AUTO

The MINI Aceman Cleverly Uses Space in a Compact Electric Crossover

April 24, 2024

The MINI Aceman is a compact all-electric crossover with an estimated range of up to 406 km (252 miles).
It features a versatile interior with five seats and a luggage compartment that can expand from 300 to over 1,000 liters.
The MINI Aceman’s battery can fast-charge from 10% to 80% in just under 30 minutes at a DC fast-charging station.

Mini might be adding a third electric vehicle to its North American lineup with the Aceman, a charming and compact crossover. While the Aceman has been officially announced for Europe and China, Mini has yet to confirm a U.S. version, leaving its potential American debut uncertain. However, given its size and positioning between the smaller Cooper Electric hatchback and the larger Countryman Electric SUV, it’s a logical addition to Mini’s U.S. lineup. Skipping out on this opportunity could be a missed chance for the automaker.

The MINI Aceman stands out as a premium small electric car with a crossover twist. With its compact exterior and spacious interior, it’s designed for those who need a car that’s as flexible as their lifestyle, while offering an all-electric drive to keep things environmentally friendly. The MINI Aceman combines the classic MINI style with modern innovations, resulting in a car that perfectly captures the brand’s ethos of “maximum utilization of space with a minimum footprint.”

Mini Cooper, Aceman and Countryman EV lineup front

Stefanie Wurst, Head of MINI, expresses her excitement for this new addition to the electric lineup: “The MINI Aceman brings a new level of excitement to our all-electric lineup, packed with a truly enjoyable immersive digital experience. The MINI Aceman is perfect for navigating crowded city streets, while maintaining the versatility and functionality of a Crossover and the Go Kart feeling you can expect from a MINI. I am certain that the sleek design, the performance, and the versatility as a 5-seater Crossover, will make the MINI Aceman a resounding success.”

With its sporty and agile design, the MINI Aceman is ideal for city driving. It has five comfortable seats and a versatile luggage compartment that can expand from 300 to over 1,000 liters (79-264 gallons). This flexibility allows you to pack for a weekend getaway or simply load up on groceries with ease. Despite its compact size, this MINI offers an estimated range of up to 406 kilometers (252 miles) in the WLTP test cycle, ensuring that it’s not just a city car but can handle longer trips without issue.

“The MINI Aceman is both a practical and expressive, unique companion in everyday life. It steps out into the world fresh and carefree and takes up its place at the centre of the MINI family,” states Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design. “It is an independent character that can be quite ‘edgy’ and appeals to customers who – irrespective of their age – value individuality and distinctiveness in urban spaces.”

The interior is a testament to MINI’s innovative spirit. It features an immersive digital experience, thanks to the central OLED display and the reimagined toggle bar, reminiscent of classic MINI models. The circular OLED display, measuring 240 mm, is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing you to control driving functions, navigation, and even entertainment with just a touch or voice command.

For those who like to customize their ride, MINI offers eight different Experience Modes, each providing a unique ambiance. This includes a Personal Mode, where you can upload your own image from a smartphone to set the display background, creating a personalized experience that reflects your style. Go-Kart Mode, another popular choice, highlights MINI’s racing DNA with a dynamic focus on performance and driving excitement.

“The MINI Aceman is a strong character with his own young personality within the new MINI family. It has an independent design language, is compact, and looks agile,” Heilmer highlights. “With its distinctive expression, it is the perfect everyday companion for those who value individuality in urban areas.”

Charging the MINI Aceman is straightforward and quick. The battery can be charged by alternating current with 11 kW or fast-charged with direct current, allowing you to go from 10% to 80% charge in just under 30 minutes at a fast-charging station. The MINI App also provides an easy-to-use interface to manage your charging schedule, monitor battery levels, and even set pre-conditioning for a comfortable drive.

Safety is a priority with advanced assistance systems like Driving Assistant Plus, which offers lateral guidance and cooperative steering. Additionally, the MINI Aceman features the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant, activated by saying “Hey MINI!” or pressing a button on the steering wheel for smooth control over navigation, telephony, and more.