This is the all-new Mini Aceman, an all-electric mini crossover. It makes up for the size difference between the real Mini-Mini Cooper and the full-size Mini Countryman, filling the space previously occupied by the now-discontinued Clubman, albeit without a petrol option (or cute barn doors in the back).
Before we go too far, however, Mini clarifies that sales of the Aceman in the US are not yet confirmed and that the world premiere itself just took place at the Beijing Auto Show. As of now, this little electric vehicle is definitely destined for international markets, but we’ll have to wait and see if Mini sees fit to bring it here.
Two versions will initially be launched, the Aceman E and the Aceman SE. The base E version comes with a single electric motor that produces 184 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque, enough to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds. It also has a 42.5 kilowatt-hour battery, which Mini says provides a range of 192 miles on the optimistic WLTP test cycle – fast charging reaches a peak output of 75 kW on this model. Meanwhile, the Aceman SE gets a more powerful electric motor with 218 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, cutting the 0-62 mph time to 7.1 seconds. The SE also gets a larger 54.2kWh battery, increasing range to 252 miles on the WLTP cycle – it also charges better than the E, reaching a peak output of 95kW. Note that both versions would cover much less territory in the EPA test, which is a more realistic barometer of real-world driving than the WLTP test.
Since the Aceman is about 14 inches shorter and three inches narrower than the full-size Countryman, it’s certainly a more fun-to-drive and more affordable electric vehicle. We don’t know much about the basics at the moment, but Mini says the suspension, steering, drivetrain and braking systems are all tuned for driving pleasure. Its external appearance is not a replica, but closely follows the design direction proposed by the Aceman Concept in 2022. Many elements we saw in the new Cooper and Countryman apply here, such as the customizable light patterns, flat surface design and general minimalism in the styling. Wheel options between 17 and 19 inches are available, as well as four different versions with different styles. One of these four trim levels will be a JCW trim, but it is not intended to be a performance model, instead relying on sporty looks such as a Chili Red roof and stripes on the hood, as well as high-gloss black accents around the exterior.
The interior design also reflects other current Mini products. The simple design puts the focus on the central (round) OLED infotainment touchscreen, which runs Mini’s fascinating new OS 9 software – here you can get a deep insight into what’s on offer. Both the experience on the screen, the way the car drives, and the various lighting elements in the car are controlled by the “experience mode” (of eight in total) you are in. Very few buttons and switches are used in the Aceman. but those that are present are grouped in the “toggle bar” below the screen. Even without a busy-looking center console or dashboard, the Aceman’s interior is full of personality, from the wild use of materials to the eye-catching patterns and colors seen virtually everywhere.
As mentioned, the availability of the Aceman here is yet to be determined. The same goes for the price since Mini hasn’t given a number yet. That said, if Mini were to actually bring it to the US, we’d expect it to be priced well below the 2025 Countryman SE, which starts at $46,195.
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