A new compact electric crossover from Mini will be available by the end of 2024, based on the British marque’s Aceman concept. A combination of the Mini hatchback and the Mini Countryman SUV will be the Mini Aceman ev concept when it goes on sale.
As the next-generation electric Mini hatchback, the Aceman will be based on the stretched version of the Spotlight architecture being developed jointly by BMW and Great Wall. A 50/50 joint venture was formed between the two companies in 2019 to produce Mini electric vehicles in China.
Even though Mini describes it as a pure concept, it isn’t that far from the car that will go on sale in 2024.
There are some traditional MINI cues in the Mini Aceman ev concept.
There are some classic Mini design features left in the Aceman concept, such as the short front and rear overhangs, but a stronger side-profile is accentuated with black cladding on the wheel arches and doors. In contrast to the chrome door handles on production Minis, this one has flush handles.
There is almost a triangular shape to the headlamps, which differs from the round ones typically seen on Minis. An outline of LEDs is visible on the hexagonal grille. According to MINI, the shoulder line, tailgate spoiler, and glasshouse design are all aerodynamically designed.
There are no strengthening bars on the glazed roof, something that could be carried into the production version, allowing a clear view of the roof rack that resembles the Union Jack flag. Besides the wheel-arch moldings and rear light clusters, the Union Jack theme appears elsewhere as well.
Highlights of the interior of the Mini Aceman concept
There is a large circular OLED touchscreen on the interior of the Mini Aceman concept, similar to the one that will be fitted on the new-generation hatchback when it goes on sale in the near future. Also below the screen is a toggle bar with five controls, similar to the original 1959 model. Transmission shifting is accomplished with one toggle, while switching modes is accomplished with the other.
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It has more space than the five-door hatchback and the Clubman because it is built on a bespoke electric vehicle platform. The dashboard volume and steering wheel bulk have been reduced to further open up the space. The Aceman has more practical door pockets and a completely empty center console area. The dashboard is covered in knitted textile with bright lettering, but it is uncertain whether it will be used in production. The production model will feature most of the remaining interior, Mini says.
Details about the Mini Aceman’s power and range
The Aceman’s battery size or range has not yet been revealed by Mini. A 183hp Cooper EV and a 40kWh battery pack will be available, along with a 224hp Cooper S EV with a 50kWh pack for a range of about 402km in the next-generation Mini EV hatchback. Production-spec Acemans are likely to use similar battery and motor configurations as electric hatchbacks.
Where would the Aceman fit in the Mini range?
There is a possibility that the Aceman will replace the Mini Clubman, which will be phased out by the middle of 2023. There is a good chance that the Clubman will get at least one special edition before it retires. Mini’s five-door hatchback is unlikely to be replaced by an electric vehicle.
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There will also be a third-generation Countryman alongside the Aceman, which will be twinned with the new BMW X1. It is Mini’s first attempt at targeting the first-time mini buyer with the Aceman.
