Electric Mini Aceman crossover here in Q4

NOT to be confused with the Mini Pacemen, details of the new all-electric Mini Aceman small SUV (crossover) have been issued ahead of its Q4 launch Down Under.

The urban-centric, five door model arrives with a choice of two powertrains and in two spec’ levels: E and SE, the former priced from $55,990 and the latter from $60,990 both excluding on-road costs.

Based on Mini/GWM Spotlight architecture, the five-door Aceman shares many platform cues with the all-electric Mini Cooper and will be produced at the same Zhangjiagang production facility northwest of Shanghai.

It has no direct BEV competitors in the Light passenger car or Light SUV segments apart from other electric Minis and is destined to eventually replace the current five-door Mini Cooper Hatch as the company transitions to BEV only.

Power comes from a single electric traction motor in both variants driving the front wheels with the entry level Aceman E (Electric) offering a 38.5kWh (net) battery capacity and 135kW of power coupled with 290Nm of torque.

This allows it to clock a sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds and provides up to a claimed 310km of all-electric driving range.

The Aceman SE (Sport Electric) has an upgraded battery pack rated at 49.2 kWh (net) feeding electrons into its 160kW/330Nm electric motor to achieve a claimed driving range of up to 406km and a 0-100km/h sprint in 7.1 seconds.

Both models are equipped with DC fast charging capabilities with the Aceman E compatible with a 75kW maximum charging rate requires 28 minutes for a 10-80 per cent charge while the SE’s maximum charging rate is increased to 95kW to achieve the same level of charge in 31 minutes.

This means that on a standard 11kW AC charge, the Aceman E and SE can reach 0-100 per cent charge in four hours and 15 minutes, and five hours and 30 minutes respectively, says Mini.

Sharing elements from the larger Mini Countryman E and SE, and like all other Minis, the Aceman offers a contemporary interpretation of the original Mini inventor Sir Alec Issigonis’ vision: maximising space with a minimal footprint.

Mini says the result is “a cutting-edge electric drivetrain packaged within a seamless blend of timeless design cues and distinctively Aceman characteristics”.

It is a compact four metres in length and is said to comfortably seat five while containing a technology suite providing the latest driving assistance and “must-have” creature comforts.

“The Mini Aceman delivers a fresh and innovative take on the iconic Mini design while representing the next generation of Mini – one that is built for the future while staying true to the brand’s heritage of go-kart driving fun and individuality,” said Mini Australia and New Zealand general manager Alexander Brockhoff.

“The Aceman provides our customers with a greater choice of electrified, premium compact vehicles that are perfect for urban living and beyond.

“Its introduction is a testament to our unwavering commitment in electrifying the brand and our vision of a sustainable future.”

As the first Mini product to offer exclusively electric drive options, the Aceman is claimed to ensure fun in both urban areas and journeys beyond city limits heightened by its distinctive appearance that ushers in a new aesthetic while retaining the brand’s corporate look.

Of note are the reinterpreted angular headlights with surrounding daytime LEDs.

But the newbie still pays homage to classic Mini design elements inside and out including the obligatory 240mm round (OLED) central display mounted centrally in the cleanly styed dash with a remodelled toggle bar and contemporary steering wheel on the periphery.

The 60:40 split fold rear seats can be folded to extend the luggage compartment from 300 litres to 1005 litres as required.

A new feature on Aceman available through the central display is the Mini Experience Mode(s) which offer a bespoke set of sounds, visuals and colours to enhance the experience of all-electric driving.

Selectable mode choices are: Core, Green, Go-Kart, Personal, Timeless, Vivid, Balance and Trail.

The model also utilises a ‘Hey Mini’ system or drivers can opt to use the push-to-talk steering wheel button which activates the Mini Intelligent Personal Assistant in the form of animated graphic elements, typography and a Mini vehicle avatar.

Mini says drivers can drivers can for example say, “Hey Mini, I’m cold,” and the vehicle will turn up the heating.

The popular avatar, “Spike”, is also available through the optional Mini Connected Package.

The interior features recycled tactile knit upholstery to interior surfaces as Mini is 100 per cent leather-free in the new generation vehicles. However, a combination cloth/Vescin (vegan leather) is available on the SE Variant.

The Aceman is also chrome free and the light alloy wheels on the new Mini generation are manufactured using up to 70 per cent recycled aluminium.

This is in combination with electricity from renewables used in production which is said to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80 per cent compared with conventional production methods.

The theme of recycling continues through the interior with the surfaces, vehicle floor and floor mats all made from at least 90 per cent recycled polyester. The use of this high-quality and vibrant material in combination with the departure from leather sees production greenhouse emissions reduce by up to 98 per cent.

2024 Mini Aceman pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.