New Mini Aceman electric SUV will get chunky looks plus a minimalist interior with a new Android-based infotainment system...
On sale 2024 | Price from £35,000 (est)
In poker, the ace is considered the most powerful card in the deck. Likewise, the all-new Aceman could well be a winning hand for Mini, being its first electric SUV.
The Aceman concept car seen here previews a production model that, in terms of size, will slot into the Mini line-up above the upcoming new hatch and below the new Countryman (both of which will be available with a choice of electric and combustion power). It will compete against rivals such as the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense and upcoming Smart #1.
The 4.05m-long Aceman sits on bespoke underpinnings that have been co-developed with Chinese firm Great Wall Motors. These are also shared with the next-generation Mini Electric hatch. Combustion-engined Minis use different, stand-alone underpinnings.
Although the technical details remain under wraps for now, the Aceman is expected to be powered by a single electric motor with a 70kWh battery, giving a range of around 275 miles. This would place it directly in line with the #1, which has a 66kWh battery and an official range of 273 miles.
A cheaper, lower-powered Aceman could also be launched with a battery in the region of 50kWh and a range of around 200 miles, rivalling the DS 3 Crossback E-Tense with its 206-mile official range. Like most Minis, the Aceman is front-wheel drive only.
With this new generation of models, Mini is taking an evolutionary yet minimalist approach to its new design language. This is evident by the Aceman’s cleanly designed front end with its angular LED headlights, closed-off, illuminated grille and sculpted bonnet. Short front and rear overhangs and very pronounced wheel arches give the car a strong stance and a chunky look.
On its journey to becoming a production car, it’s expected that some of the Aceman concept’s frivolities, such as the speakers built into the front and rear bumpers, roof rack, illuminated grille and customisable tail-lights, will be dropped.
Inside, the Aceman features a crisp new circular central touchscreen that houses an all-new Android-based infotainment system. Most of the car’s functions such as climate controls are now housed in the screen, although there are still some physical controls retained below it for the gear selector, starter button, drive modes and volume.
The steering wheel on the production car will also retain physical buttons, but there will be no traditional instrument panel ahead of the driver. Instead, key driving information will be projected onto the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight via a head-up display.
We’ve had the chance to sit in the concept, and can confirm the simplified curved dashboard helps to create an airy atmosphere. The interior is also completely leather-free (faux-leather will be optional), and all materials are sustainably sourced and recyclable, such as the knitted dashboard material.
Being a bespoke electric car, the Aceman’s interior space can be maximised due to the compact size of the electric motor and absence of any hump in the floor. And from our experience of sitting in the Aceman, we can confirm that head and leg room are plentiful front and rear. Interior storage is also impressive, with a central rail running down the centre of the car that holds adjustable storage compartments, cupholders and a wireless charging pad.
Being an SUV, the boot in the production model should have more than enough space for a weekly shop, buggy or weekend luggage. The production model will have no front boot, however.
Full pricing and specifications are yet to be revealed, but there will be new trim levels and limited editions for the production Aceman. Customisation and option packages will also be simplified, but traditional colour options with contrasting features will be retained. Prices are expected to start at around £35,000, which would place it in line with the Smart #1.
Keyword: 2024 Mini Aceman electric SUV revealed: price, specs and release date