, is in high-gloss black.

The interior retains the more rounded design philosophy typical of the brand. The most striking feature is the round central display with a diameter of 24 centimetres. According to the manufacturer, the current Mini Operating System 9 is based on the handling of smartphones. However, it does not entirely dispense with buttons and switches. There is still the toggle bar in the centre of the cockpit, but it has been reinterpreted. There is a toggle for starting the vehicle or the parking brake and the selector lever for the driving mode. As this eliminates the classic gear selector lever, there is space in the centre console for another storage option.

It is atypical that Mini is also announcing the prices for the world premiere of the Aceman at the motor show in Shanghai. In Germany, the Aceman E will be available from €34,900 and the Aceman SE from €38,900 when it launches in autumn 2024. That makes the Aceman a full 2,000 euros more expensive than the Cooper in both drive versions.

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