Mini Aceman ready to launch within months

MINI has announced that its all-new and all-electric Aceman will be presented to the public in “just a few months”.

Joining the Cooper and Countryman ranges, the Mini Aceman promises agile driving dynamics and “brand-typical proportions” to create a new entrant in the category – and one Mini says is ready to meet the demanding aspects of electric vehicle ownership.

Testing in hot and cold temperatures, and across a variety of road surfaces, the Mini Acemen has undergone endurance assessments in both the Arctic Circle and in desert environments, testing the charging capabilities, battery cooling, drive and control functions and the air-conditioning at temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius.

The Aceman will slot beneath the Countryman in Mini’s SUV portfolio measuring 4075mm in length, 1754mm in width, and 1495mm in height. The wheelbase measure 2605mm. It is the third standalone model in the Mini range and is equipped with four doors and a “large tailgate” with interior space for five passengers.

The electric-only model features a 54.2kWh battery pack and is expected to be offered in both two- (front) and all-wheel drive chassis configurations.

Riding on the same platform as the BMW X1, it is likely the model will offer similar mechanical specifications. Sources indicate the model could offer a 131kW front-wheel drive option in addition to a 160kW ALL4 all-wheel drive alternative with respective driving ranges of 300km and 400km.

However, Mini has yet to confirm output figures, range or pricing for the model, with details likely to arrive in the coming weeks.

“The all-electric Mini Aceman opens new opportunities for customers who want a smaller crossover than our successful Mini Countryman,” explained Mini brand head Stefanie Wurst.

“The consistent electrification of our product portfolio makes a clear statement about the future of the Mini brand.”

The Mini Aceman surfaced as a concept model in mid-2022 showcasing a design language and technical innovations aimed at shaping the brand’s future range. It sported a new frontal design with an octagonal, closed and illuminated grille element, sharp-edged chassis surfaces, an athletic shoulder element and vertically stacked tail-lights.

The concept model was finished in a new Icy Sunglow Green hue with a contrasting British Racing Green metallic colour used on the roof. To match, the surround on the lower edge of the body work was also finished in a dark green shade while accents in blue and pink-orange “emphasise this vehicle’s lively character”, Mini says.

The four-door concept boasted strongly contoured wheel arches over 20-inch alloy wheels, a custom roof rack, and front and rear valance panels Mini says are styled to mimic underride protection.

Inside, the model was dominated by what Mini calls a reduced design with clear contours and carefully executed details. The dashboard design mimics that of a soundbar with Mini’s central instrument face set at its centre. The round OLED display sits above a classic toggle switch bar in a nod to Mini models of yore.

Further, the cabin of the Mini Aceman concept was adorned with minimalistic door panels, a flexible-use central console that reaches into the back, and what Mini calls “attractive colour contrasts” throughout.

The seats feature three-dimensional surfacing achieved by a combination of textile flat knit, velvet velour and waffle weave, an over-dimensional houndstooth pattern and embroidered X and O graphics. Just like the exterior, the interior is completely free of chrome elements.

Mini says the Concept Aceman aims to foster an emotional connection between the car and its owner by providing a seamless digital operating concept and a holistic user experience consisting of light, movement, interaction, and sound.

Sensor-based animation is activated when an owner approaches the car while the central display provides the latest Android-based (and open source) software enables transference of the control system content to the entire dashboard and even onto the door cards.

Mini says the experience may be completely customised to a user’s tastes.

GoAuto understands the Mini Aceman is expected in Australian showrooms before the end of the year.