MINI has introduced the Aceman crossover electric vehicle to expand its product range. The MINI Aceman, which will go on sale in 2024 is scheduled to be between the Countryman SUV and the MINI hatchback. It will compete with the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric as well as the Jeep Avenger EV.
We can now show you exclusive images of the final crossover model thanks to spy photos of the Aceman test vehicle. The design will be influenced heavily by the original concept. It will have more angular headlights on the front than what is used on MINIs, and the blanked-off grille will be bigger than that on the MINI Electric. The classic two-tone roofline will be retained, as well as a lower window wrap around the car.
Because of its higher ride height and thicker plastic cladding around wheel arches, the Aceman will stand out from the brand’s new Golf-sized hatchback. MINI’s Union Jack rear lights should be featured on both cars. Auto Express spoke to Stefanie Wurst, MINI’s boss. She said that the Aceman crossover would be a “gamified idea” and that the “go-kart feeling would always be of the greatest importance.”
Along with the three-door, all-electric Cooper model, the Aceman will also be made in China. The Aceman will replace the Cooper’s five-door electric Cooper model, effectively taking over five-door MINI-sized electric-car duties. The Aceman’s interior should be spacious with the wheels pushing outwards from the bodywork. This will allow for more space for the Countryman to move up. Auto Express believes that the Aceman will be similar in size to the original MINI Countryman and measure just over four meters long.
2024 MINI Aceman Rumors
Rumors claim that the Aceman may have two sizes of batteries and two power outputs. A 40kWh battery is available with around 180bhp, a range of up to 200 miles, and a 50kWh battery with about 215bhp, a longer range and around 250 miles. We have seen Aceman testing the crossover EV before and we can see from spy shots that the design of the crossover EV will be slightly different from the concept model earlier in the year. We can see many stylistic elements from both the MINI concept and its established design language.
Aceman’s production Aceman will have a similar headlight shape to the concept. However, don’t be fooled if there are chrome rings around them – we expect dark surroundings. The upper grille is blanked and has a second opening. The windscreen is more steeply angled on the Aceman than on the Countryman and MINI Hatch. This may be because Aceman will only offer EV power. Aerodynamic efficiency will be even more important. The concept wheel arches have been reduced for production.
The rear lights can be seen extending onto the tailgate at the rear. But this is only camouflage at its best. The actual rear lights will likely be smaller. The Iceman’s back end looks very conventional. The rear bumper is simple and the roof spoiler is small. The Aceman’s technical specifications have not yet been revealed, except for the use of MINI’s all-electric platform. This will be on the next MINI Hatch in 2023.
Concept
Oliver Heilmer, Head of MINI Design, has previously talked to us about the Aceman concept. Helmer claims that the production car is 80% complete. “Since it is the new member of our family, it was obvious that it would have a modern approach and break from the traditional form of language.
The Aceman concept is longer than the soon-to-be-deceased MINI Hatch five-door, but it’s also shorter and taller. It has a more SUV-like shape. The car’s profile is two-box with the wheels pushing right up to the extremes of its body. This allows for the car’s overhangs to be short and maximizes the space inside. It’s this chunky silhouette that the new design language called “Charismatic Simplicity” is projected.
Aceman’s departure from the MINI design language is most evident at the front of the car. With a completely new design that was created for the brand’s electric era, the Iceman’s face is the most striking. Helmer said that the new front, despite not being round, is more classic than the brand’s current design. This is due to the addition of a new octagonal frame grille element, which’s lit in turquoise.
Red vertical elements emphasize the car’s height. However, they also house a pair of external speakers. This is just one of many concept car touches found throughout Aceman. The rear valance houses another set. They provide an audio welcome to the driver when they approach the car. However, they also draw attention to the brand-new sound design for the next-generation electric MINI models. “We are creating every sound new. Helmer explained that the driving sound, indicator, and everything else are all made specifically for the new MINI family. It will even be identified as one of the MINIs, based on its sound.”
The SUV’s upright and prominent wheel arches provide a rugged look. It houses 20-inch wheels. The brand’s new baby SUV is positioned with a large roof rack. It also features a MINI trademark touch, with brackets that form a Union flag-like motif. The rear has a clean appearance with minimal clutter. A compact tailgate sits flush with the bumper and sports an Aceman lettering and a MINI badge. Helmer says, “A MINI should have an excellent stance. That’s important.” He then teases that MINI buyers are about to experience a new level of customization, which is a tradition for MINI owners who love personalization.
MINI’s new concept is heavily influenced by the use of color. The Aceman’s pearlescent Blue paint is combined with a British Racing Green Roof, the car’s speaker components are highlighted in red and there’s also a turquoise frame and purple badge to enjoy. The car’s interior color scheme is bolder.
Exterior & Interior
MINI’s tradition of using space in the Aceman concept is smart. It maximizes interior space, so the small car feels big from the first look. The interior is not equipped with leather or chrome, but there are many textile surfaces and iridescent metallics that create a striking environment.
The concept’s steering wheel is also trimmed with green velvet velour, in addition to the unusual seat upholstery. The dashboard architecture and infotainment system are a nod to the original Mini, despite the modern design. Helmer says that digitalization has allowed them to do it again. The Aceman has a single OLED screen at the center of the dashboard. It is near production-spec hardware.
It is covered by a small number of switches. These include the drive modes, parking brakes, and volume control buttons. A power toggle can also be found beneath the switch. This is a modern version of the original’s turnkey. These switches are placed here to make room for a flexible center console, which runs from the front of the car to the rear.
The concept car also features three “experience modes”, which set the theme for both the dashboard and the infotainment unit. You can toggle one of these modes to reveal that the infotainment extends beyond the main screen and projects across the entire dashboard.
Navigation can take up a lot of surfaces. A projection game has been created to help you navigate. It is possible to spell “Aceman” across the dashboard with floating bubble letters. These letters are flung from the screen onto the fascia and then swiped across with your finger.
2024 MINI Aceman Revealed
The Aceman production model is expected to be released in 2023. It will then go on sale in 2024.