Mini Aceman Is a Tiny EV with a Cheeky Design Inside and Out
Mini has revealed the Aceman, a new electric-only production model that looks much the same as the Aceman concept car.
The Aceman fits in between the Cooper Hardtop and the Countryman SUV in terms of size.
It's not yet confirmed for the U.S. market, but we think it will come here.
It's always nice when a concept-car design translates well to production, and that's exactly the case with the new Mini Aceman. This new electric-only model, revealed in its final form, looks just about as funky as the previous Aceman concept. Love it or hate it, this more angular look is certainly distinctive, and the interior incorporates a similar minimalist aesthetic as what we've seen on Mini's other recently redesigned models.
Larger than the Cooper Hardtop and smaller than the Countryman SUV, the Aceman is tiny by crossover standards but features just enough body cladding to look like a diminutive ute of sorts. At just 160 inches long, it's shorter than even the outgoing Chevy Bolt EV and far smaller than small electric crossovers such as the Hyundai Kona or Kia Niro. Even still, it has a five-seat layout, and Mini claims a cargo capacity of up to 35 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
Of the two powertrain options that will be offered in Europe, we think the more powerful and longer-range Aceman SE is the more likely one to come to the U.S. It has a 218-horsepower electric motor and a 54.2-kWh battery, which Mini claims will achieve a range of just over 250 miles on the WLTP cycle. The base Aceman E has 184 horsepower and a smaller 42.5-kWh battery, and its shorter range likely wouldn't be competitive against other EVs on our shores. Initially at least, only these front-wheel-drive single-motor configurations will be available.
Devoid of a typical gauge cluster and with only a few controls lower on the center stack, the dashboard has a large circular touchscreen as its centerpiece. Otherwise, the gear shift, drive-mode selector, and engine start-stop are controlled by toggle switches. Interesting cloth materials with cool-looking patterns cover the door panels and some of the dash. A head-up display is optional.
Mini has yet to confirm the Aceman for the U.S. officially, but we don't see any reason why it wouldn't come here. That likely won’t happen until next year at the earliest, so stay tuned for more information.
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