British marque Mini has revealed its Aceman concept, which will later evolve into a new compact electric crossover by the end of 2024. When it goes into production, the Mini Aceman will be positioned between the Mini hatchback and the Countryman SUV.
- Mini Aceman to go on sale in 2024
- Based on BMW's Spotlight architecture EV platform
- Aimed at first-time Mini buyers
The Aceman is based on the stretched version of the all-new Spotlight architecture that is being jointly developed by BMW and Great Wall and will underpin the next-generation electric Mini hatchback. The two companies came together in 2019 to produce Mini EVs in China under a 50/50 joint venture.
Although Mini says it is a pure concept, it isn’t very far from the car that will go on sale in 2024.
Aceman concept retains traditional Mini cues
The Aceman concept retains some classic Mini design features, like short front and rear overhangs, but features a more muscular side-profile with prominent black-cladding on the wheel arches and doors. It features flush door handles, unlike the chrome ones seen on production Mini models.
The headlamps are almost triangular, unlike the round ones typically seen on Minis, and the hexagonal grille now features an LED outline. Mini says that the shoulder line, tailgate spoiler and the design of the glasshouse are all done keeping aerodynamics in mind.
The car has a glazed roof with no strengthening bars – something that could be carried over to the production version – giving a clear view of the roof rack, which resembles the Union Jack flag. The Union Jack theme appears elsewhere too like on the wheel-arch moldings and rear light clusters.
Mini Aceman concept: interior highlights
The minimalist interior of the Mini Aceman concept features a large circular OLED touchscreen, similar to the one seen on the upcoming new-generation hatchback. There is also a toggle bar below, which, Mini says, has five controls, just like the 1959 original. One of the toggles acts as the transmission shifter and the other switches between the drive modes.
Because it is based on a bespoke EV platform, the Mini Aceman has more space than the five-door hatchback and the Clubman. Mini has further opened up the space by reducing the dashboard volume and the steering wheel bulk. This means the Aceman features more practical door pockets and the centre console area that is completely empty. The dashboard is covered in knitted textiles with bright lettering, but it remains to be seen if it goes into the production model. Most of the remaining interior, Mini says, will make it to the production model.
Mini Aceman power and range details
Mini is yet to reveal the details of the Aceman’s battery sizes or potential range. However, the next-generation Mini EV hatchback will come with an 183hp Cooper and an approximately 40kWh battery, and a 224hp Cooper S with a 50kWh pack, giving it a range of around 402km. It is likely that the production-spec Aceman will use similar battery and motor set up as the EV hatchback. .
Where would the Aceman fit in the Mini range?
The Aceman could be seen as a direct replacement to the Mini Clubman, which is likely to be phased out in the middle of 2023. The Clubman is likely to get at least one special edition variant before its departure. The five-door Mini hatchback is unlikely to get an electric successor
The Aceman will sit alongside the Countryman where the latter is set to be reborn as a third-generation model and it will be twinned with the new BMW X1. With the Aceman, Mini will be targeting first-time Mini buyers.
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