We had to wait many years before discovering Mini’s new small SUV. The Aceman, not to be confused with the old Paceman three-door SUV, is smaller than the Countryman, at “only” 4.07 m long. This is less than most other city SUVs, although some will retort that this is still a lot for a car badged “Mini”.
Above all, while the latest generation of Countryman offers the choice between thermal and electric engines, the Aceman ignores internal combustion engines and makes do with 100% electric versions. This is the first time that a model from the brand has abandoned thermal engines. Certainly, the latest Mini Cooper was developed from scratch as an electric model, but another Mini Cooper, thermal and developed on the basis of the old generation, exists in parallel.
The Aceman takes up the aesthetic codes of the latest Countryman. Its rear part is, however, less massive than its big brother and is more reminiscent of older generations of Countryman, precisely.
Inside, the presentation is faithful to Mini’s latest productions, namely minimalist. The central circular Oled screen measuring 24 cm in diameter, which sits in the center of the dashboard, can only be supplemented with an optional head-up display.
The Aceman receives ambient lighting inspired by the eponymous concept. Two projectors display light graphics on the dashboard, chosen from eight “Experience Modes”, which also act as driving modes. The exterior lighting signature is also customizable, with different lighting possible for the front and rear lights.
The trunk only has a volume of 300 l, but can reach 1005 l by folding the rear seat.
Two versions are offered at launch. The Aceman E develops 184 hp, but its useful 42.5 kWh battery only allows it to travel between 294 and 310 km on a charge (WLTP autonomy awaiting final approval). The Aceman SE is more powerful, since its electric motor develops 218 hp, and is equipped with a useful 54.2 kWh battery, which allows it to reach between 382 and 406 km of WLTP autonomy (pending final approval). Regardless of the version chosen, Mini announces a charging time of less than 30 min to go from 10 to 80%, with peak charging powers of up to 75 kW for the Aceman E and 95 kW for the SE version. .
Production in China, then in the United Kingdom in 2026
Like the electric version of the Cooper, the Aceman will be produced in China by Spotlight Automotive, a joint venture between the BMW group and the Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motor. As such, it should not be eligible for the ecological bonus in France.
The Aceman will be available to order before summer at a price of €36,000 in the Aceman E version and €40,000 in the Aceman SE version. These prices are close to those excluding bonuses of the Aceman’s rivals, such as the electric Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600e, Volvo EX30 and DS 3 E-Tense. However, without the ecological bonus, the Aceman will not be competitive on the French market. Most Mini models have never been in any case, which does not prevent them from enjoying a certain success. Fortunately, Mini is expected to repatriate production of Aceman examples intended for the European market to its factory in Oxford, United Kingdom, from 2026.