This is the all-new MINI Aceman, a new crossover that sits between the latest MINI Cooper and Countryman in the automaker’s lineup, which recently made its debut at this year’s Auto China show in Beijing. In contrast to its stablemates, the Aceman is only offered with fully electric powertrains in all variants.
The base variant is known as Aceman E and features a front-mounted electric motor with an output of 184 PS (181 hp or 135 kW) and 290 Nm of torque. That’s enough to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 160 km/h.
This is followed by the Aceman SE, also front-wheel drive, but with higher output of 218 PS (215 hp or 160 kW) and 330 Nm for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h . H. The top equipment also has a battery with an energy capacity of 54.2 kWh and enables a range of up to 406 km according to WLTP.
For comparison: the battery of the Aceman E has a capacity of 42.5 kWh for a range of up to 310 km. Both variants can handle AC charging with a maximum power of 11 kW, but there is a difference when it comes to DC charging. The maximum DC input power of the Aceman E is 75 kW, while the Aceman SE is 95 kW. The company claims that a charge level of 10-80% can be achieved in just under 30 minutes.
In terms of dimensions, the Aceman is 4,076 mm long, 1,754 mm wide, 1,515 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,606 mm. This puts it clearly in the middle between the MINI Cooper (3,858 mm long, 2,526 mm wheelbase) and Countryman (4,433 mm long, 2,692 mm wheelbase).
The Aceman adopts MINI’s new stripped-back design approach, dubbed “Charismatic Simplicity.” At first glance, it looks like a shrunken Countryman, with a front end that features a closed, octagonal grille and a small lower air intake. The headlights are unique to the Aceman and feature a distinctive daytime running light signature that can be switched to three different modes for an expressive effect.
On the sides you will find retractable door handles and distinctive body panels. The latter underline the crossover aesthetics, as do the standard roof rails and rear underrun protection. The rear of the Aceman looks a bit like the latest MINI Cooper, although the Union Jack taillights are much less pixelated and the clusters are more rounded.
The Aceman is offered in four different equipment variants, which are identified by an elongated badge in the front area of the side skirts. Each level has its own specification and equipment levels, with buyers able to choose between Essential, Classic, Favorite and JCW Trim – there are also a range of wheels ranging in size from 17 to 19 inches.
Inside we find a familiar dashboard layout not dissimilar to the MINI Cooper and Countryman. The star of the show is the large, round touchscreen, located directly above a series of physical controls for important things (parking brake, gear selector, start/stop “button”, experience modes, media volume). The OLED display is part of a comprehensive ambient lighting system and provides access to vehicle functions.
The infotainment is based on the MINI Operating System 9, which includes the numerous MINI Experience modes such as Personal, Go-Kart, Vivid, Core, Green, Timeless, Balance and Trail. In addition, the system also supports phone connectivity as well as the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant, which is presented as a stylized MINI or as the character “Spike”.
Customers can choose a head-up display to project important driving information onto the windshield if they do not want to rely solely on the center display. For those who value practicality: The Aceman’s rear seats, which can be folded down in a 60:40 ratio, offer up to 1,005 liters of space when folded down; 300 liters are available as standard.
On the driver assistance front, twelve ultrasonic sensors and four cameras support the Driving Assistant Plus suite, which includes steering and lane assistants as well as parking assistance and autonomous emergency braking.
The Aceman was developed and is produced by Spotlight Automotive, a joint venture between BWM Group and Great Wall Motor, at a manufacturing plant in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu, China. If the Countryman is too big for you and the MINI Cooper is too small, the Aceman might be the right MINI for you. What do you think?
Do you want to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.